MLB Player News

Diaz will start at catcher and bat eighth Monday against the Cubs.

With Diaz picking up his third consecutive start Monday, it looks as though he'll be the Pirates' top option behind the plate until Francisco Cervelli (quadriceps) returns from the disabled list, perhaps later in the week. The non-contending Pirates probably aren't eager to use Cervelli on a full-time basis in September given the multitude of injuries he's dealt with this season, so Diaz could be in store for semi-regular work even after Cervelli returns.

Stewart is out of the lineup Monday against the Cubs.

Stewart had started four straight games earlier in the week, but Labor Day will mark his third consecutive absence from the starting lineup. Elias Diaz, who is 3-for-17 at the dish since getting the call Aug. 26, will draw yet another start Monday.

Plawecki will bat fifth and start at catcher Monday against the Phillies.

With Wilmer Flores unavailable due to a broken nose, the Mets don't have many viable middle-of-the-order options remaining on the roster, so Plawecki will slot into a more prominent spot in the lineup than he's received in his more recent appearances. Plawecki has earned the upgrade through his impressive play of late, which could soon allow him to usurp the struggling Travis d'Arnaud for the top spot on the depth chart at catcher. Since being recalled from Triple-A Las Vegas on Aug. 19, Plawecki has posted an .805 OPS while striking out just three times in 31 at-bats.

D'Arnaud is out of the lineup Monday against the Phillies.

With the Mets playing their second consecutive day game, d'Arnaud will be given a chance to rest up while Kevin Plawecki handles catching duties. D'Arnaud, who is batting just .194 over his last 10 games, could be at risk of falling into a timeshare behind the plate with Plawecki the rest of the season. Since being recalled from Triple-A Las Vegas on Aug. 19, Plawecki is slashing .290/.353/.452.

Realmuto is out of the lineup Sunday against the Phillies, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports.

Realmuto has made six straight starts, alternating between first base and catcher over the last four games. He'll ride the pine for the series finale, however, as A.J. Ellis will get the nod behind the plate, while Tomas Telis draws the start at first base. Realmuto was 1-for-5 at the plate Saturday, though he did help fantasy owners by stealing two bases.

Stewart is out of the lineup Sunday against the Reds, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports.

While Francisco Cervelli (quadriceps) is on the DL, Stewart has drawn four of the last five starts behind the plate for Pittsburgh. Sunday will mark Stewart's second consecutive day out of the lineup, however, as the team will turn to Elias Diaz as it attempts to take the series from Cincinnati.

Barnhart was reinstated from the paternity list Sunday, MLB.com reports.

Barnhart has missed three games since landing on the paternity list Thursday, all of which were started by Stuart Turner. With Barnhart back to primary catching duties, Turner will return to the backup role. Barnhart isn't in Sunday's lineup, however, as he will instead rejoin the team in Cincinnati, per C. Trent Rosecrans of The Cincinnati Enquirer.

Sanchez started the nightcap of Saturday's doubleheader with the Dodgers, going 1-for-4 with two RBI and two runs scored in a 7-2 win.

Sanchez was one of several Padres backups who gained an extra start due to Saturday's twin billing. The 27-year-old backstop has been primarily used as a pinch hitter this season, but he gains daily fantasy appeal when he is in the lineup based on his eight home runs in 121 plate appearances.

Hedges is not in the lineup for the second game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Dodgers.

He will rest his legs after catching the first game of the twin bill, as is standard for backstops. Luis Torrens will step in to catch for starter Jordan Lyles.

Grandal is out of the lineup for Game 1 of Saturday's doubleheader against the Padres, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

Grandal heads to the bench after starting seven of the past eight games behind the plate. Austin Barnes draws the assignment for Saturday's afternoon contest.