MLB Player News

Stallings has been designated for assignment by the Pirates, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports.

The 26-year-old Stallings has struggled this season between Triple-A Indianapolis and the big leagues. Stallings has always had struggles with his bat as he moved through the ranks in the minor leagues. Steven Brault took Stallings' spot on the Pirates' roster.

D'Arnaud hit his first home run as part of a 3-for-4 game with two runs scored and two RBI in Monday's win over the Marlins.

After hitting 12 home runs in just 67 games, d'Arnaud needed 24 to get on the board in 2016. This marks just his fourth extra-base hit in 89 plate appearances, so he's going to need to get into an extended hot streak before we can really believe his power is back to where it used to be. After hitting .268/.340/.485 last year, his batting line is just .268/.326/.341 in 2016.

Realmuto went 4-for-4 with a run scored and a walk in Monday's loss to the Mets.

Realmuto now has a seven-game hitting streak, with four of those games including multiple hits. This marks Realmuto's second four-hit game in the past month as he continues to establish himself as one of the best hitters for contact at the catcher position. His batting average his now up to .325, behind only Wilson Ramos among qualified catchers.

Maldonado got the start behind the plate Monday and went 1-for-3 with a solo shot in a 1-0 win over the Nationals.

The two teams combined for just seven hits all game and Maldonado's was the only one that wasn't a single. Playing time remains scarce for the Brewers' backup catcher but two of his three homers on the season have come in the last eight days, which might encourage manager Craig Counsell to put Maldonado's name on the lineup card a little more often.

Diaz (elbow) will begin a rehab assignment Monday for High-A Brandenton, Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

If Diaz were healthy, there's a good chance he'd be with the Major League club at the moment, as both Francisco Cervelli (hand) and Chris Stewart (knee) are on the disabled list. Instead, the team had to claim Eric Fryer off waivers to ensure positional depth. That being said, the Pirates will likely keep a close eye on the 25-year-old's rehab assignment, as he could be an option for the team following the All-Star break. He has yet to play this season, however, so a somewhat lengthy rehab assignment could be on tap.

Stewart was placed on the 15-day DL on Monday with left knee discomfort.

The Pirates had been anticipating this move, as Stewart had been held out of the starting lineup on back-to-back days. The team also went ahead and claimed Eric Fryer off waivers from St. Louis, who will be activated Monday in a corresponding move. As long as the ailment doesn't turn out to be too serious, Stewart should be back with the Pirates shortly after the All-Star break when he's first eligible.

Rupp (elbow) went 2-for-4 with a home run, two runs scored and three RBI in Sunday's win over the Royals.

He clubbed a three-run homer in the first inning off Vordano Ventura, dispelling any concerns about his sore elbow, then came around to score in the eighth on a Freddy Galvis single. Rupp now has an nine-game hitting streak going, and his eight homers leave him one shy of last year's career high.

Rupp went 2-for-4 with a home run and three RBI in Sunday's 7-2 win over the Royals.

The homer was Rupp's eighth of the season, leaving him just one short of matching his total from last year. His .831 OPS ranks third among major league catchers with at least 150 plate appearances this season. There had been some talk of playing Carlos Ruiz more, but Rupp's bat is going to keep him in the lineup most days.

Stewart, who is out of the lineup Sunday, may be a candidate for the DL due to a lower leg injury, Travis Sawchik of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.

Stewart is dealing with both knee and ankle ailments, which have effectively cost him two straight starts. If he does end up on the DL, look for Erik Kratz to become the primary backstop, while Jacob Stallings could once again get the call from Triple-A.

Barnhart is out of the lineup Sunday against the Nationals.

Barnhart collected the game-winning hit Saturday, so he'll be rewarded with a day off Sunday afternoon. Furthermore, Saturday marked his fourth start in a row, so the backstop was likely due for a regular day of rest. Ramon Cabrera will take over behind the plate for the afternoon matchup.