MLB Player News

Hedges isn't in Saturday's lineup against the Rockies.

Hedges went 1-for-4 with two strikeouts Friday, and he'll get a day off Saturday. Luis Torrens will start behind the plate.

Gomes isn't in Saturday's lineup against the Red Sox.

Gomes will sit for a second consecutive game as he continues to split time behind the dish. Kurt Suzuki will start at catcher Saturday.

Smith isn't in Saturday's lineup against the Rangers.

Smith has hit doubles in each of the past two games, but he'll get a breather Saturday. Austin Barnes will start behind the dish in his absence.

Wallach (undisclosed) was reinstated from the 10-day injured list Saturday, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Wallach was placed on the injured list earlier this month. He should immediately slot in as Jorge Alfaro's backup with Francisco Cervelli (concussion) still recovering, and he could see an occasional start behind the plate.

Mejia (thumb) has been hitting at the Padres' alternate training site and could be activated from the injured list in the near future, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

Mejia was placed on the 10-day IL with a left-thumb bruise Aug. 17. He has resumed swinging the bat, though he hasn't yet reached a point in which he's ready to return. "He is progressing," manager Jayce Tingler said. "He's currently at USD, and he's getting a lot of at-bats. The hand continues to improve. All the reports from his game swings, he's taking baby steps forward from both sides of the plate." Cassavell notes that Mejia isn't likely to rejoin the Padres on their current road trip in Colorado, but he could be activated sometime next week.

D'Arnaud isn't in Saturday's lineup against the Phillies.

D'Arnaud reached base twice in Friday's contest, but he'll get a breather Saturday. Tyler Flowers will start behind the plate in his absence.

Contreras went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in Friday's loss to the Reds.

Cincinnati's Robert Stephenson threw a high fastball in the ninth -- not too high for Contreras, who put the ball out to center field on a line drive. Contreras' season numbers are not impressive, but he now has two home runs in his last three games and we're still at the point where a few big games can change the narrative quickly.

Caratini is catching and batting eighth in Friday's game against the Reds.

The Cubs will deploy Willson Contreras as the DH Friday, which opens up catching duties for Caratini. The 27-year-old has played regularly so far this season, posting a .270/.361/.349 slash line in 23 games to date. He's still looking for his first home run after popping 11 in 95 games last year.

Contreras is the designated hitter and batting fifth in Friday's game against the Cubs.

Contreras will get a night off behind the plate, with Victor Caratini handling catching duties. After a strong summer camp, Contreras has yet to really get going for the Cubs, as he's slashing just .207/.321/.370 with three home runs and 10 RBI in 29 games so far.

Gomes is not in the lineup Friday at Boston.

Gomes and Kurt Suzuki have alternated starts over the past week, and that trend continues Friday after Gomes went 2-for-4 with a strikeout during Wednesday's contest.