MLB Player News

Contreras (hamstring) isn't starting Monday's game against the Reds.

Contreras suffered a right hamstring strain during Saturday's loss to the Diamondbacks, and he's considered day-to-day. He isn't expected to require a trip to the injured list, per Gordon Wittenmyer of NBC Sports Chicago. With Contreras out of the lineup for a second straight game, Yan Gomes will start behind the dish and bat fifth.

Contreras will bat second and play left field Monday against the Phillies.

Contreras has homered six times in 10 games this season, but he doesn't have a path to a major role behind the plate with Travis d'Arnaud hitting well and under contract through at least the end of next season. Contreras' inclusion in the lineup as an outfielder Monday is a clear sign that Atlanta wants to create as many opportunities for him as possible. He's only appeared in two games in the outfield as a professional, but he's a strong athlete for a catcher and should be able to hold his own.

Moreno (elbow) went 4-for-5 with a walk, a double, a home run and three RBI for Triple-A Buffalo on Saturday.

The Blue Jays' top fantasy prospect last started Thursday before getting hit by a pitch on his elbow, but Moreno looked 100 percent healthy Saturday and had another huge day at the plate. The long ball was his first in 29 games at Triple-A, including a cup of coffee at the level last year, but he boasts a .347/.407/.459 slash line through 108 plate appearances for Buffalo in 2022. Toronto doesn't have a big need for him behind the plate in the majors with Danny Jansen back in action, but a prolonged hot streak from Moreno could force the team's hand, especially if the front office is looking for someone to spark an offense that hasn't been meeting expectations this season.

Stallings went 2-for-3 with a walk, a double, a run scored and an RBI in Sunday's win over Atlanta.

The backstop continued a productive stretch that has seen him hit .333 (11-for-33) over his last 11 games (nine starts) with five runs scored and seven RBI. Stallings is having a disappointing season overall, with his .568 OPS being a significant decline from the .705 mark he posted over his final three seasons in Pittsburgh, but the 32-year-old remains Miami's starter behind the plate and still has time to bring his numbers up to their usual level.

Huff started at catcher and went 2-for-4 in Sunday's 5-2 loss to the Astros.

Huff continues his latest stint with the Rangers, backing up Jonah Heim while Mitch Garver serves as the designated hitter. Garver, who missed time due to an elbow injury, has not yet been cleared to throw, per Kennedi Landry of MLB.com, and will continue to serve as the primary DH. That means Huff should remain in the majors for now. He's batting .435 (10-for-23) with three RBI, a stolen base and two runs scored over seven games, and he's hit safely in all six of his starts.

Garver has not been cleared to throw and will continue as Texas' primary designated hitter, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

Garver returned Thursday from a stint on the injured list due to an elbow injury and served as DH in all four games. It's unclear how long it will take before Garver is back behind the plate, so DH is his role for the immediate future. After going hitless in his return, Garver is 3-for-11 over his last three games, including a solo home run Sunday.

Trevino isn't starting in the second game of Sunday's doubleheader against the White Sox.

Trevino started behind the dish in the first game of the twin bill and went 1-for-4 with two strikeouts. Rob Brantly will serve as the starting catcher and bat ninth during Sunday's nightcap.

Wallach is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the A's, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Wallach started the past four games but will head to the bench Sunday with Kurt Suzuki (illness) back from the COVID-19 injured list. Wallach should serve as the Halos' No. 2 catcher until Max Stassi (illness) also makes his return.

Bart will start at catcher and bat eighth in Sunday's game against the Padres.

Bart was on the bench for four of the Giants' last five games and appeared to be moving into the No. 2 role behind the plate, but he should now have some temporary security atop the depth chart after Curt Casali (concussion) was placed on the 7-day injured list Saturday. For the season, Bart is batting a disappointing .169 with four home runs in 86 plate appearances.

Higashioka (undisclosed) was placed on the COVID-19 injured list Sunday.

Higashioka will now step away from the team until he clears the league's testing protocols. Rob Brantly will join the big-league roster in a corresponding move and could start Game 2 of Sunday's doubleheader since Jose Trevino is behind the plate for the matinee.