MLB Player News

Manager Dave Roberts said he removed Grandal from Saturday's starting lineup so he wouldn't catch four days in a row, including three straight in the Denver altitude, Alanna Rizzo of SportsNet LA reports.

Roberts also said Grandal will return to the starting nine Sunday to catch Rich Hill. Austin Barnes is behind the plate and batting eighth for the Dodgers on Saturday.

Grandal was scratched from Saturday's game against the Rockies for an undisclosed reason.

Grandal was originally set to start behind the plate and bat seventh, but Austin Barnes will handle catching duties instead.

Barnhart is out of the lineup for Saturday's game against the Diamondbacks.

Barnhart will head to the bench as he is slashing .172/.265/.276 with five extra-base hits in 98 plate appearances since the start of July. Curt Casali will start behind the plate and bat seventh against Robbie Ray and the Diamondbacks.

Hedges went 2-for-3 with a home run, a stolen base and a pair of runs scored in Friday's 2-0 win over Philadelphia.

Hedges returned to the lineup with a bang after get getting a scheduled day off Thursday. The 25-year-old is turning in his best offensive season to date, posting a .256/.311/.450 slash line with nine homers over 55 starts. Hedges' status as the Friars' long-term catcher may be in jeopardy following the acquisition of prospect Francisco Mejia at the deadline, but the incumbent starter is doing everything in his power to prove his worth, helping fantasy owners out in the process.

Mesoraco is not in the lineup against Miami on Friday, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

Mesoraco will take a seat after going 0-for-2 with three walks during Wednesday's game versus the Reds. In his stead, Kevin Plawecki will handle the catching duties and bat eighth.

Diaz went 2-for-5 with a two-run home run in Thursday's win over the Giants.

Diaz has been starting less frequently since Francisco Cervelli returned from a concussion -- Thursday's start was just Diaz's third in the Pirates' last nine games -- but he continues to perform when given an opportunity. The 27-year-old is now slashing .287/.333/.455 with eight homers in 202 at-bats this season.

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

Hedges will retreat to the bench after starting the past four contests, including a multi-hit game during Wednesday's loss. In his place, A.J. Ellis will handle the catching duties and bat eighth.

Grandal went 1-for-3 with a solo home run, a walk, a stolen base and two strikeouts in Wednesday's loss to the Athletics.

Grandal launched his 20th homer of the year in the fifth inning, and later swiped his second stolen base of the season (sixth of his career). The backstop was riding an 0-for-11 stretch entering Wednesday, but he continues to lead all National League catchers in home runs (20) and RBI (57) while also posting a .256/.357/.502 slash line -- each of which would be career bests.

Barnhart is out of the lineup Wednesday against the Mets.

The Reds will unsurprisingly give Barnhart a breather with the team playing a day game after a night game in the series finale. Curt Casali will check in behind the plate Wednesday, catching for starter Robert Stephenson in the latter's 2018 MLB debut.

Grandal is not in the lineup Tuesday against the A's, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

Grandal will head to the bench against left-hander Sean Manaea after starting four of the last five games behind the dish -- and appearing in all five. Austin Barnes will start at catcher and hit ninth in his stead.