MLB Player News

Rupp is starting behind the dish and batting fifth against Colorado on Thursday, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Rupp sat Wednesday's contest with Carlos Ruiz getting the start behind the plate but is back in the lineup against Jeremy Hellickson and the Rockies on Thursday. Rupp has collected hits in 10 of his last 11 games, slashing .349/.404/.721 during that time.

Stephenson (wrist) has begun a rehab assignment in the Arizona Rookie League, RedsMinorLeagues.com reports.

Stephenson's development time has stalled because of the wrist injury, but the good news is that they expected him to take awhile, given that he was drafted from high school. The bad news for him is that the Reds drafted another catcher early this year in Chris Okey, who was taken in the second round, and Okey has already been promoted to Low-A Dayton, where Stephenson was playing prior to the injury.

Barnhart went 1-for-4 with a three-run blast in Wednesday's 5-3 victory over the Cubs.

Barnhart's homer off Trevor Cahill in the seventh, his third home run of the season, not only put Cincinnati back ahead but continued his personal hot stretch. In 14 games since June 18, the switch-hitting catcher is batting .348 (16-for-46) with eight RBI. On the current road trip, he is 8-for-20.

Stewart (knee) had an MRI done Wednesday which revealed "wear and tear" that could potentially require surgery, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports.

Stewart was placed on 15-day DL Monday with hopes of returning shortly after the All-Star break. While his MRI revealed that his knee may require surgery, Stewart remains optimistic he can play through the injury. He had struggled in his five games prior to being placed on the DL, going just 2-for-15 from the plate. Expect an update when the club decides how to handle the situation.

Contreras will catch Saturday's game against the Pirates, Jesse Rogers of ESPN Chicago reports.

David Ross was placed on the 7-day disabled list due to a concussion Wednesday, so Contreras will move back behind the plate Saturday to catch for Jon Lester. Contreras has been moved around the diamond since coming up to the Cubs, making 11 starts behind the plate to go with seven appearances in left field and two appearances at first base. Not only has Contreras' versatility been valuable thus far, but he's been tremendous at the plate as well. He's slashing .300/.391/.617 with five home runs in his first 60 big league at-bats.

Stallings cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Indianapolis on Wednesday, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports.

It appears no teams were interested in picking up the 26-year-old who has struggled at both the Triple-A and major league levels this season, hitting .202 and .125 at those stops, respectively. Stallings will head back to Indianapolis to try to get back on track and serve as catching depth for the Pirates' organization.

Hedges remains hot at Triple-A El Paso, earning him his second straight Pacific Coast League Player of the Week honors.

Over his past 10 games with El Paso, Hedges is hitting .425 with seven home runs and 21 RBI. The 23-year-old, who has always been known as a defensive-first catcher, is starting to look very comfortable at the plate. On the season in just 137 at-bats, Hedges is hitting a healthy .385 with 14 home runs and 41 RBI. Another positive sign in his numbers is his low strikeout rate (14.2%). In dynasty leagues, owners may have given up on Hedges as he struggled in his short stint with the Padres last season, so this might be the last chance to buy low. With the Padres considering trading Derek Norris at the trade deadline, Hedges could be catching in San Diego sooner rather than later.

Grandal is not in the lineup Wednesday, JP Hoornstra of the Southern California News Group reports.

This is a routine day off for Grandal, who had caught the previous four games. A.J. Ellis will be behind the plate batting eighth for Wednesday's game.

D'Arnaud is out of the lineup Wednesday against the Marlins.

D'Arnaud has started back-to-back games and five of the last six contests for the Mets, but will take a seat in favor of backup Rene Revera for the afternoon contest.

Rupp is out of the lineup Wednesday against the Braves.

Rupp has started three straight for the Phillies, but will get the day off for the afternoon contest directly following a night game. Carlos Ruiz will man the backstop in his stead.