MLB Player News

Murphy is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the White Sox.

Murphy will get a breather for the series finale after going 0-for-9 in his first two games back from the All-Star break. Of course Murphy didn't get much of a break -- he started the All-Star Game for the National League and caught several innings -- so he could probably use the day off more than most. Travis d'Arnaud will catch for starter Kolby Allard.

Herrera went 3-for-3 with a run scored and a hit-by-pitch in Saturday's 9-6 win over the Nationals.

Herrera has done everything asked of him so far, going 6-for-12 with a double, two RBI and three runs scored over his three games while filling in for Andrew Knizner (groin) on the 26-man roster. Herrera's playing time has been limited with Willson Contreras occupying a starting role, but John Denton of MLB.com reports manager Oliver Marmol is considering keeping three catchers around once Knizner is activated from the injured list.

Contreras went 3-for-4 with a solo home run in Saturday's victory over the Reds.

Contreras clubbed his second long ball of July on Saturday via a solo homer off lefty Andrew Abbott in the fourth inning. The catcher extended his hit streak to nine games. Over that stretch, Contreras is batting 17-for-38 (.447) with seven RBI and seven runs scored. Entering Saturday's tilt, Contreras owned a massive .277 ISO against southpaws in 2023.

Contreras isn't in the Cardinals' lineup for Saturday's game against Washington, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

After a 2-for-4 performance that included a home run during Game 1 of Saturday's activities, Contreras will take a seat for the nightcap. Ivan Herrera will step in behind the dish and bat ninth.

Ruiz isn't in the Nationals' lineup for the second game of Saturday's doubleheader against St. Louis, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

After a 1-for-4 performance in Game 1 of Saturday's action, Ruiz will take a seat for the nightcap. Riley Adams will start behind the plate and bat seventh in Ruiz's place.

Realmuto isn't in the Phillies' lineup for Game 2 of Saturday's doubleheader against the Padres, Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

After an 0-for-4 performance in Game 1, Realmuto will get a breather for Game 2 while Garrett Stubbs starts behind the dish and bats eighth.

Sanchez isn't in the Padres' lineup for Game 2 of Saturday's doubleheader against Philadelphia.

Sanchez went 0-for-3 with a run scored during Game 1, bringing his batting average down to just .195 on the season. Austin Nola will start behind the dish for Game 2 and bat eighth.

Stephenson isn't in the Reds' lineup Saturday against the Brewers.

After going 0-for-3 with a pair of strikeouts during Friday's contest, Stephenson will get a breather Saturday. Luke Maile will take Stephenson's place behind the dish and bat ninth.

Knizner (groin) will not be activated from the injured list Saturday, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports.

Despite being cleared to return Friday, Knizner will remain on the injured list through Saturday as the Cardinals contemplate keeping three catchers on the active roster. With Willson Contreras firmly in the starting spot, a decision to cut down to two backstops would send either Knizner or Ivan Herrera down to Triple-A Memphis. Knizner is slashing .227/.254/.418 through 115 plate appearances this season.

Bailey went 1-for-5 with one RBI, a stolen base and one run scored in Friday's 6-4 win over the Pirates.

Bailey was effective on both sides of the stolen-base equation Friday, as he also threw out Tucupita Marcano in the third inning. Bailey's theft was the first in his career, and as a catcher, he shouldn't be expected to run frequently. He's also slashing .290/.320/.483 with five home runs, 27 RBI, 15 runs scored, 11 doubles and a triple over 41 contests, though he's hitting a light .167 in July.