MLB Player News

Manager Dave Roberts told MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM on Friday that Smith will be the Dodgers' primary catcher moving forward.

The 24-year-old will be given a day to get acclimated -- he's out of the lineup Friday -- before taking over as the No. 1 backstop, after the Dodgers decided to move on from Austin Barnes as the primary option. Smith has hit 20 homers with a 130 wRC+ with Triple-A Oklahoma City this season, and he tacked on three additional homers during a prior stint with Los Angeles earlier this season. The rookie looks like a worthwhile add in virtually all two-catcher formats.

Smith is out of the lineup for Friday's game at Washington.

Smith was officially recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City earlier Friday but he'll have to wait another day before rejoining the starting nine.

Barnhart (oblique) was activated off the 10-day injured list Friday, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports. He is starting at catcher and batting eighth versus the Rockies.

Barnhart had his lone rehab game with Triple-A Louisville on Thursday, which was apparently enough to clear the way for his return from the injured list given the dire situation behind the plate for the Reds. The 28-year-old figures to see the bulk of the starting catching duties with Curt Casali (knee), Kyle Farmer (concussion) and Juan Graterol (concussion) all on the shelf.

Gomes is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Dodgers.

Gomes hasn't started consecutive games since July 16-17, with Kurt Suzuki receiving six of the past nine starts. Gomes has two hits in each of his last two starts, but prior to that he was 3-for-39 in his previous 14 games.

Smith was officially recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Friday.

Smith trades places with Austin Barnes and figures to see immediate starting chances with the Dodgers. Smith showcased himself well during his brief time in the majors this season with a .269/.345/.654 slash line and three homers in nine games.

Smith will be recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City prior to Friday's game against the Nationals, Jorge Castillo of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Smith has pieced together a .269/.381/.605 slash line with 20 homers and 54 RBI over 61 games at Triple-A this season, earning him another chance to stick in the big leagues. He figures to share the catching duties with Russell Martin moving forward after Austin Barnes was demoted to Triple-A.

Barnes was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Thursday, J.P. Hoornstra of the Los Angeles Daily News reports.

Barnes has been scuffling at the dish since the All-Star break, slashing .133/.206/.233 over nine contests. As a result, he'll take a trip to the minors with the hope of finding his stroke. The Dodgers will recall Will Smith from Triple-A prior to Friday's clash in a corresponding move. Russell Martin and Smith figure to handle the catching duties moving forward.

Gomes is not in the lineup Thursday against the Rockies, Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports reports.

Gomes will take a seat on the bench for Thursday's afternoon contest after starting the second game of Wednesday's doubleheader and going 2-for-3 with a home run. In his place, Kurt Suzuki is starting at catcher and hitting sixth.

Casali (knee) isn't expected to return from the 10-day injured list before the end of July, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Casali is eligible to come off the IL on Friday, but since he has yet to resume baseball activities, he won't be ready to rejoin the Reds in the minimum amount of time. Meanwhile, fellow backstop Tucker Barnhart (oblique) is set to begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A Louisville, putting him on track to beat Casali back from the IL. Assuming that's the case, Casali may have to settle for a reduced role once he's reinstated, likely at some point in August.

Barnhart (oblique) is slated to begin a minor-league rehab assignment Thursday with Triple-A Louisville.

Sidelined for more than a month with a strained right oblique, Barnhart will get the green light for the final phase of the recovery process after taking batting practice and catching the last few days without any renewed discomfort. Because of the time he's missed, Barnhart may need to catch a full game or two for Louisville before the Reds reinstate him from the 10-day injured list. Once he's back with the big club, Barnhart should take over as the Reds' clear top catcher with Curt Casali (knee) and Kyle Farmer (concussion) both stuck on the IL and seemingly further behind in their respective rehab programs.