MLB Player News

Nido went 2-for-4 with a two-run homer and a grand slam in Thursday's 8-2 win over the Nationals.

Nido gave the Mets a 3-1 lead with a two-run long ball off Austin Voth in the fourth inning and broke the game open an inning later with a grand slam against Seth Romero. Nido has only played in five games while serving as Wilson Ramos's backup, but with his big day Thursday, the backstop is now slashing a solid .308/.400/.385 on the campaign.

Smith (neck) isn't in the lineup Thursday against the Padres.

Smith exited Wednesday's game with neck soreness, and the issue is severe enough to keep him out of the lineup for the team's series finale against the Padres. Manager Dave Roberts said that he probably won't start Friday either, but he's unlikely to land on the injured list. Austin Barnes will start behind the dish Thursday.

Mejia is not starting Thursday against the Dodgers.

Mejia will head to the bench as Austin Hedges picks up the start at catcher in Thursday's series finale. Across 14 games this season, Mejia is slashing just .097/.176/.226 with one home run.

Smith was removed from Wednesday's game against the Padres with a sore neck, Alanna Rizzo of Spectrum SportsNet LA reports.

The 25-year-old went 0-for-1 before exiting during the fifth inning, and the severity of the injury remains unclear. Austin Barnes took over behind the plate and will start Thursday's contest, while Smith is considered day-to-day, per Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register.

Contreras was ejected from Wednesday's game against the Indians during the fifth inning, Gordon Wittenmyer of NBC Sports Chicago reports.

The 28-year-old was unhappy with a check-swing call during his third at-bat and was subsequently tossed from the contest. Contreras went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts prior to exiting. Backup catcher Victor Caratini took over behind the plate, but since he was already serving as the designated hitter, the Cubs lose the extra bat for the remainder of game.

Tromp will not start Wednesday against the Astros, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

Tromp appears to have taken over the starting catcher role for the Giants, as he'd started five out of six games heading into Wednesday's contest. Tyler Heineman takes over for him in this one.

Smith is not starting Tuesday against the Padres.

Austin Barnes will start behind the plate Tuesday. Smith still has the slight edge in starts this season, catching 10 games compared to eight for Barnes.

Mejia remains on the bench Tuesday against the Dodgers.

Mejia and Austin Hedges, who gets the call behind the plate Tuesday, have now each been in the lineup nine times in the season's first 18 games. Mejia has just a .429 OPS this season, though that's still better than Hedges' .375 mark.

Narvaez is not starting Tuesday against the Twins.

Narvaez is the clear starting catcher in Milwaukee, though he hasn't seen a particularly heavy workload. He's started nine times behind the plate this season, while Manny Pina, who starts Tuesday, has gotten the nod six times.

Barnhart will sit Tuesday against the Royals.

Barnhart finds himself on the bench for the third time in the last four games, with Curt Casali again starting behind the plate. Barnhart has hit just .167/.200/.167 through his first 25 plate appearances.