MLB Player News

Contreras went 2-for-4 with a three-run home run, a double and two total runs in Saturday's loss to Atlanta.

Contreras produced both extra-base hits for the Brewers in the contest, doubling and scoring in the fourth inning before drilling a three-run homer in the eighth. The backstop finished with his 12th multi-hit effort over 21 games in July. During the month, he's batting .356 with three homers, eight doubles and 15 RBI.

The Padres recalled Sullivan from Triple-A El Paso on Saturday.

Sullivan is slashing just .170/.184/.298 through 49 plate appearances in the majors this season, but he's caught fire in Triple-A to the tune of a 1.028 OPS since July 1. Despite his hot bat, Sullivan will likely remain stuck behind Luis Campusano and Gary Sanchez on the depth chart. Taylor Kohlwey was optioned to El Paso in a corresponding move.

Ruiz isn't in the Nationals' lineup Saturday versus the Mets, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reports.

Ruiz will take a seat Saturday after going 5-for-19 with two RBI and a run scored across his last five contests. Riley Adams will take over behind the plate and bat eighth.

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

Stephenson will catch a breather after going 1-for-6 across his last two games. Luke Maile will start behind the dish in Stephenson's place and bat ninth.

Murphy isn't in Atlanta's lineup Saturday against the Brewers.

After going 1-for-4 and scoring a run during Friday's contest, Murphy will catch a breather Saturday. Travis d'Arnaud will take over behind the plate and bat fifth.

Contreras (head) will serve as the Cardinals' designated hitter Friday against the Cubs, Lynn Worthy of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Although it doesn't seem Contreras is quite ready to get back behind the plate after getting hit in the head Thursday by Ian Happ's backswing, the Cardinals will keep his bat in the lineup. Andrew Knizner will start at catcher Friday and bat eighth.

Knizner went 2-for-4 with two home runs and three RBI in Thursday's loss to the Cubs.

After replacing Willson Contreras (head) in the first inning, Knizner provided a lone bright spot for St. Louis in a lopsided 10-3 loss, driving in all three runs with a pair of homers. The 28-year-old catcher has three home runs in his last two games, giving him a career high of eight for the season. He's now slashing .234/.258/.469 with 23 RBI and 21 runs scored across 133 plate appearances this year. Contreras is expected to be ready to rejoin the Cardinals lineup Friday, though Knizner has certainly made a case for an expanded role.

Contreras (head) is expected to be in the lineup Friday, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Contreras exited Thursday's game against the Cubs after being hit in the head by the backswing of Ian Happ. He passed a concussion test and his headaches have dissipated, clearing the path to his return to the lineup with a more protective mask.

Contreras exited Thursday's game against the Cubs due to a scalp laceration and is considered day-to-day, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Contreras was hit in the back of the head by Ian Happ's backswing in the first inning and immediately exited the game. A stint on the injured list certainly seems possible, but for now, the team is hoping he can return more quickly.

Contreras was removed from Thursday's game against the Cubs after getting hit in the head by Ian Happ's backswing, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Contreras was bleeding from the right side of his head and went through concussion protocols on the field before exiting with trainers. The Cardinals will take a closer look at Contreras and provide more information shortly, but it's possible the 31-year-old backstop misses a few games.