MLB Player News

Mejia is not starting Wednesday against the Mets.

Mejia has started seven out of 11 games since the All-Star break, posting an .873 OPS over that stretch. Austin Hedges gets the start behind the plate in his absence.

Maldonado is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Giants.

With starts in four of the Cubs' previous seven games, Maldonado appeared to overtake Victor Caratini as the team's primary backstop, but both should see their roles decline considerably moving forward. Chicago reinstated two-time All-Star Willson Contreras (foot) from the 10-day injured list Wednesday and inserted him into the lineup behind the plate for the series finale. Assuming Contreras makes it out of the contest OK, he'll likely shoulder a heavy workload at catcher the rest of the way.

Contreras (foot) was reinstated from the 10-day injured list ahead of Wednesday's game against the Giants, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports. He'll bat fifth and start at catcher in the series finale.

As anticipated, Contreras was able to make it back from the IL in the minimum amount of time while making a speedy recovery from the strained right foot. Though Contreras' shaky health motivated the Cubs to acquire some extra catching insurance in the form of Martin Maldonado, the two-time All-Star is fully expected to take on the overwhelming share of starts behind the dish now that he's back on the active roster. The Cubs optioned infielder Addison Russell to Triple-A Iowa in a corresponding move.

Gomes is out of the lineup for the first game of Wednesday's doubleheader with the Rockies.

After reaching base three times and working behind the dish in the series opener Tuesday, Gomes will take a seat with the Nationals facing a quick turnaround for the front end of the twin bill. Kurt Suzuki will handle catching duties for the afternoon contest, but expect Gomes to check back into the lineup for the second game.

Barnes isn't in the starting lineup for Tuesday's game against the Angels.

Barnes will retreat to the bench after taking the collar in Sunday's series finale against the Marlins (0-for-4). Russell Martin is starting behind the dish and batting eighth with Barnes out of the equation.

Contreras (foot) will likely be activated from the 10-day injured list ahead of Wednesday's game against the Giants, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports. "Everything feels fine," Contreras said Monday, regarding his recovery from a strained right foot.

In what likely amounted to a final test of his health before a potential return from the IL, Contreras caught Jon Lester's between-starts bullpen session Monday and took part in a series of defensive drills with no complications. The Cubs will presumably check in on Contreras and see how he's feeling Tuesday before rendering a decision on his status for the series finale. After acquiring Martin Maldonado from the Royals while Contreras was on the mend, the Cubs are expected to keep three catchers moving forward and instead drop an infielder from the active roster to open up a spot for Contreras.

Caratini is not in the lineup Monday against the Giants.

Caratini and Martin Maldonado had been alternating starts, but Maldonado is now starting Monday for the second game in a row. Caratini has a solid .790 OPS on the season but just a .579 mark over his last 21 games.

Ruiz was promoted to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Sunday, Eric Stephen of TrueBlueLA.com reports.

He turned 21 on Saturday, so this is a nice little birthday present for one of the game's top catching prospects. Ruiz hit .254/.329/.330 with four home runs in 310 plate appearances at Double-A. He was better at Double-A in 415 plate appearances last year (100 wRC+) than he has been this year, and his dynasty-league stock has taken a bit of a hit. It hasn't helped that Will Smith has passed him as a catching prospect within his own organization. Look for Ruiz to reach the majors at some point next season.

Grandal is not in the lineup Sunday against the Diamondbacks.

Grandal will get a routine day off with the Brewers playing a day game after a night game. Manny Pina will take his place behind the dish and bat fifth.

Contreras (foot) is progressing well in his recovery and could return from the injured list when first eligible Wednesday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Chicago manager Joe Maddon said it's "not impossible" that Contreras will return Wednesday in San Francisco, though nothing is official at this point. The catcher did take batting practice Saturday, which is an encouraging sign as he works his way back from a right foot strain. Victor Caratini and Martin Maldonado will continue to share catching duties while Contreras is out.