MLB Player News

Bart (back) could begin a rehab assignment within the next few days, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Bart landed on the injured list shortly after Opening Day with a mid-back strain but has been progressing well. He is eligible for activation April 11 and could be ready around that time.

Gomes will sit Friday versus the Rangers.

Gomes will be on the bench for a second straight game as the Cubs launch their series against Texas on Friday following Thursday's postponement. Tucker Barnhart will draw another start behind the plate and bat ninth in the series opener.

Stallings is not in the starting lineup Friday versus the Mets.

Stallings will take a seat for a second straight game as the Marlins start their series against the Mets. Nick Fortes will draw the start behind the plate and bat eighth in the series opener.

Nido is starting at catcher and batting ninth for the Mets in Friday's game versus the Marlins.

The Mets are going with Nido over youngster Francisco Alvarez in their home opener. Nido's strong defense will ensure he still gets plenty of playing time even with the talented Alvarez on the roster.

Alvarez is not in the Mets' lineup for Friday's home opener versus the Marlins.

Alvarez was officially recalled prior to Friday's contest but will be on the bench in favor of Tomas Nido. The 21-year-old will play plenty, likely receiving some starts at designated hitter in addition to catcher, but Nido is also going to continue getting work.

Alvarez was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse by the Mets on Friday.

With Omar Narvaez (calf) expected to be sidelined until June, Alvarez will get a long look with the big club, likely sharing catching duties with Tomas Nido while also drawing some starts in the designated hitter spot. The 21-year-old Alvarez' upside alone warrants a pickup in fantasy leagues where he is available, although keep in mind he might only be eligible at DH initially. Alvarez posted an .885 OPS with 27 home runs in 112 games last season in the minors and added another homer during his brief time in the majors. He had already popped two homers through four games this year with Syracuse prior to his promotion.

Narvaez was placed on the 10-day injured list by the Mets on Friday, retroactive to April 6, with a left calf strain.

Narvaez has been diagnosed with a medium-to-high grade strain and is expected to be sidelined 8-9 weeks, putting him on the shelf until at least June. Francisco Alvarez has been summoned to fill his roster spot and will share time at catcher with Tomas Nido.

Sabol went 3-for-6 with a solo home run and two runs scored Thursday against the White Sox.

Sabol has been a regular in the lineup to begin the season thanks to his ability to both catch and play in left field. He drew the start behind the dish Thursday and took Lance Lynn deep in the second inning to tally his first career homer. Though Sabol had only one hit coming into the contest, he hasn't looked overmatched at the plate as he's maintained a reasonable 23.8 percent strikeout rate through 21 plate appearances, and he should continue to see regular playing time with Joey Bart (back), Mitch Haniger (oblique/back) and Austin Slater (hamstring) on the shelf.

D'Arnaud is batting cleanup as the designated hitter Thursday against the Padres.

It's the fourth straight start out of the No. 4 spot in the order for d'Arnaud, who has gone 10-for-26 (.385) with an .885 OPS through six total games this season. He'll likely continue to get everyday playing time -- whether at DH or catcher -- while he's carrying such a hot bat. Sean Murphy is behind the plate and hitting sixth Thursday versus Friars southpaw Blake Snell.

Alvarez is in position to receive steady playing time with the Mets after Omar Narvaez was diagnosed with a severe left calf strain Thursday, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

Narvaez is dealing with a medium-to-high grade strain of his left calf after making an early exit from Wednesday's game against the Brewers. He will be placed on the injured list before Friday's home opener versus the Marlins and is expected to be out at least two months. Alvarez is poised to be recalled from Triple-A Syracuse in a corresponding move. The 21-year-old top prospect figures to share time at catcher with Tomas Nido and can get another helping of starts out of the DH spot. He posted an .885 OPS with 27 home runs in 112 games last season between the Double-A and Triple-A levels, and he'd already slugged two homers through four games this year on the farm. Alvarez appears capable of offering immediate fantasy production as he makes his way to Queens.