MLB Player News

Jackson was optioned to the Braves' alternate training site Wednesday.

Jackson and William Contreras were needed for the first several games with both Travis d'Arnaud and Tyler Flowers out with illness, but both primary backstop options are now healthy and back with the team. Jackson went 2-for-7 during his brief time with the team but struck out four times.

Stephenson was optioned to Cincinnati's alternate camp site Wednesday, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Stephenson made one appearance during his time with the big club and went 2-for-2 with a walk, a home run, two RBI and two runs scored. Mike Moustakas was reinstated from the injured list in a corresponding move.

Smith is not starting Wednesday against the Astros, Eric Stephen of TrueBlueLA.com reports.

Smith will give way to Austin Barnes behind the dish Wednesday. Across four appearances this season (three starts), Smith is 1-for-11 with two walks, a home run and three RBI.

D'Arnaud (illness) was activated from the injured list Wednesday.

Both d'Arnaud and fellow catcher Tyler Flowers had been on the COVID-19 injured list since Opening Day, though both players were evidently experiencing nothing worse than a normal illness as neither tested positive for the virus. Both have been cleared to return Wednesday and should split catching duties going forward.

Jackson went 2-for-3 with a double in Tuesday's loss to the Rays.

His two-bagger off Yonny Chirinos in the third inning was his first big-league hit. Jackson has been holding down the fort as Atlanta's starting catcher to begin the season, but with Tyler Flowers (illness) and Travis d'Arnaud (illness) both potentially ready to rejoin the club as soon as Wednesday, the 24-year-old will soon head to the bench and perhaps lose his spot on the 30-man roster entirely.

Casali went 1-for-4 with a solo home run Tuesday against the Cubs.

Casali homered in the eighth inning off Casey Sadler, his second home run of the campaign. He's gotten consistent playing time early this season, but Tucker Barnhart was activated from the paternity list Tuesday. As a result, Casali will likely see his playing time decrease significantly.

D'Arnaud (illness) worked out and felt good Tuesday, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

Although he tested negative for COVID-19, d'Arnaud has been on the injured list after he exhibited symptoms. However, he's been cleared to work out with the team, and manager Brian Snitker said that he could be an option for Wednesday's home opener against the Rays. Fellow catcher Tyler Flowers (illness) has also been progressing in his recovery after showing COVID-19 symptoms and could make his return Wednesday as well.

Tromp's (hamstring) contract was selected by the Giants on Tuesday.

Tromp has been dealing with hamstring tightness over the past several days but will join the major-league roster after Rob Brantly was designated for assignment Tuesday. The 25-year-old should serve as the backup catcher behind Tyler Heineman.

Barnhart is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Cubs.

Although Barnhart was activated from the paternity list Tuesday, he won't start against the Cubs. Curt Casali will start behind the dish and bat ninth.

Contreras isn't starting Tuesday against the Reds.

Contreras had started in each of the Cubs' first four games this year, but he'll take a seat Tuesday after putting together multi-hit performances in the past two games. Victor Caratini will start behind the plate and bat second.