MLB Player News

Nola (thumb) was transferred to the 60-day injured list Friday.

Nola's shift to the 60-day IL is simply procedural since the catcher will require season-ending thumb surgery. Victor Caratini will continue to serve as the primary catcher during the final series of the regular season, while Friday's transaction helps to make room for right-hander Pedro Avila, whose contract was selected from Triple-A El Paso on Friday.

Stassi isn't starting Friday against the Mariners.

Stassi went 0-for-5 with two strikeouts Thursday and will head back to the bench as he continues to alternate starts behind the dish. Kurt Suzuki will start at catcher and bat cleanup.

Smith isn't starting Friday's game against Milwaukee, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

Smith had started each of the last three games, and he went 1-for-11 with a run, an RBI and a walk. Austin Barnes will start behind the dish and bat eighth.

Stallings isn't starting Friday's game against the Reds.

Stallings has gone 3-for-8 with a run and a strikeout across his last two appearances, and he'll head to the bench for the second time in the last three games. Michael Perez will start behind the plate and bat sixth.

Perez will sit Friday against the Rangers.

Perez and Austin Hedges have alternated starts behind the plate for the last eight games. Hedges will catch Eli Morgan on Friday, but Perez should return to the lineup Saturday if the pattern continues.

Contreras isn't starting Friday's game against the Cardinals.

Contreras returned to the lineup two games ago and has gone 4-for-8 with two doubles, four RBI and two runs since. Erick Castillo will start behind the dish and bat eighth.

Maldonado will sit Friday against Oakland, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Maldonado left Wednesday's game against the Rays with a sore shoulder but started Thursday's contest. It's unclear if his absence Friday is injury-related or if he's simply been rewarded with a day off alongside several teammates after the Astros clinched the division title Thursday.

Fortes isn't starting Friday's game against the Phillies, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Fortes has gone 0-for-12 with five strikeouts across his last four appearances, and he'll retreat to the bench for the third time in the last four games. Payton Henry will start at catcher and bat sixth.

D'Arnaud is out of the lineup Friday against the Mets.

D'Arnaud will receive a day off after starting the past seven games after Atlanta clinched the NL East division title Thursday. Williams Contreras will start behind the plate and bat eighth.

Sanchez will sit Friday against the Rays.

Sanchez hasn't started behind the plate for three straight games, though he did serve as the designated hitter Thursday, going 0-for-3 with three strikeouts. Kyle Higashioka remains the starting catcher Friday.