MLB Player News

Braves rookie catcher Christian Bethancourt is in the lineup Thursday.

Bethancourt has been out of the lineup since Sept. 20 with a jammed thumb, but it appears he is finally ready to play as Atlanta takes on National League East rival Washington. The 24 year old will play behind the plate and hit eighth.

Dodgers catcher Yasmani Grandal is out of the lineup Tuesday, the Los Angeles Times reports.

As is usually the case, A.J. Ellis will get the start at catcher with Clayton Kershaw on the mound. Grandal should get a few more starts before the start of the postseason.

Braves catcher Christian Bethancourt (thumb) is not in the lineup Tuesday against Washington.

Bethancourt jammed his thumb more than a week ago, and he's yet to return to action. A.J. Pierzynski will make another start at catcher Tuesday, and he'll bat cleanup.

Braves catcher Christian Bethancourt (thumb) remains out of the lineup Friday against the Marlins, David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

A jammed left thumb, suffered last weekend, will keep Bethancourt out of the lineup for a fourth straight game. Bethancourt had two three-hit games in the span of four starts earlier this month, after turning in just five multi-hit efforts in the first five months of the season.

Braves catcher Christian Bethancourt (thumb) is not in the starting lineup Thursday. Prior to the injury, Bethancourt was playing about every other game, so the fact that he's not in the lineup isn't surprising.

Until he is fully healthy, A.J. Pierzynski will continue to get the majority of the starts behind the plate.

Dodgers catcher Yasmani Grandal is out of the lineup Thursday, SB Nation's Eric Stephen reports. As is usually the case, A.J. Ellis will get the start at catcher and hit sixth Thursday with Clayton Kershaw on the mound.

Mets catcher Travis d'Arnaud is not in the lineup Tuesday, ESPN's Adam Rubin reports. Manager Terry Collins confirmed d'Arnaud is simply getting the night off. Kevin Plawecki will get the start in his place and hit eighth in the order.

Braves catcher Christian Bethancourt jammed his left thumb in Sunday's game and will now likely miss a few days while recovering, David O'Brien of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

The initial X-rays came back negative so rest seems to be the only remedy needed for a full recovery, although he's been spotted donning a brace on his left hand. Normal starter A.J. Pierzynski will remain behind the plate for the time being with Ryan Lavarnway waiting in the wings if needed.

Rockies catcher Tom Murphy hit his first career home run Saturday, going 3 for 5 with two RBI in a 10-2 drubbing of the Padres.

Murphy's showed good pop at the minor league level, hitting 20 home runs this season between Double-A and Triple-A. With primary catcher Nick Hundley on the 60-day disabled list, and 28-year-old Dustin Garneau possessing limited upside, look for Murphy to receive an uptick in playing time through the season.

Dodgers catcher Yasmani Grandal is out of the lineup Saturday against the Pirates, Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times reports.

The Dodgers are facing their fourth lefty starting pitcher in a row Saturday, which has resulted in Grandal hitting the bench for each contest. It seems like the catching platoon will continue down the stretch, though Grandal should seize control of the majority of the starts once the Dodgers begin to see a stream of right-handed pitching.