MLB Player News

Smith went 1-for-2 with a triple, a run and two RBI in a loss to Milwaukee on Saturday.

The backstop appeared to be getting the day off with Austin Barnes starting the game behind the plate, but the team called on him to pinch hit in the ninth inning with a runner on second and the score tied 2-2. Smith wasn't able to come up with a clutch hit in that situation, but he remained in the game and got another chance to play hero with two runners aboard in the 11th. This time the catcher came through, working a full count before lining a two-run triple to right field. While he is hitting just .234 so far this season, Smith has posted a 12:13 BB:K and a .383 OBP. His .411 xwOBA ranks in the 92nd percentile leaguewide.

Contreras will start at catcher and bat eighth Sunday against the Blue Jays.

The 23-year-old will make his first start of 2021 in the series finale with Travis d'Arnaud (thumb) landing on the 60-day injured list and Alex Jackson (hamstring) being placed on the 10-day injured list. Contreras enters Sunday with only four big-league appearances under his belt, but he's now poised to split time behind the plate with Jeff Mathis, who had his contract selected from the alternate site.

Jackson was placed on the 10-day injured list Sunday with a strained left hamstring.

It's a tough break for Jackson since he was poised for increased playing time with Travis d'Arnaud landing on the 60-day IL with a thumb sprain. William Contreras was recalled from the alternate training site and is starting behind the plate Sunday, while the team also selected the contract of Jeff Mathis.

D'Arnaud was placed on the 60-day injured list Sunday with a sprained left thumb.

It was already known the 32-year-old was heading to the shelf after suffering the thumb injury Saturday, but the sprain is apparently severe enough to sideline him for at least the next two months. Alex Jackson (hamstring) was also placed on the injured list, severely testing the organization's depth at catcher. William Contreras was recalled from the alternate training site and is starting Sunday, while Atlanta also selected the contract of veteran Jeff Mathis.

Stephenson is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Cubs.

Stephenson had caught two of the Reds' previous three games, going 3-for-8 between those contests. Though he boasts the more potent bat among the Reds' two catchers, Tucker Barnhart's superior defense should continue to earn him the overwhelming share of starts behind the dish.

Contreras (thigh) is not in the lineup Sunday against the Reds.

The 28-year-old will be sidelined for the second consecutive contest after exiting Friday's game with mild tightness in his right thigh. According to Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune, manager David Ross said Contreras believes his thigh is fine, but he'll go through a pregame workout Sunday in any case as he attempts to prove his health heading into the upcoming week. Tony Wolters receives another start behind the plate for Chicago while Contreras is day-to-day with the injury.

Caratini will continue to get plenty of work behind the plate despite the return of Austin Nola, Bill Center of FriarWire reports.

Nola may eventually emerge as the Padres' primary catcher, but in the short term he will essentially split time with Caratini behind the plate, according to manager Jayce Tingler. "Victor has played extremely well, he's done a great job with the staff. Also, Nola, having some issues with the finger and some swelling and things like that, I don't think we've got him built up to go four on, one-off. There's the opportunity to split some time and keep both guys active." So far this season, Caratini is slashing .230/.333/.311 with 11 RBI and a 30.6 percent strikeout rate.

Contreras will be recalled from the alternate training site Sunday, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

The 23-year-old was called up as the 27th man for last weekend's doubleheader, and he'll rejoin the major-league club Sunday with Travis d'Arnaud (thumb) heading to the injured list. Contreras and Alex Jackson will handle catching duties for Atlanta until d'Arnaud recovers from the injury.

D'Arnaud (thumb) will be placed on the 10-day injured list Sunday, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

The specifics of the thumb issue remain unclear, though manager Brian Snitker described the injury as "not good." He suffered the injury while making a tag at the plate during the sixth inning Saturday. D'Arnaud will be eligible to return May 12, but he won't have a timeline for his return until he's evaluated further Sunday after flying back to Atlanta. Alex Jackson and William Contreras will handle catching duties in the meantime.

Nola will split time behind the plate with Victor Caratini for the time being, Bill Center of FriarWire reports.

Nola was activated from the injured list Wednesday and served as a pinch hitter that night before getting his first start Saturday. The backstop is likely to eventually emerge as the Padres' primary catcher, but he'll function in more of a time split with Caratini in the immediate future. "Realistically, we have the opportunity to have a great combination with both guys back there," said manager Jayce Tingler. "Victor has played extremely well, he's done a great job with the staff. Also, Nola, having some issues with the finger and some swelling and things like that, I don't think we've got him built up to go four on, one-off. There's the opportunity to split some time and keep both guys active."