MLB Player News

Contreras is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Cardinals.

Contreras was held out Saturday to get some rest, and he will open on the bench for a second straight day Sunday with Victor Caratini catching Yu Darvish like he usually does. Contreras should be available to pinch hit and figures to be back behind the plate for the Cubs' next game Tuesday in Pittsburgh.

Diaz exited Saturday's contest early with a right knee injury, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports.

Diaz exited the game in the fourth inning due to the injury and Steve Baron took over behind the plate. The extent of the injury remains unknown for the time being, though if Diaz is forced to miss more time, Baron would serve as the backup catcher behind Jacob Stallings.

Diaz left Saturday's game with an apparent injury to his right leg.

He injured himself reaching for a pitch while catching. Diaz needed assistance walking off the field but was able to put pressure on his injured right leg. Steve Baron replaced him behind the plate.

Caratini is starting at catcher and batting sixth in Saturday's game against the Cardinals.

The Cubs are giving regular catcher Willson Contreras a breather after he started the last five games. Caratini enters the contest with a respectable .271/.352/.457 slash line in 221 at-bats this season.

Contreras is not in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Cardinals.

Contreras will take a seat after starting five straight games, with Victor Caratini starting at catcher and batting sixth in his place. With the Cubs battling for a playoff spot over their final eight games, expect them to ride Contreras fairly hard the rest of the way.

Mejia isn't in the starting lineup for Friday's game against the Diamondbacks.

Mejia will take a seat following a scheduled off day Thursday. Luis Torrens is set to handle the catching duties and bat eighth.

Realmuto was held out of Friday's lineup in order to rest, according to Matt Gelb of The Athletic.

The Phillies will attempt to keep pace in the playoff race Friday night without their starting catcher playing a full nine innings, but manager Gabe Kapler said it was simply time for Realmuto to take a break after starting the last nine games. Realmuto figures to play plenty the rest of the way, but he could get another day or two off with the Phillies playing 10 games in nine days following Friday's contest.

Realmuto is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Indians.

Realmuto's absence raises an eyebrow, as he owns an .884 OPS in September and the Phillies have a DH spot available while playing in an AL park. Realmuto has started all but two games this month, so it's possible he is simply getting a day off. Regardless, Andrew Knapp will handle the catching duties for the Phillies on Friday night.

Stallings (back) returns to the lineup Friday against Milwaukee.

Back tightness had kept Stallings off the field since last Friday. He'll bat seventh and start behind the plate Friday, catching Steven Brault.

Diaz went 1-for-4 with a walk, double, RBI and two runs scored Thursday against the Mariners.

Diaz enjoyed a productive day at the dish, first doubling in Colin Moran in the second inning. He later came around to score in the same frame before crossing the plate again two innings later. Despite the departure of Francisco Cervelli (finger), Diaz has endured a disappointing season by hitting .243/.298/.309 across 330 plate appearances.