MLB Player News

Herrera will start at catcher and bat ninth in Monday's game against the Marlins, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Since Yadier Molina (knee) remains without a clear timeline to return from the injured list and with Andrew Knizner sitting on a lowly .525 OPS through 136 plate appearances on the season, the Cardinals may be ready to give Herrera glimpse as their primary catcher. The 22-year-old rookie will pick up his second straight start after going 2-for-3 with a walk in Sunday's 6-5 loss to the Cubs. Prior to being called up from the minors following Molina's placement on the IL, Herrera showcased a dash of pop (.145 ISO) and strong plate discipline (12.7 percent walk rate, 14.7 percent strikeout rate) over his 129 plate appearances with Triple-A Memphis.

Knizner isn't starting Monday against Miami, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Knizner went 0-for-7 with two strikeouts over his last three games and will be out of the lineup for a second consecutive matchup. Ivan Herrera is starting behind the plate and batting ninth.

Contreras went 2-for-5 with three RBI in a 6-5 extra-inning victory over the Cardinals on Sunday.

Contreras continued his excellent first half with a three-RBI performance to give him 31 total on the year. His two-RBI single in the fourth tied the game at 5-5, and then he put the Cubs ahead for good with an RBI single in the 10th inning. The Cubs' starting catcher was playing DH in this day game, as manager David Ross likes to keep Contreras' dependable bat in the lineup any way possible. Contreras has five home runs and is slugging .426 over the past 15 days.

Herrera went 2-for-3 with a walk in a 6-5 extra-inning loss to the Cubs on Sunday.

The rookie catcher picked up his first major-league hit with a single off Alec Mills in the second inning. He later walked and singled again to make it a two-hit game. The Cardinals recalled the backstop from Triple-A Memphis on Friday when Yadier Molina was sidelined with knee inflammation. Herrera and Andrew Knizner are both in the mix for at-bats while Molina is out, and it is worth monitoring if either one of them can make a statement with the newfound opportunity.

Nola went 1-for-4 with two RBI and a run in Sunday's 8-5 loss to the Phillies.

Though Jorge Alfaro's hot bat has earned him a near-everyday role at catcher or designated hitter, Nola hasn't completely fallen out of the lineup as a result. In fact, Sunday marked Nola's fourth start in five games, He's gone 6-for-15 with a double, five RBI and three runs over those four starts and should continue to hold down at least a part-time role with the Padres while he's swinging a hot bat.

Fortes went 1-for-4 with a solo home run and a strikeout during Sunday's 3-2 win over the Mets.

Fortes failed to record a hit in his first three at-bats Sunday, but he hit a walkoff home run with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning. The 25-year-old has had sporadic playing time for the Marlins and has slashed .250/.341/.556 with three homers, two doubles, 14 runs, seven RBI and two stolen bases over 12 games since the start of June.

Contreras will serve as Atlanta's designated hitter and No. 7 batter in Sunday's game against the Dodgers.

Making his fourth start in five games, Contreras is benefiting Sunday from the absence of star outfielder Ronald Acuna, who is dealing with a right foot injury. Though doctors have ruled out a fracture, Acuna isn't able to put much pressure on the foot and could be headed to the 10-day injured list if he doesn't show meaningful improvement in the next few days. If that's the case, Contreras and Travis d'Arnaud would likely share work behind the plate and at DH over the upcoming week while the team's preferred DH, Marcell Ozuna, would be forced into the outfield as a replacement for Acuna.

Realmuto is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Padres.

He looks to be receiving some routine maintenance after catching in each of the Phillies' last eight games. Garrett Stubbs will check in behind the dish for Realmuto and form a battery with starting pitcher Kyle Gibson.

Ruiz is out of the lineup for Sunday's game at Texas, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

Ruiz started the first two games of the series in Texas and will take a seat for the finale. Riley Adams will start behind the plate and bat ninth Sunday.

Knizner is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Cubs, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Knizner started five of the past six contests and will receive Sunday off after going 1-for-12 during that span. Ivan Herrera will work behind the dish in the series finale versus Chicago.