MLB Player News

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.

Barnes went 1-for-1 with a three-run home run in an 8-5 loss to the Giants on Friday.

Barnes pinch hit with two out and two on in the ninth with the Dodgers down 5-2 and smashed a game-tying home run to left for his second home run on the season. The backstop is a quality player but doesn't receive enough run on a mighty Los Angeles team to be a viable option in most leagues.

Caratini isn't starting Friday's game against the Astros.

Caratini should serve as the primary catcher in the near future after Austin Nola (knee) was placed on the 10-day injured list Friday, but he'll be held out for the series opener in Houston. Webster Rivas will start behind the dish and bat eighth.

Nola (knee) was placed on the 10-day injured list Friday, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Manager Jayce Tingler described Nola's injury as a slight knee sprain and said that he was encouraged by the diagnosis. Nola could return after a couple weeks, but Victor Caratini should serve as the primary catcher while Nola is sidelined. Webster Rivas' contract was selected by the Padres as part of a corresponding move.

Perez went 1-for-4 with a solo home run and two strikeouts in Thursday's 5-3 loss to the Cubs.

Perez drew the start Thursday after he had been on the bench in five of the last six games, and he blasted his third home run of the season in the bottom of the seventh inning. The 28-year-old has now homered in each of his last two games but has served as the clear backup catching option behind Jacob Stallings.

Smith isn't starting Thursday's game against the Giants, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

Smith had started each of the last three games and went 3-for-13 with three runs, a walk and two strikeouts during that time. Austin Barnes will start behind the plate and bat sixth.

Nola will be placed on the 10-day injured list due to a slight knee sprain, Dennis Lin of The Athletic reports.

Nola had been held out of the lineup for four of the last five games, and manager Jayce Tingler revealed that the catcher has been dealing with a knee issue. However, Tingler was encouraged by Nola's diagnosis and said that the 31-year-old could return after a couple weeks. Victor Caratini should serve as the primary catcher going forward, while the team will likely call up a third catcher once Nola is officially placed on the injured list.

Barnhart isn't starting Thursday's game against the Nationals.

The Reds and Nationals finished a suspended game Thursday afternoon, so Barnhart will get a breather for the nightcap. Tyler Stephenson will start at catcher while Alex Blandino starts at first base.

Nola isn't starting Thursday's game against the Brewers.

Nola will retreat to the bench for the fourth time in the last five games as he may have lost his spot as the primary catcher for now. Victor Caratini will start behind the dish and bat seventh.

Narvaez isn't starting Thursday's game against the Padres, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Narvaez had started each of the last two games and went 1-for-6 with a double and two strikeouts during that time. Manny Pina will start behind the plate and bat fourth.