MLB Player News

Manager Bud Black said that Murphy (forearm) could return in "a week to 10 days," Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.

Murphy has been tearing it up in the minors during his rehab assignment, batting .375 in 26 plate appearances at Triple-A Albuquerque. Although the catching prospect is nearing a return to action, the Rockies have a tough decision on their hands once he's activated. Ryan Hanigan has been performing well at the plate and has been heralded for his ability to manage Colorado's young pitching staff, so it's not a sure thing that Murphy would knock him off the big-league roster upon his return. Murphy does have a minor-league option, but Black hinted that Murphy will get his fair shake in the big leagues at some point this season. "Murphy was going to play a lot [out of spring training]," he said. "He showed some power with his bat and we liked how he caught games last year." If Murphy does receive a spot with the Rockies immediately, he would likely enter a timeshare behind the plate with incumbent backstop Tony Wolters and knock Ryan Hanigan off the roster. The Rockies must make a decision on this front by June 23, which is the latest date Murphy can return from the disabled list.

Mesoraco is not in the lineup for Monday's game against the Padres.

Despite knocking homers in consecutive games, Mesoraco will head to the bench as Tucker Barnhart comes on to catch for Bronson Arroyo. The 28-year-old is now slashing .240/.345/.493 with five home runs in 87 plate appearances on the year.

Diaz went 2-for-4 with a double, two RBI and a run during Sunday's win over Miami.

The 26-year-old backstop has already piled up 10 RBI through just 39 plate appearances and boasts a rock-solid .382/.462/.588 slash line since being recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis. However, Diaz owns a .670 OPS over 158 games at the Triple-A level, so his current results at the highest level are probably unsustainable. He'll continue to see plenty of at-bats for the duration of Francisco Cervelli's (concussion) and Chris Stewart's (hamstring) absences, though.

Hedges is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Royals.

It appears Hedges is simply receiving a scheduled day of rest ahead of Sunday's tilt against Jake Junis and the Royals. Luis Torrens will draw the start behind the plate.

D'Arnaud is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Braves.

D'Arnaud sat out Game 1 of Saturday's doubleheader and will again be relegated to the bench for Sunday's matinee against Jaime Garcia and the Braves. Rene Rivera will draw the start in his stead.

Contreras is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Rockies.

Contreras continues to underperform at the plate, as he's hitting just .231 with no extra-base hits over 26 at-bats in June. He'll take a seat Sunday with Miguel Montero drawing the start.

Diaz reached base four times Saturday, going 3-for-3 with a walk.

He's hitting .367 in 30 at-bats with a homer and eight RBI. The Pirates have been forced to use him regularly with both Francisco Cervelli (concussion) and Chris Stewart (hamstring) on the disabled list and so far the results have been encouraging. The 26-year-old has improved at the plate in recent minor-league seasons and seems capable of batting somewhere in the .270 range as a major leaguer. With both Cervelli and Stewart prone to injury, Diaz could find himself with ample playing time throughout the summer and beyond.

D'Arnaud is out of the lineup for the first game of Saturday's doubleheader, Newsday's Marc Carig reports.

Although the doubleheader is the likely reason for d'Arnaud's absence, the catcher could likely use some rest after starting the past four games behind the plate. In his place, Rene Rivera will catch for Robert Gsellman.

Mesoraco is not in the lineup Friday against the Dodgers.

This marks the second straight game that Mesoraco will watch from the bench. The Reds really seem to be taking things very cautiously with the oft-injured catcher, although he also has just two hits in his past 21 at-bats. Tucker Barnhart will assume catching duties for the evening in his place.

Realmuto is not in the lineup Friday against the Pirates, Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald reports.

Despite collecting hits in each of the last three games, Realmuto will head to the bench for a breather Friday. A.J. Ellis will draw the start in his stead, batting eighth. Realmuto is enjoying a nice year at the dish, slashing .291/.359/.439 in 51 games.