MLB Player News

Heineman is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Diamondbacks.

After a recent bout with back spasms, Heineman returned to the lineup Thursday and started three straight games, going 1-for-9 with an RBI and a run scored. Though Brandon Valenzuela will get the nod behind the plate Sunday, Heineman could be the Blue Jays' preferred option at catcher until Alejandro Kirk (thumb) is ready to return from the injured list.

Fermin is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Angels.

After taking a foul tip off his catcher's mask and being forced out of Wednesday's 7-6 win over the Mariners, Fermin didn't appear in the Padres' subsequent two games. He returned to the lineup Saturday and caught all nine innings of the Padres' 4-1 win, going 1-for-2 with two walks and two runs. Fermin didn't experience any reported setbacks coming out of that contest, so he's presumably just getting some rest for a day game after a night game.

Alvarez is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Cubs.

Luis Torrens will receive a turn behind the plate while Alvarez rests after going hitless in four at-bats Saturday night. Alvarez has been largely exempt from the Mets' recent struggles, going 7-for-28 with more walks (five) than strikeouts (four) during the team's 10-game losing streak.

Jeffers is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Reds.

Jeffers appears to be receiving a routine breather for Sunday's matinee contest after starting in each of the Twins' previous three games. Victor Caratini is slated to handle catching duties for Minnesota in the series finale with the Reds.

Hernandez is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Marlins.

Hernandez patrolled left field in 13 of the Marlins' first 21 games this season, but with Kyle Stowers (hamstring) making his return from the injured list Sunday, that path to playing time will close. Hernandez looks as though he may have to settle for a short-side platoon role in right field or at designated hitter after slashing a meager .137/.267/.176 through 60 plate appearances.

Contreras is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Marlins.

Contreras will take a seat for just the third time in the Brewers' first 21 games of the season, clearing the way for Gary Sanchez to start behind the plate and Garrett Mitchell to serve as Milwaukee's designated hitter. Unless he's used off the bench Sunday, Contreras will put a 13-game hitting streak on hold until Tuesday's series opener in Detroit.

Fortes is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Pirates, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Fortes will be on the bench for the second straight day while Hunter Feduccia receives another turn behind the plate. Despite his consecutive absences, Fortes still appears to be the Rays' preferred option at catcher, as he holds a 268-point edge in OPS over Feduccia on the season.

Kelly went 1-for-1 with a three-run home run off the bench in Saturday's 4-2 win over the Mets.

The veteran catcher initially received the day off with Miguel Amaya starting behind the plate, but Kelly was called on to pinch hit against lefty Brooks Raley in the sixth inning and responded with his second home run of the year, breaking a 1-1 tie. Kelly has an outstanding .970 OPS through 17 games, which would easily be a new career high, and he should remain Chicago's clear top backstop with Amaya around to spell him once or twice per week.

Realmuto aggravated a back injury during Saturday's 3-1 loss to Atlanta, Charlotte Varnes of The Athletic reports.

Realmuto went hitless in two at-bats before being lifted in the sixth inning Saturday, but according to Varnes, the catcher initially suffered the injury in Friday's series opener during a play at the plate. He is expected to be re-evaluated early Sunday, at which point the Phillies will have a better feel for whether the veteran backstop will require a stint on the the injured list.

Realmuto was removed from Saturday's game against Atlanta due to lower-back tightness, Charlotte Varnes of The Athletic reports.

It's unclear when the injury occurred, but Rafael Marchan entered the game for Realmuto as a pinch hitter in the sixth inning. Realmuto dealt with a sore foot about a week ago, though the issues don't look to be related. The severity of Realmuto's current injury is unclear.