MLB Player News

Hedges is out of the lineup for the second straight game Friday against the Reds.

Fellow catcher Francisco Mejia made his first Padres' start Thursday and rewarded his new team with a two-homer performance. Unsurprisingly, that was enough to earn him his second start right away. Hedges is expected to split time with Mejia for the rest of September, but whether it's an even distribution or not remains to be seen.

Ruiz went 3-for-5 with a stolen base and an RBI in Double-A Tulsa's 6-0 win Thursday over Northwest Arkansas in Game 2 of their Texas League semifinals series.

It's the fourth consecutive three-hit performance for Ruiz, who has elevated his Texas League slash line to .268/.328/.401 with the hot finish to the campaign. While Ruiz's .729 OPS doesn't jump off the page, the fact that he has been roughly a league-average hitter at just 20 years old while receiving high marks for his work behind the dish has him poised to open 2019 as one of baseball's top catching prospects.

Mejia went 2-for-4 with two home runs and four RBI in Thursday's 6-2 win over the Reds.

Mejia connected on a solo shot in the third inning and added a three-run homer in the fourth frame. He was the prized acquisition in the trade that sent Brad Hand to Cleveland, and his performance Thursday night showed a glimpse as to why he is considered one of the top prospects in baseball. His usage by the Padres down the stretch is worth watching, as he could become a valuable addition to fantasy squads looking for help at the thin catcher position.

Hedges is out of the lineup against the Reds on Thursday.

Hedges will give way to Francisco Mejia, who is making his first start with the Padres during Thursday's series opener. With Mejia in the fold, Hedges may wind up splitting time behind the plate for the rest of the 2018 campaign as the organization takes a long look at the former's potential.

Mesoraco may require an epidural injection due to neck discomfort, which could sidelined him for the rest of the season, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Mesoraco exited Monday's contest against the Dodgers due to neck and back stiffness and would've been placed on the disabled list if not for the expansion of rosters this month, rendering that transaction useless. Since Aug. 23, he's been nursing a bulging disc issue in his neck, which forced him to miss about a week of action. The catcher will meet with doctors Thursday to determine whether he will require the injection. Either way, don't expect to see him play again for an extended period of time until he is no longer dealing with any discomfort.

Plawecki's post-game CT scan came back negative after he was hit with a pitch in the ribs during Wednesday's contest versus the Dodgers, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

Though he initially remained in the game following this incident in the eighth inning, Tomas Nido took over for Plawecki in the bottom of the frame as a precaution. Plawecki should be considered day-to-day ahead of Friday's series opener versus the Phillies.

Plawecki will undergo a CT scan before the Mets leave Los Angeles, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

Plackecki was struck by a Pat Venditte fastball in the ribs in the eighth inning Wednesday, and while he was initially able to stay in the game, Tomas Nido came on to replace the backstop before the bottom half of the frame. Depending on the severity of the issue, the Mets may be forced to promote another catcher with Devin Mesoraco (neck) also on the mend.

Barnhart is out of the lineup against Pittsburgh on Wednesday, John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Barnhart will take a seat after going 0-for-3 with a walk and two strikeouts during Tuesday's contest. Curt Casali will catch Homer Bailey and bat seventh in his place.

Mesoraco could miss several days with a sore neck and back, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

Manager Mickey Callaway said that Mesoraco would "absolutely" be placed on the 10-day disabled list at a different time of the year, though the extended rosters mean that the team doesn't have to go that route and can still carry two other catchers. Kevin Plawecki and Tomas Nido will handle catching duties while Mesoraco remains unable to play.

Barnes went 1-for-2 with a home run, three RBI and a steal in Tuesday's win over the Mets.

Barnes helped the Dodgers climb out of a 4-0 hole with a two-run homer in the third before bringing home the tying run in the fourth. Despite the big day, the backstop is hitting just .207 and remains firmly entrenched behind Yasmani Grandal on the depth chart.