MLB Player News

Murphy went 3-for-5 with a double, two home runs, three RBI and three total runs scored in Wednesday's victory over the Rangers.

The veteran catcher was no match for Cole Ragans, as he tagged the southpaw for two home runs on the night. He also hit a double in the top of the eighth for his third extra-base hit of the night. Murphy is now slashing .251/.327/.450 on the season and is top three among all catchers in HR, RBI and runs.

Pirates director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk said Wednesday that Perez (hamstring) may receive full medical clearance for the start of winter ball, Alex Stumpf of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.

After undergoing surgery May 20 to repair a ruptured right hamstring, Perez won't be a candidate to return from the 60-day IL before the end of the season, but his projected 6-to-9-month recovery timeline gives him a chance at being ready to play in December. The native Puerto Rican could elect to play winter ball on his home island or perhaps elsewhere in Latin America this winter with the hope of proving his health and securing a contract with an MLB team ahead of spring training. The 33-year-old backstop posted a .700 OPS in 69 plate appearances for the Pirates before sustaining the season-ending injury.

Bart is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Diamondbacks, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

Bart is in the midst of an eight-game hit streak during which he's gone 15-for-31 with two home runs, five RBI and five runs, and he'll take a seat for Wednesday's contest. Austin Wynns will step in behind the plate and bat ninth.

Caratini is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Dodgers.

Caratini will give way to Mario Feliciano behind the dish after catching in the first two games of the series. Though he remains atop the depth chart for now, Caratini could soon fade to the No. 2 role after top backstop Omar Narvaez (quadriceps) began a minor-league rehab assignment Tuesday.

Smith isn't starting Wednesday against the Brewers, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Smith is getting a day off after he went 0-for-7 with an RBI and a walk over the last two games. Austin Barnes is starting behind the plate and batting ninth.

The Pirates optioned Godoy to Triple-A Indianapolis on Wednesday.

Godoy will lose his spot on the 26-man active roster with the Pirates bringing back fellow catcher Tyler Heineman (groin) from the 10-day injured list. During his abbreviated stay with the big club after he was claimed off waivers from the Twins earlier this month, Godoy went 0-for-7 with an RBI over four games.

The Pirates reinstated Heineman (groin) from the 10-day injured list Wednesday, Alex Stumpf of DKPittsburghSports.com reports. He'll be on the bench Wednesday against the Red Sox and left-hander Rich Hill.

Pittsburgh optioned catcher Jose Godoy to Triple-A Indianapolis to clear space on the active roster for Heineman, who had been sidelined since Aug. 4 with a right groin strain. Now that he's healthy again, the switch-hitting Heineman could occupy the larger side of a platoon at catcher with the righty-hitting Jason Delay, though neither backstop profiles as an especially appealing fantasy option.

Barnhart isn't starting Wednesday against the Guardians.

Barnhart started the last two games and went 4-for-7 with two RBI, a run and a walk. Eric Haase will take over behind the plate and bat sixth.

Heim isn't starting Wednesday's game against the Athletics.

Heim started the last two games and went 2-for-7 with a double, an RBI and a walk. Meibrys Viloria is taking over behind the plate and batting fifth.

Hedges isn't in the lineup Wednesday against the Tigers.

Hedges went 0-for-3 with a strikeout Tuesday against Detroit and will head to the bench for the second time in the last three games. Luke Maile is starting behind the dish and batting eighth.