MLB Player News

Realmuto went 2-for-3 with two solo home runs and two walks Tuesday against the Phillies.

He now has 20 homers on the season, continuing to add to his career high in that department. Realmuto's 70 RBI, .351 OBP and .511 SLG also represent career bests -- impressive considering he is playing alongside the worst supporting talent since he reached the majors. His 134 wRC+ trails only Wilson Ramos (136) among catchers with at least 200 plate appearances.

Grandal is not in the lineup Tuesday against the Mets.

Grandal is hitting just .205 against southpaws this season -- compared to his .243 mark against righties -- so he'll give way to Austin Barnes behind the dish with a left-hander in Jason Vargas starting for the Mets.

Manager Clint Hurdle said he didn't know if Diaz (hamstring) would play again this season, Rob Biertempfel of The Athletic Pittsburgh reports.

Diaz suffered a hamstring injury over the weekend, and it appears the injury is more serious than initially thought. The Pirates purchased the contract of veteran catcher Ryan Lavarnway on Tuesday to provide depth behind the plate. Consider Diaz out indefinitely.

Mejia was called up by the Padres on Tuesday, Dennis Lin of The Athletic San Diego reports.

Mejia has played in 12 major-league games, going just 2-for-15. He hit .293/.338/.471 over 110 games at the Triple-A level with Columbus and El Paso this season, however. Assuming he can stick at catcher -- the Padres seem to have abandoned the Indians' experiment of converting him into an outfielder -- he has the potential to be one of the best-hitting backstops in the league, with an excellent feel for contact and average power. The Padres have a decent young catcher in the 26-year-old Austin Hedges, though Mejia has a higher offensive ceiling. The playing-time split between the pair down the stretch could offer insight into San Diego's plan for the future.

Hedges went 1-for-4 with two RBI on Monday against the Diamondbacks.

Hedges came through with a two-RBI double in the eighth inning to extend the Padres lead over the Diamondbacks. While he's managed only a .422 slugging percentage for the season, Hedges now has three extra-base hits and four RBI in the past week of action. Given the weak depth at catcher, the 26-year-old could be a key figure at the position as the season comes to a close.

Mesoraco left Monday's game against the Dodgers due to neck and back stiffness, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

It's unclear as to when exactly Mesoraco suffered the injury, but he's apparently dealing with both neck and back stiffness. He'll be listed as day-to-day until further evaluation. The 30-year-old went 1-for-2 prior to being removed from the ballgame.

Plawecki (personal) was reinstated from the paternity list Monday, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

Plawecki is back with the Mets following the birth of his first son Sunday, though he'll give way to Devin Mesoraco behind the dish for Monday's series opener.

Mejia went 4-for-5 with a home run, three RBI and three runs for Triple-A El Paso in its 9-4 win over Tacoma on Sunday.

It was the second four-hit performance of the season for Mejia, who is slashing .322/.359/.576 with seven home runs, seven doubles and at triple across 128 plate appearances in the Pacific Coast League since coming over in a trade from the Indians. Mejia wasn't among the wave of players the Padres activated when rosters expanded Saturday, but he could earn a promotion once El Paso is eliminated from the PCL postseason.

Manager Clint Hurdle said Monday that Diaz (hamstring) is "not quite available yet," Rob Biertempfel of The Athletic Pittsburgh reports.

Diaz is set to miss a third straight game as he continues to nurse a hamstring injury he picked up against the Braves on Friday. Consider the backstop day-to-day. Francisco Cervelli is starting behind the dish Monday.

Contreras is not in the lineup for Monday's series opener against the Brewers.

Contreras will give way to Victor Caratini behind the dish after going 0-for-3 with a walk and a run scored in Sunday's win over the Phillies. Look for the backstop to rejoin the starting nine Tuesday.