MLB Player News

Contreras went 3-for-4 with a triple, a solo home run and two runs scored in the second game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Dodgers.

Contreras was an effective leadoff hitter in Saturday's nightcap but the Cubs still fell 6-2 as they dropped both games in the doubleheader. Despite his team's struggles, the Chicago catcher is playing pretty well with an .820 OPS and three home runs across 20 games. Contreras could be a trade candidate if the Cubs continue to fall out of contention, as he's in the last year of his contract.

Perez's contract was selected by the Pirates on Saturday.

Perez was reassigned to minor-league camp prior to the regular season, and he hit .294 with a double, three runs and two RBI over eight games at Triple-A Indianapolis to begin the year. He'll serve as depth at catcher after Roberto Perez (hamstring) was placed on the 10-day injured list.

Perez was placed on the 10-day injured list Saturday with a strained left hamstring.

Perez exited the first half of Saturday's doubleheader against the Reds with what was originally called left hamstring discomfort, but considering that he had to be helped off the field, it's no surprise to see his diagnosis already updated to something more serious. He doesn't yet have a clear return date but will be out for at least 10 days, with Michael Perez joining the active roster to split time at catcher with Andrew Knapp.

Nola isn't starting Saturday against the Marlins.

Nola started in the last two games and went 0-for-7 with a walk and three strikeouts. Jorge Alfaro will start behind the dish and bat seventh.

Perez (hamstring) isn't starting the second game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Reds.

Perez had to be helped off the field during Saturday's matinee due to left hamstring discomfort, and he was seen using a crutch after the game. It seems unlikely that he'll be available off the bench in the nightcap, so Josh VanMeter will likely serve as the emergency catcher behind starter Andrew Knapp.

Narvaez is not in the lineup for Saturday's game against Atlanta.

Narvaez has been in something very close to a strict platoon this season, starting against all but two righties while sitting against every lefty. With Max Fried on the mound for Atlanta, Victor Caratini will take over behind the plate.

Stephenson isn't starting the second game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Pirates.

Stephenson will get a breather after he went 3-for-4 with two doubles, four RBI, a run and a strikeout in Saturday's matinee. It's worth noting that he took a foul ball off the helmet, but he was able to remain in the game, and the Reds haven't indicated that his absence from the nightcap is due to an injury. Aramis Garcia will start behind the plate and bat ninth.

Perez's early exit from the first half of Saturday's doubleheader against the Reds was due to left hamstring discomfort, Justice delos Santos of MLB.com reports.

Perez's exit left Josh VanMeter to serve as the emergency catcher for the end of the game after Andrew Knapp was ejected from the dugout. Knapp will presumably start the nightcap behind the plate while the Pirates determine how serious Perez's injury is.

Perez was removed from the first game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Reds in the top of the eighth inning due to an apparent left leg injury, Alex Stumpf of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.

Perez slipped on second base while attempting to run from first to third in the top of the eighth inning, and he struggled to put much weight on his left leg as he was helped off the field. Prior to his departure, he went 2-for-3 with a run and a strikeout. Andrew Knapp was ejected from Saturday's matinee while in the dugout, so Josh VanMeter is expected to take over behind the dish for the remainder of the game.

Gomes is starting at designated hitter and batting third in the first game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Dodgers.

The Cubs are loading up on right-handed bats against southpaw Clayton Kershaw, and it helps that Gomes has one career home run against Kershaw in four at-bats. The veteran catcher is slashing .206/.250/.353 with one home run and two RBI across 12 games so far this season.