MLB Player News

Alvarez was called up to the Mets' big league roster and is set to make his major-league debut Friday against Atlanta, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

The 20-year-old catching prospect has slashed .233/.382/.440 through 199 plate appearances in Triple-A Syracuse. He might not provide an immediate impact, but he'll gain some valuable experience heading into 2023. Alvarez will serve as the Mets' designated hitter Friday and bat seventh.

Contreras is not in the starting lineup Friday versus the Reds.

Contreras will take a seat after he went 2-for-12 with a double and four strikeouts over a three-game series with the Phillies. Yan Gomes will take over behind the plate and bat seventh in the series opener.

Smith went 2-for-4 with a solo home run and an additional run scored in Thursday's 5-2 win over the Padres.

Smith continues to see the ball well, as he's posted six multi-hit efforts in his last 11 games. The catcher supplied an insurance run with his solo shot in the eighth inning Thursday, which was his fifth homer in September. He's up to 24 on the year, one shy of his career high, while adding 86 RBI, 66 runs scored, a stolen base, 25 doubles, three triples and a .265/.349/.475 slash line through 133 contests.

Alvarez will join the Mets' big-league roster Friday, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports.

The Mets are in the thick of a tight race for the NL East crown despite a major weakness at the catcher position. James McCann owns a .519 OPS on the season, while Tomas Nido's .598 OPS isn't much better. Exactly what kind of boost the 20-year-old Alvarez can provide right away is unclear, though he's one of the highest-rated catching prospects in the league and has hit .260/.374/.511 with 28 homers in 112 games across the two highest levels of the minors this season, so he certainly has the potential to make an impact.

Bart will not start Thursday's game against the Rockies, Evan Webeck of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Bart has been the Giants' clear primary catcher down the stretch, starting eight of the last 12 games prior to Thursday's contest. He hasn't had much success at the plate over that stretch, however, going 3-for-25 with 14 strikeouts. Austin Wynns will start behind the plate Thursday.

Diaz isn't in the lineup Thursday against San Francisco, Patrick Lyons of TheDNVR.com reports.

Diaz is getting a breather after he went 4-for-11 with a double, three runs, an RBI, a walk and four strikeouts over the last three games. Brian Serven will start behind the dish and bat ninth.

Stallings isn't in the lineup Thursday against the Brewers.

Stallings started the last two games and went 2-for-7 with two RBI, a walk and a strikeout. However, he'll get a breather while Nick Fortes starts behind the plate and bats sixth.

Nola isn't starting Thursday against the Dodgers, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

After going 5-for-11 in his last four games, Nola will get a day off against Los Angeles. Luis Campusano will take over behind the plate for him and bat eighth.

Narvaez isn't starting Thursday against the Marlins.

Narvaez is on the bench for a second consecutive game since left-hander Braxton Garrett is starting for Miami. Victor Caratini will remain behind the dish and bat eighth.

Contreras will start at catcher in Thursday's game against the Phillies.

Contreras served as the designated hitter in the first two games he appeared in after being activated from the injured list Tuesday, but he will be back behind the plate Thursday afternoon. The Cubs' regular leadoff hitter of late, Zach McKinstry, is not in Thursday's lineup, and Contreras will replace him atop the order.