MLB Player News

Barnhart is out of the lineup for Game 2 of Saturday's doubleheader against the Cubs, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Barnhart started and was 1-for-5 with a strikeout in the Game 1 victory, but it's not surprising to see him headed to the bench after the 11-inning game. Tony Cruz will take over catching duties and bat eighth for Cincinnati.

Realmuto is out of the lineup for Saturday's game against the Braves, Andre Fernandez of the Miami Herald reports.

Realmuto was out of the lineup Thursday as well, but the Marlins don't have an off day until next Thursday. Bryan Holaday will take over behind the plate and bat eighth for Miami.

The Mets recalled Nido from Triple-A Las Vegas on Saturday.

Nido was sent to Las Vegas after the Mets' acquisition of Devin Mesoraco earlier in May, but returns to the team with Jose Lobaton now designated for assignment. Nido split catching duties with Lobaton in his previous major-league stint and Mesoraco seems likely to serve as primary catcher this time around, although Nido will still likely have some opportunities.

Contreras is not in the lineup for Game 1 of Saturday's doubleheader against Cincinnati.

Contreras went 3-for-6 with one RBI and one run scored during Friday's series opener and will take a seat in favor of Victor Caratini, who will catch Kyle Hendricks and bat sixth in the matinee. Expect to see Contreras back behind the plate for Game 2.

Contreras went 3-for-6 with a run and an RBI in Friday's win over the Reds.

Contreras has been absurd at the plate lately, as he's 15-for-30 over his past eight games and has had three or more hits in four of those games. For the season, the 25-year-old catcher is slashing a healthy .287/.366/.503, all of which would be new career highs if they hold up.

Knizner was moved up to Triple-A Memphis on Thursday, Rob Rains of Stlsportspage.com reports.

Knizner will take the next step in his professional career after beginning the 2018 season hitting .333/.412/.467 with 18 RBI in 27 games for Double-A Springfield. Though he has played well enough to deserve this promotion, the move occurred due to the limited catching availability in the Cardinals' organization at the present time. With Yadier Molina (groin) and Carson Kelly (hamstring) on the DL, Francisco Pena and Steve Baron are both on the major-league roster, so Knizner will man the backstop for Memphis moving forward.

Grandal is out of the lineup Thursday against the Marlins, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

Grandal and Austin Barnes have alternated turns behind the plate over the last four games, with Grandal drawing both of his starts against right-handed pitching while Barnes entered the lineup versus lefties. It's unclear if the catchers will work in a strict platoon going forward, but with a 181-point edge in OPS this season, Grandal should see the bulk of the playing time regardless of how manager Dave Roberts elects to divvy up the starts.

Realmuto is out of the lineup Thursday against the Dodgers, Andre Fernandez of the Miami Herald reports.

Realmuto was behind the plate Wednesday night for a sixth straight game, so with the two sides concluding their three-game set with a matinee tilt Thursday, Marlins manager Don Mattingly decided it was time to give his top backstop a breather. Bryan Holaday will handle catching duties in the series finale, working as the batterymate for Caleb Smith.

Ruiz went 1-for-3 with a three-run home run and a walk Tuesday for Double-A Tulsa in its 8-7 win over Springfield.

Though he left the yard for the first time in three weeks, Ruiz hasn't been short on power of late, as he had recorded four doubles over the four games prior to Tuesday. In his first taste of the Texas League, Ruiz is hitting .284/.341/.422 across 126 plate appearances. That stellar line is rendered more impressive by the fact that Ruiz won't turn 20 years old until late July, making him one of the youngest players on the circuit.

Mesoraco is not in the lineup against Toronto on Wednesday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Mesoraco will get the afternoon off after going 2-for-2 with one home run, two RBI and four runs scored during Tuesday's contest. In his place, Jose Lobaton is set to catch Zack Wheeler and bat seventh in the order.