MLB Player News

The Cardinals activated Pozo (concussion) from the 7-day injured list Friday.

Pozo missed the past week of action after experiencing concussion symptoms following a foul tip to his catcher's mask. He's bypassing a rehab assignment and going directly back onto the active roster. Pozo has some limited experience at first base and could see playing time there while Willson Contreras serves a four-game suspension.

Davis is not in the lineup for Friday's contest against the Brewers.

It will be Joey Bart doing the catching for Friday's series opener. Davis is 1-for-17 with 10 strikeouts over his last five games.

The Mets optioned Senger to Triple-A Syracuse on Friday.

Senger will lose his spot on the active roster Friday with Francisco Alvarez (finger) being activated from the 10-day injured list. Since being called up Aug. 19, Senger went 4-for-23 (.174) with four RBI and two runs scored.

The Reds optioned Banfield to Triple-A Louisville on Friday.

Banfield served as the backup catcher behind Jose Trevino while Tyler Stephenson (thumb) was shelved. With Stephenson back in the fold, Banfield will return to Louisville.

The Reds activated Stephenson (thumb) from the 10-day injured list Friday.

Stephenson fractured his left thumb three weeks ago but has made a quick recovery and rejoins the Reds' active roster as they push for a playoff spot. The 29-year-old backstop will serve as the club's primary catcher down the stretch, with Jose Trevino moving back to an active No. 2 catcher role.

Alvarez (finger) was activated from the 10-day injured list Friday.

As expected, Alvarez rejoins the active roster after being sidelined with a sprained right thumb and a fractured left index finger, the latter of which occurred in a rehab game. The Mets optioned Hayden Senger to Triple-A Syracuse in a corresponding move.

Ruiz (concussion) will remain on his rehab assignment through the weekend, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reported Friday.

Ruiz is working his way back from a concussion he sustained in early July and is nearing reinstatement from the IL. The catcher is slated to catch seven innings Friday, DH on Saturday and then catch a full nine innings Sunday. Given his progression, it wouldn't be surprising to see Ruiz back with the Nationals early next week.

Kelly is absent from the lineup for Friday's contest against the Nationals.

Kelly didn't start Wednesday's game versus Atlanta, either, prior to Thursday's team off day, so he's getting some extended rest. Reese McGuire will do the catching and bat ninth for the Cubs on Friday.

Stephenson (thumb) is a combined 2-for-5 with a home run, two RBI and an additional run scored in two games of a rehab assignment for Triple-A Louisville.

Stephenson, who is on the injured list with a fractured thumb, began the assignment Wednesday, when he caught seven innings and homered in his first plate appearance. He followed up as the designated hitter for six innings Thursday. The report indicates an expected return date of Friday, when the Reds begin a weekend series at home against the Mets.

Quero went 3-for-5 with a double and two runs scored in Thursday's 11-8 win over the Twins.

Quero batted leadoff for the first time in his career -- over 93 games this season, he's batted out of every spot in the order. He's most frequently featured third, fourth or sixth in the lineup, but he's been hitting well lately, going 23-for-65 (.354) over his last 20 games. The switch hitter is up to a .289/.351/.395 slash line with five home runs, 36 RBI, 28 runs scored, 17 doubles and no stolen bases across 333 plate appearances. Quero hasn't provided much power and has lackluster speed -- ranking in the fifth percentile -- so he doesn't seem like a logical fit for the leadoff spot in the long run despite a promising showing at getting on base.