MLB Player News

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.

Caratini is not in the lineup for Sunday's series finale against the Padres.

Martin Maldonado will receive his second start of the series, with Caratini sandwiching in a start in Saturday's contest. The two should continue to split catching duties while Willson Contreras (foot) is out, though Caratini's stronger offensive production (.798 OPS, versus .641 for Maldonado) figures to afford him a slight edge in playing time.

Maldonado is starting at catcher and batting eighth in Sunday's game against the Padres.

Victor Caratini started behind the plate Saturday, but Maldonado will spell him Sunday in what will be his third start with his new team. Regular catcher Willson Contreras (foot) is still on the injured list, though he took batting practice Saturday. Caratini and Maldonado will continue to split duties behind the plate for however long Contreras remains out, with Caratini a favorite to receive an edge in playing time.

Realmuto is not in the lineup Sunday against the Pirates.

Realmuto will head to the bench with the team participating in a day game after a night game. Andrew Knapp will catch and bat eighth in his place.

Gomes is not in the lineup Saturday against Atlanta.

Gomes and Kurt Suzuki have each started four games in the second half. Suzuki gets the nod behind the plate for Saturday's contest.

Smith (wrist) went 1-for-4 with a walk, a home run, two RBI and two runs scored in Triple-A Oklahoma City's win over San Antonio on Friday.

The 24-year-old got crossed up behind the plate Wednesday and the pitch hit his right wrist, forcing Smith from the game. He was then held out Thursday, but Smith was back a day later and proved his health with his 19th long ball with Oklahoma City this season (22nd total). Smith is on the 40-man roster and could return to Los Angeles before Sept. 1 if there is an injury, or if the Dodgers decide to move on from Austin Barnes as the primary starter.

Diaz is not in the lineup Saturday against the Phillies.

Diaz has hit an unimpressive .255/.308/.327 on the season. He and Jacob Stallings, who will startl behind the plate Saturday, have alternated starts over the last six games.

Mejia is out of the lineup for Saturday's game against the Cubs.

On the bench for the third time in four games, Mejia looks to have fallen into a timeshare at catcher with Austin Hedges after having appeared to seize control of primary duties in late June. A bat-first catcher, Mejia hasn't helped his case for sticking ahead of Hedges on the depth chart by supplying a lackluster .205/.244/.308 through 12 games this month.

Contreras (foot) is scheduled to take batting practice Saturday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Contreras' ability to face live pitching is an encouraging sign for his recovery from a strained arch muscle in his right foot, but the real test of his health will come when he resumes baserunning and catching duties. Until that happens, the Cubs likely won't be able to pinpoint a definitive target date for Contreras' return. In the meantime, Chicago will get by with a timeshare of Victor Caratini and Martin Maldonado at catcher.

Barnes isn't in the starting lineup for Friday's game against the Marlins.

Barnes will take a seat for the second time in the last three contests. Russell Martin is set to handle the catching duties and bat eighth with Barnes out of the lineup.