MLB Player News

Knizner went 2-for-4 with an RBI double in a loss to the Diamondbacks on Sunday.

The reserve backstop drew only his second start in the last 15 games and was one of the few bright spots for the Cardinals. Knizner has now reached safely in four of the eight plate appearances he's logged during his last two starts, but his opportunities are expected to continue to be sporadic as long as Yadier Molina is healthy.

Smith is out of the lineup Sunday against the Giants, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

Smith is 13-for-34 with two homers, a double, four RBI and nine runs over his past 10 games, and he'll receive the day off Sunday. Austin Barnes will work behind the plate in the series finale.

Stephenson went 1-for-4 with a double and two RBI in Saturday's loss against the Cubs.

Stephenson provided all the offense the Reds were able to muster with a two-run double in the top of the sixth inning, scoring Eugenio Suarez and Jesse Winker. The backstop is hitting a decent .260 with a .713 OPS on the season.

Narvaez will remain on the bench for the second game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Nationals.

Manny Pina remains the starter behind the plate after starting the afternoon contest as well. It's highly unusual for a catcher to start twice in one day, so it's possible Narvaez is dealing with an unreported injury. The Brewers have been fairly strict about platooning their backstops whenever possible, however, so the fact that it will be lefty Jon Lester on the mound for the evening game after fellow southpaw Patrick Corbin started the first contest is the most likely explanation for the decision.

Gomes isn't starting the first game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Brewers.

Gomes will retreat to the bench for the third time in the last five games as he continues to alternate starts behind the dish. Alex Avila will start at catcher and bat seventh.

Narvaez isn't starting Game 1 of Saturday's doubleheader against the Nationals.

Narvaez has gone 1-for-9 with a double, a run and two strikeouts across the last three games. Manny Pina will start behind the plate and bat sixth.

Stallings isn't starting Game 1 of Saturday's doubleheader against the Rockies, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports.

Stallings will be out of the lineup for a second straight game after he went 1-for-12 with an RBI and two strikeouts across his last three appearances. Michael Perez will start behind the dish and bat eighth.

Marchan was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Saturday, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Marchan had served as a depth option behind the plate recently but will return to the minors after J.T. Realmuto (hand) was reinstated from the 10-day IL. Marchan appeared in just four games during his time with the major-league club and went 3-for-13 with a double, a run, a walk and four strikeouts during that time.

Realmuto (hand) was reinstated from the 10-day injured list Saturday, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Realmuto was dealing with a bone bruise on his left hand that forced him to spend time on the shelf, but he'll return after a relatively brief stint on the injured list. Realmuto should reclaim his role as the primary catcher going forward, while Rafael Marchan was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley in a corresponding move.

Barnhart isn't starting Saturday's game against the Cubs.

Barnhart will be out of the lineup for the second time in the last three games. Tyler Stephenson will start behind the plate while Alex Blandino starts at first base.