MLB Player News

Plawecki (hand) played catch Tuesday, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

It was the first time in nearly four weeks that Plawecki was able to comfortably wear a glove on his fractured left hand, amounting to a step forward in the healing process for the backstop. Plawecki will likely still require a multi-game rehab assignment at some point before being activated from the 10-day disabled list, but it's unclear when he'll be ready to report to an affiliate. With fellow catcher Travis d'Arnaud (elbow) also shut down for the season, the Mets addressed their depth behind the plate by acquiring Devin Mesoraco from the Reds on Tuesday, but it's still expected that Plawecki will serve as the primary catcher once activated.

Barnhart is not in the lineup against the Mets on Wednesday, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Barnhart will receive a scheduled day off for maintenance purposes after starting the past three games, including a 3-for-4 night with a triple and one RBI on Tuesday. Tony Cruz will handle the catching duties for the series finale.

The Mets optioned Nido to Triple-A Las Vegas on Wednesday, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

With the Mets acquiring Devin Mesoraco from the Reds on Tuesday and presumably prepared to install him as their primary catcher, there wasn't room on the active roster for Nido. The 24-year-old had been splitting time with Jose Lobaton behind the plate since Kevin Plawecki (hand) and Travis d'Arnaud (elbow) hit the disabled list, but failed to make much of an impact offensively, hitting just .135/.179/.162 across 39 plate appearances.

Grandal went 2-for-4 with a home run, two RBI and a walk in Tuesday's loss to the Diamondbacks.

Grandal hit a solo home run in the third, and then had an RBI single in the fifth. The multi-hit affair came after a six-game hitless streak, but Grandal's slash line still sits at a favorable .280/.381/.505. The backstop's 23 RBI and 17 runs are both good for second among MLB catchers, trailing only Gary Sanchez of the Yankees.

Cubs manager Joe Maddon indicated that Caratini could play positions besides catcher and first base at some point this season, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.

Caratini has made eight appearances behind the plate and five appearances at first base this season, but has not played anywhere else on the diamond. The 24-year-old logged a single inning in the outfield for the Cubs last year, and it stands to reason that he could get some time in right or left at some point in 2018, though it remains to be seen if he'll gain eligibility at any additional positions.

Mesoraco was traded from the Reds to the Mets on Tuesday in exchange for Matt Harvey.

With Travis d'Arnaud (elbow) out for the remainder of the season and Kevin Plawecki (hand) without a timetable for his return, the Mets opted to bring in Mesoraco. The 29-year-old backstop is hitting just .220/.289/.341 through 18 games this season, but he's proven he can be a serviceable backstop when healthy, as evidenced by his 2014 All-Star campaign. That said, he's played just 113 games over the past four seasons combined due to injuries, so staying healthy is far from a given. Mesoraco should be given the opportunity to take over as the team's primary catcher. He'll be available for Tuesday's game against his former team.

Barnhart is starting at catcher and hitting seventh Tuesday against the Mets.

Barnhart was originally scheduled to get the night off, but he was thrust into the lineup when the Reds traded backup catcher Devin Mesoraco to the Mets in exchange for Matt Harvey. He'll face Jason Vargas.

Contreras is not in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Marlins.

Contreras will head to the bench for what appears to be a regular night off with the Cubs scheduled for a day game Wednesday. Victor Caratini will start behind the dish and hit fifth in his stead.

Barnhart is not in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Mets.

Barnhart will head to the bench for what appears to be a regular night off with a day game on tap Wednesday. The 27-year-old is hitting .247/.357/.376 with two homers through 30 games this season. Devin Mesoraco will start behind the dish and hit seventh in his stead.

Caratini went 2-for-4 with a walk and two runs scored in Monday's win over the Marlins.

Caratini started at first base in this one, something he's now done five times this season. The 24-year-old is the primary backup to Willson Contreras behind the plate, but his ability to play first is getting him a little added playing time. Caratini is now hitting .292 through 48 at-bats.