MLB Player News

Contreras was recalled from Triple-A Iowa on Friday, but he is not in the lineup against the Pirates.

Contreras is the top catching prospect in baseball and abused Triple-A pitching to the tune of a .353/.442/.593 slash line with nine home runs and four steals in 55 games. He boasts an incredible approach (32:28 K:BB) and he could also offer the Cubs some positional flexibility, given their propensity to move players around the diamond. Contreras only played catcher this year with Iowa, but he has experience playing left field, third base and first base in previous seasons. Miguel Montero and David Ross have been pretty dismal offensively this season, so there is a chance Contreras can earn a sizable role going forward, especially if he develops strong chemistry with a few of the Cubs' starting pitchers. Tim Federowicz was designated for assignment as a corresponding move.

Rupp is starting at catcher and batting fifth against Toronto on Thursday, Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com reports.

Rupp received an off day Wednesday but is back out there for the final game of the Phillies-Blue Jays series. The 27-year-old will look to break out of a mid-June slump Thursday, as he's batting 2-for-19 (.105) over his last five games.

Contreras is expected to join the Cubs on Friday, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reports.

Contreras has never appeared in an MLB game, but he's tearing the cover off the ball at Triple-A this season, slashing .350/.439/.591 in 54 games. Per Rosenthal, the plan is for the Cubs to roster three catchers for the time being, and a corresponding roster move is yet to be revealed.

Diaz (elbow) has began throwing and plans to resume hitting and catching activities in a simulated game soon, Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Diaz has yet to play in a game this season due to his elbow injury that required surgery in early May. He is expected to return around mid-July and the fact that he will resume some baseball activities is promising. Diaz is not going to participate in any throwing during the simulated game, but has been throwing from 120 feet, which is another encouraging sign. The 25-year-old has only accumulated two at-bats in the majors during his career, but still remains a significant part of the Pirates future.

Stewart is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Mets, but passed his concussion tests after taking a hit to the head in Tuesday's contest, Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Stewart stayed in the game Tuesday after a bat struck his head, but he will get Wednesday off due to several bumps and bruises he suffered. In his place, the Pirates are starting Erik Kratz behind the plate while Francisco Cervelli is on the disabled list due to a hand injury. Stewart should be back in the lineup for Thursday's game.

Plawecki is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Pirates.

Plawecki will sit in favor of Rene Rivera after playing in six of the past seven games. The 25-year-old is hitting just .202 with one home run and 10 RBI through 39 games.

Barnhart is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Braves.

Barnhart will get the day off in favor of Ramon Cabrera after going 0-for-9 with two strikeouts over the past two days against Atlanta. The Indianapolis native is hitting .247 with two home runs, 10 RBI, and 14 runs scored this season.

Sanchez was designated for assignment Tuesday, A.J. Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

Sanchez has played in 14 games for the Padres this season, going 5-for-16 with one home run and four RBI while being the third catcher for the club. He was designated for assignment once already this season, by the White Sox on May 9 before being scooped up by San Diego. If Sanchez passes through waivers unclaimed, he figures to land at Triple-A El Paso. In a corresponding move, San Diego selected Ryan Schimpf from El Paso.

Barnes was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Tuesday, Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register reports.

The Dodgers rolled with three catchers for more than a week, but with outfielder Will Venable coming aboard on a major league deal, they sent Barnes packing. Barnes has gone 2-for-19 with seven strikeouts with the big club so far this season, and will likely continue to ride the shuttle so long as Yasmani Grandal and A.J. Ellis are healthy.

Stewart (foot) is back in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Mets, Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.

Stewart injured his foot against the Cardinals during Saturday's game following a collision at the plate. He sat out Sunday's game and will return to the lineup behind the plate, batting eighth Tuesday.