MLB Player News

Rutschman went 1-for-3 with a triple and a walk in Saturday's 6-1 loss to the Rays.

Rutschman only had to wait until his third plate appearance to get his first big-league hit, and it was a rare triple for the catcher. He had only three career triples and four stolen bases during his short rise through the minors, so he shouldn't be expected to be much of a speed threat. He'll get to rest his legs Sunday -- the top prospect is batting fifth as the designated hitter in the series finale versus the Rays.

Heim is out of the lineup for Sunday's game at Houston.

The 26-year-old started the past four games and will receive a day off in the series finale versus the Astros. Mitch Garver has returned from the injured list but is limited to serving as the designated hitter, so Heim will continue to work as Texas' primary catcher while Sam Huff, who is starting Sunday, operates as the No. 2 option.

Jeffers is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Royals, Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic reports.

Jeffers is 3-for-7 with a double, a walk, two RBI and three runs in his last two contests but will take a seat for the second time in Minnesota's past three games. Gary Sanchez will work behind the plate while Kyle Garlick serves as the designated hitter.

Smith is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Phillies.

Smith will get some maintenance after he caught each of the Dodgers' last three games while going 3-for-11 with a home run, a double, three walks and two runs during that stretch. Austin Barnes replaces Smith behind the dish in the series finale in Philadelphia.

Contreras (hamstring) is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Diamondbacks.

Per Bruce Levine of 670TheScore.com, Contreras is considered day-to-day after straining his right hamstring in Saturday's 7-6 loss, but the Cubs had enough concern about the backstop's health to call up another catcher (P.J. Higgins) from Triple-A Iowa ahead of Sunday's series finale. Higgins will draw the start behind the plate in place of Contreras, who will hope to return at some point during the Cubs' upcoming four-game series in Cincinnati that begins Monday.

Realmuto is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Dodgers, Alex Coffey of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Realmuto will take a seat for the second Sunday in a row, ending a stretch of five consecutive starts for the 31-year-old. Garrett Stubbs will check in behind the plate in place of Realmuto.

Kirk is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Reds.

Kirk is 4-for-19 with two doubles, four walks, two RBI and a run over his past seven contests and will head to the bench Sunday for the second time in the past three games. Danny Jansen will take over behind the plate and bat seventh.

Perez is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Cardinals.

Perez will hit the bench after he caught both of the Pirates' first two games of the series with the Cardinals, going hitless across seven at-bats. Tyler Heineman will replace Perez behind the dish in the series finale.

Vazquez is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Mariners, Bill Koch of The Providence Journal reports.

Vazquez will receive some maintenance after he caught each of Boston's last four games while going a collective 5-for-14 with a double, three RBI and a run. Kevin Plawecki will step in for Vazquez behind the plate, forming a battery with starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi.

Smith went 1-for-4 with a solo home run and a walk in Saturday's 7-4 win over the Phillies.

The Dodgers trailed by one run entering the sixth inning before Smith cranked a solo shot to right field to tie the score. The long ball was his second during his modest four-game hitting streak. Smith has gone 4-for-15 during the stretch with three walks and three runs in addition to the pair of solo homers.