MLB Player News

Hedges isn't in the lineup Saturday against the Marlins.

Hedges has had a tough time hitting as of late, going 3-for-19 with nine strikeouts in his last seven games. He'll get the day off while Hector Sanchez fills in behind the dish.

D'Arnaud is out of the lineup Saturday against the Nationals, Marc Carig of Newsday reports.

Kevin Plawecki will start at catcher and hit sixth for Saturday's game. D'Arnaud's disappointing season has continued through August, as he's hitting just .210 with a .537 OPS over 20 games since the start of the month.

Diaz was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis on Friday.

Francisco Cervelli's return will force Diaz to the minors, but he should be back once rosters expand in September. Diaz went 4-for-21 with five strikeouts in his most recent stint with the major-league club and is now batting .250/.283/.350 in 36 games with Pittsburgh, which is similar to his line with Indy.

Contreras (hamstring) took batting practice Friday, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.

In addition to hitting for the second consecutive day, Contreras practiced throwing to second base from behind the plate. Barring any setbacks, Contreras will look to return to action in mid-September. Until then, Alex Avila and Rene Rivera are in line to spend time in the Cubs' lineup.

Realmuto went 1-for-4 with a home run and three RBI in Thursday's win over the Phillies.

Getting the start at first base -- and seeing action there for the fifth time in 2017, giving him extra position eligibility in many fantasy formats -- Realmuto hit his third homer in the last week and 16th of the season. His .200 (16-for-80) batting average in August may be due to fatigue, however, so don't be surprised if he gets a few more rest days, or partial rest days while he mans first, down the stretch.

Grandal went 1-for-4 with a walk and a solo home run in Thursday's win over the Pirates.

The 28-year-old has been on a power surge lately, smacking four homers in his last seven games to bring his total to 18. Grandal has historically been a low-average player, but thanks to the power, he's well on his way toward finishing as a top-seven catcher for the second straight season.

Bethancourt could be among the minor leaguers called up to the Padres when rosters expand in September, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

This is despite the fact that Bethancourt has been terrible in the minors. He owns an 8.12 ERA over 37.2 innings for Triple-A El Paso and has walked 28 batters against just 20 strikeouts. That said, the Padres need to make a decision about Bethancourt's long-term future with the club soon, so what better time than the present to see what he's got?

Hedges is not in the lineup Thursday against St. Louis.

Hedges will get a standard day off following two straight starts, while Luis Torrens draws the assignment behind the plate. Over the past 10 games, Hedges is slashing just .135/.154/.216.

Contreras (hamstring) took batting practice prior to Thursday's game against the Reds, Mark Gonzales of The Chicago Tribune reports.

This marks the first time Contreras was able to partake in batting practice since landing on the DL about two weeks ago. In recent days, the 25-year-old was able to participate in agility drills as well as catch Jake Arrieta during a side session. Contreras remains on a path to return to the big-league team right around the middle of September.

D'Arnaud is not in the lineup Thursday against Arizona.

Following three starts in the past four games, d'Arnaud will get the matinee off in favor of Kevin Plawecki. Since the beginning of August, the catcher is batting .207/.230/.310 with one home run and five RBI.