MLB Player News

Maldonado went 1-for-3 with the third grand slam of his career Saturday in the Astros' 5-0 win over the Athletics.

The veteran catcher's second-inning long ball with the bases loaded proved to be the decisive play Saturday, as right-hander Justin Verlander (six shutout innings) and the Houston bullpen kept the Oakland bats quiet throughout the night. Maldonaodo is now up to nine home runs of the season, putting him within striking distance of the career-high 14 he slugged in 2017 with the Angels.

Rutschman went 1-for-1 with a solo homer run and a sacrifice fly in an extra-innings victory versus Tampa Bay on Saturday.

Rutschman didn't start the contest, but he was called upon to pinch hit with Baltimore down one run in the eighth inning. The backstop came through with a solo shot to right field to tie the score, and he put Baltimore on top with a sacrifice fly in the 10th. This was one of Rutschman's best performances in a mostly quiet rookie campaign during which he's slashed .215/.298/.411 with five homers, 15 RBI and one stolen base over 178 plate appearances.

Realmuto went 2-for-4 with a home run, a double, two total runs and two total RBI in a 10-0 win against the Marlins on Saturday.

Realmuto broke a scoreless tie in the fourth inning with a two-run shot to center field. He also doubled and scored in the sixth. The performance marked the third consecutive multi-hit game for the backstop. Over that span, Realmuto has gone 7-for-13 with two doubles, one homer, two runs, three RBI and a stolen base.

Wong was recalled by the Red Sox on Saturday, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

It's been a busy week for Wong, who was recalled Monday, sent down Wednesday and now recalled again Saturday. His latest stint on the big-league roster comes as Trevor Story hits the injured list with a bruised right hand. As a catcher, however, Wong isn't a direct replacement for Story, and he could have a tough time finding much playing time with both Christian Vazquez and Kevin Plawecki on the roster.

Contreras will be on the bench for the second half of Saturday's doubleheader against the Mets.

Contreras went 0-for-5 with three strikeouts in the first game of the day. He may not have many games left in a Cubs uniform, as he's on an expiring contract and could be traded to a playoff contender.

Casali (oblique) played catch Friday, Evan Webeck of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Casali is expected to miss approximately 3-to-4 weeks due to his right oblique issue, and his activity Friday marked the first time that he's participated in baseball activities since sustaining his injury. The catcher is still sore but has been improving recently, and he'll likely attempt to ramp up his workload in the near future.

Jeffers has a small fracture in his right thumb and will be sidelined for at least 6-to-8 weeks, Megan Ryan of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Jeffers was initially diagnosed with a right thumb contusion when he landed on the 10-day injured list Friday, but he underwent further testing that revealed a fracture. The 25-year-old is unlikely to be available to return to game action until at least September, and he'll presumably require a rehab assignment prior to rejoining the Twins. Gary Sanchez is in line to serve as Minnesota's primary catcher in Jeffers' absence, while Caleb Hamilton will serve as the No. 2 option behind the dish.

Rutschman isn't starting Saturday against the Rays, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Rutschman went 2-for-15 with a double, four runs, an RBI, five walks and five strikeouts over the last five games and will get a breather Saturday. Robinson Chirinos is starting behind the dish and batting eighth.

Barnhart isn't starting Saturday against the Guardians.

Barnhart is out of the lineup for the fourth time in the last six games after he went 0-for-5 with two strikeouts over his last two matchups. Eric Haase is starting behind the plate and batting fifth.

Diaz isn't in the lineup Saturday against the Pirates.

Diaz has often alternated starts with Brian Serven recently, with the latter starting at catcher and batting ninth Saturday. Diaz will get a breather after he went 6-for-13 with three doubles, three RBI, a run and a strikeout over his last three games.