MLB Player News

Hedges (hand) is heading to extended spring training this week as he progresses in his rehab, Dennis Lin of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Hedges, who had his cast removed last week, will also start taking dry swings soon as he ramps up his recovery effort. Although there is no timetable for his return, the young catcher is clearly on the right track.

D'Arnaud (shoulder) isn't expected by assistant general manager John Ricco to be back for at least a couple more weeks, Matt Ehalt of The Record reports.

D'Arnaud experienced a setback in his rehab program earlier in May, and it seems he will make his return a little later than expected. It is still plausible that the catcher will get a rehab assignment within the next two weeks before his return to major league action.

Grandal (foot) is not in Monday's lineup against the Reds.

Grandal is dealing with a foot injury, but apparently it's not severe enough to keep him from pinch hitting since he did so Sunday, although unsuccessfully. A.J. Ellis will start in place of Grandal on Monday.

Rupp went 3-for-4 with a solo home run in Sunday's win over the Braves.

The three hits were a career-high for Rupp. His opposite field home run was his second of the season. He is hitting .274/.296/.432 in 95 at-bats this season.

Updating a previous report, Grandal appears to be dealing with a foot ailment, Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register reports.

Despite the discomfort, Grandal is expected to be available off the bench if he's needed in a pinch-hit situation. Manager Dave Roberts will simply give him a break from regular catching duties, with the hope being that the break will help him return to full strength in the near future.

Grandal won't start Sunday against the Padres.

Grandal will sit on getaway day Sunday in favor of A.J. Ellis, and it's possible that absence will extend through Monday with the Dodgers scheduled to face the left-handed Brandon Finnegan. Regardless, Grandal remains the primary catcher, despite batting just .196 on the season. Per Ken Gurnick of MLB.com, Grandal is available to pinch hit Sunday, if needed.

Realmuto is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Nationals, according to MLB.com's Joe Frisaro.

Realmuto, who is hitting .323 so far in May, will be held out Sunday with the Marlins playing a day game following a night game. Jeff Mathis will get the start behind the plate in Realmuto's place.

Plawecki is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Brewers.

Plawecki went 0-for-3 on Saturday, and the Mets are playing a day game Sunday following a night game, so manager Terry Collins decided to hold him out of the lineup for the second time in three days. Rene Rivera will make another start behind the plate in Plawecki's place.

Barnhart is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Mariners.

Barnhart started 10 of the last 11 games, and all of the last five, behind the plate, so manager Bryan Price decided it was time for a day off Sunday. Ramon Cabrera will serve as the Reds' starting catcher in Barnhart's place.

Bethancourt hit a two-run homer as a pinch hitter in Friday's win over the Dodgers.

Bethancourt was originally penciled in the lineup to play right field, but was later scratched as the Padres changed their mind about giving him his first playing time in the outfield. The pinch-hit home run shows the change wasn't due to a health concern. His strong start to the season (.874 OPS) has the Padres considering creative ways to get him into the lineup.