MLB Player News

Smith (concussion) will be activated off the 7-day concussion list Friday and be in the lineup as the designated hitter against the Cardinals, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

Smith hasn't played since April 12 while dealing with a concussion, but the All-Star backstop is ready to roll for the series against the Cardinals. He should return to catching duties for the Dodgers within the next few days.

Bart (groin) ran on the field in Mexico on Friday, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

The Giants have a rare Friday off with the team playing a two-game series in Mexico starting Saturday against the Padres, but it's a positive sign that Bart was able to participate in some pregame activities. The backstop has been out of action with tightness in his right groin strain, and he has a chance to return to the lineup against San Diego over the weekend.

D'Arnaud (concussion) is traveling with Atlanta and taking regular batting practice, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

There remains no estimated timetable for his activation from the concussion IL, but d'Arnaud continues to take positive steps forward. He's been on the shelf since April 9 and figures to head out on a minor-league rehab assignment at some point because of the growing length of his absence.

Thaiss is out of the starting lineup against the Brewers on Saturday, Erica Weston of Bally Sports West reports.

Thaiss will sit against southpaw Wade Miley after starting the last two games and going 3-for-7. Chad Wallach will be the starting backstop for Los Angeles and hit eighth.

Trevino isn't in the Yankees' lineup for Friday's game against Texas.

After going 3-for-4 with a home run Thursday, Trevino bought himself a day off Friday. As a result, Kyle Higashioka will pick up a start behind the plate and bat ninth.

Barnhart is not in the starting lineup Friday against Miami.

Barnhart will take a seat as the Cubs face off against left-hander Jesus Luzardo, with Yan Gomes behind the plate and batting eighth. Barnhart has produced just two hits over his last 18 at-bats while striking out nine times, so it's possible that Gomes, who's batting .257 with two homers and seven RBI over 35 at-bats versus righties this year, sees his workload increase.

Grandal is not in the White Sox' lineup for Friday's game versus the Rays.

Grandal returned to action Thursday after missing one game with a back issue, although it's not clear whether his absence Friday is injury-related. Seby Zavala will catch Lucas Giolito.

Alvarez (head) is starting at catcher and batting ninth Friday versus Atlanta, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

Alvarez was lifted from Thursday's series finale against the Nationals after getting hit in the head by a couple of swings, but he checked out fine after the game and will make a second straight start behind the plate for the Mets. Tomas Nido is on the bench.

Stallings is not in the starting lineup Friday versus the Cubs, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Stallings will take a seat as the Marlins elect to have Nick Fortes catch for Jesus Luzardo. Stallings has gone 0-for-10 over his last three starts, so he'll hope the day off will help him get right at the plate.

Murphy, who played for the first time since last Friday in Thursday's loss to the Phillies and went 2-for-3 with a double, has logged only 29 plate appearances and appeared in nine of the Mariners' first 25 games.

The veteran is healthy after appearing in just 14 games in 2022 due to a shoulder injury, but he's seen Cal Raleigh draw 20 starts overall, with 19 of those coming behind the dish. That's left few opportunities for Murphy, and his timing at the plate unsurprisingly seems to be suffering. Even factoring in his first multi-hit effort of the season Thursday, Murphy is slashing just .138/.138/.207.