MLB Player News

Contreras (foot) will likely be activated from the 10-day injured list ahead of Wednesday's game against the Giants, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports. "Everything feels fine," Contreras said Monday, regarding his recovery from a strained right foot.

In what likely amounted to a final test of his health before a potential return from the IL, Contreras caught Jon Lester's between-starts bullpen session Monday and took part in a series of defensive drills with no complications. The Cubs will presumably check in on Contreras and see how he's feeling Tuesday before rendering a decision on his status for the series finale. After acquiring Martin Maldonado from the Royals while Contreras was on the mend, the Cubs are expected to keep three catchers moving forward and instead drop an infielder from the active roster to open up a spot for Contreras.

Caratini is not in the lineup Monday against the Giants.

Caratini and Martin Maldonado had been alternating starts, but Maldonado is now starting Monday for the second game in a row. Caratini has a solid .790 OPS on the season but just a .579 mark over his last 21 games.

Ruiz was promoted to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Sunday, Eric Stephen of TrueBlueLA.com reports.

He turned 21 on Saturday, so this is a nice little birthday present for one of the game's top catching prospects. Ruiz hit .254/.329/.330 with four home runs in 310 plate appearances at Double-A. He was better at Double-A in 415 plate appearances last year (100 wRC+) than he has been this year, and his dynasty-league stock has taken a bit of a hit. It hasn't helped that Will Smith has passed him as a catching prospect within his own organization. Look for Ruiz to reach the majors at some point next season.

Grandal is not in the lineup Sunday against the Diamondbacks.

Grandal will get a routine day off with the Brewers playing a day game after a night game. Manny Pina will take his place behind the dish and bat fifth.

Contreras (foot) is progressing well in his recovery and could return from the injured list when first eligible Wednesday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Chicago manager Joe Maddon said it's "not impossible" that Contreras will return Wednesday in San Francisco, though nothing is official at this point. The catcher did take batting practice Saturday, which is an encouraging sign as he works his way back from a right foot strain. Victor Caratini and Martin Maldonado will continue to share catching duties while Contreras is out.

Caratini is not in the lineup for Sunday's series finale against the Padres.

Martin Maldonado will receive his second start of the series, with Caratini sandwiching in a start in Saturday's contest. The two should continue to split catching duties while Willson Contreras (foot) is out, though Caratini's stronger offensive production (.798 OPS, versus .641 for Maldonado) figures to afford him a slight edge in playing time.

Maldonado is starting at catcher and batting eighth in Sunday's game against the Padres.

Victor Caratini started behind the plate Saturday, but Maldonado will spell him Sunday in what will be his third start with his new team. Regular catcher Willson Contreras (foot) is still on the injured list, though he took batting practice Saturday. Caratini and Maldonado will continue to split duties behind the plate for however long Contreras remains out, with Caratini a favorite to receive an edge in playing time.

Realmuto is not in the lineup Sunday against the Pirates.

Realmuto will head to the bench with the team participating in a day game after a night game. Andrew Knapp will catch and bat eighth in his place.

Gomes is not in the lineup Saturday against Atlanta.

Gomes and Kurt Suzuki have each started four games in the second half. Suzuki gets the nod behind the plate for Saturday's contest.

Smith (wrist) went 1-for-4 with a walk, a home run, two RBI and two runs scored in Triple-A Oklahoma City's win over San Antonio on Friday.

The 24-year-old got crossed up behind the plate Wednesday and the pitch hit his right wrist, forcing Smith from the game. He was then held out Thursday, but Smith was back a day later and proved his health with his 19th long ball with Oklahoma City this season (22nd total). Smith is on the 40-man roster and could return to Los Angeles before Sept. 1 if there is an injury, or if the Dodgers decide to move on from Austin Barnes as the primary starter.