MLB Player News

Murphy is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Angels, Justin Toscano of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Murphy received a breather Saturday, but Atlanta will give its top backstop another day off to begin its series with the Angels. The team hasn't provided any indication that Murphy is dealing with an injury, so his move to the bench for the second time in three days could just be a means of getting No. 2 catcher Travis d'Arnaud some extra work. Murphy could probably benefit from another day off anyway while he's gone cold coming out of the All-Star break; he's slashing .105/.227/.132 in his first 10 games of the second half.

Stephenson is not in Monday's lineup against the Cubs.

Stephenson hit .211 with one home run, 10 runs and four RBI in 57 July at-bats. Luke Maile will start behind the dish and hit ninth.

Sanchez went 2-for-4 with two solo homers in Sunday's win over the Rangers.

Sanchez went deep in the fourth and fifth innings to lead the Padres to a series sweep. While he's cooled down this month, the veteran catcher has still knocked five home runs while registering a .795 OPS in 19 July games. For the season, he's slashing .213/.289/.475 with 18 extra-base hits and 32 RBI.

Smith (elbow) underwent X-rays that came back negative Sunday, Matthew Moreno of DodgerBlue.com reports.

Smith was hit by a pitch in the first inning of Sunday's game against the Reds and was later removed due to what was deemed a left elbow contusion. Further testing didn't reveal any structural damage, and he hopes to be available for Tuesday's matchup against the Athletics.

Smith was removed from Sunday's game against the Reds with a left elbow contusion.

Smith was hit by a pitch on the left elbow during the opening frame Sunday and was pulled from the contest before making another plate appearance. The 28-year-old should be considered day-to-day and will have Monday's team off day to aid in his recovery before Tuesday's matchup with Oakland.

Sanchez will start at catcher and bat eighth in Sunday's game against the Rangers.

The recent arrival of Brett Sullivan from Triple-A El Paso to provide the Friars with a third option behind the plate looks as though it'll be beneficial to both Sanchez and Luis Campusano. The two have now both been included in the lineup in five consecutive games, with one starting at catcher and the other starting at designated hitter. The Padres' remaining bench options beyond Sullivan (Matt Carpenter, Matthew Batten and Alfonso Rivas) haven't made compelling cases to see more work at DH, so Sanchez's playing time should be fairly secure while he's been able to stay productive at the plate. In 11 games since the All-Star break, Sanchez has slashed .235/.341/.559 with three home runs and 5:4 BB:K.

Campusano will start at designated hitter and bat seventh in Sunday's game against the Rangers.

After calling up Brett Sullivan from Triple-A El Paso on Saturday to provide the team with a third catcher, the Padres look set to include both Campusano and Gary Sanchez in the lineup simultaneously on a more frequent basis, with one starting at designated hitter and the other starting behind the plate. Campusano will pick up his sixth consecutive start Sunday, while Sanchez sticks in the lineup for a fifth straight game.

Bailey is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Red Sox.

Bailey will get a breather after he started behind the plate in each of the Giants' previous six games. Blake Sabol is catching for opening pitcher Scott Alexander in the series finale.

Diaz is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Athletics, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Diaz is 6-for-12 with a double, a walk, an RBI and two runs in the past three games but will receive Sunday off for the series finale versus Oakland. Austin Wynns will step in behind the plate to catch and bat ninth.

Contreras is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Cubs, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Contreras has a .947 OPS in 11 games since the All-Star break and will take a seat for Sunday's series finale versus Chicago. Andrew Knizner will step in behind the plate to catch for Steven Matz.