MLB Player News

Mejia (illness) rejoined the Rays on Sunday after completing a quarantine and clearing all virus-related protocols, but he remains on the COVID-19 injured list, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.

Because he's been away from the team for just over a week, Mejia may need a few days to regain conditioning before the Rays are comfortable adding him back to the active roster. Whenever Mejia is ready to go, he'll replace Rene Pinto as the top backup behind No. 1 catcher Mike Zunino.

Huff went 1-for-3 with an RBI in Saturday's 3-1 win over Atlanta.

Huff, who was called up Thursday when Jonah Heim was added to the paternity list, made his first start. Heim's leave was scheduled to end Saturday, so Huff may return to Triple-A Round Rock on Sunday.

Gomes went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in a 9-1 loss to Milwaukee on Saturday.

Gomes was the only player to get to Milwaukee starter Eric Lauer on Saturday as his second inning solo shot proved to be Chicago's only run. After beginning the season 5-for-13, the veteran backstop went hitless in his next 15 at-bats prior to Saturday's performance. Gomes' seasonal line now sits at .217/.250/.304 through nine games.

Barnhart will sit Saturday against the Dodgers.

Barnhart had just two hits in his first seven games of the year but has since gone 8-for-20 in his last six games. He'll get a rest Saturday as Dustin Garneau takes over behind the plate.

Smith will sit Saturday against the Tigers, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

For the first time this year, Smith will be on the bench for two out of three games. He's hit the ball well as usual thus far this season, slashing .255/.364/.447 with a pair of homers. Austin Barnes will get the start behind the plate.

Diaz will sit Saturday against the Reds, Patrick Lyons of TheDNVR.com reports.

Diaz hits the bench despite the fact that he went 2-for-4 with a homer in the series opener. Dom Nunez will start behind the plate.

Narvaez will sit Saturday against the Cubs.

Narvaez has been in the lineup just once against a lefty this season, so it's no surprise to see him on the bench here against Justin Steele. Alex Jackson will get the start behind the plate.

Garver isn't starting Saturday's game against Atlanta.

Garver will get a day off after he went 3-for-11 with a solo homer, a walk and three strikeouts over his last three games. Sam Huff is starting behind the dish and batting ninth.

Nola will sit Saturday against Pittsburgh.

Nola sits for the second time in three games. He's yet to get going at the plate this season, hitting .200/.282/.267. Jorge Alfaro will get the start behind the dish.

Vazquez isn't starting Saturday against Baltimore, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Vazquez started in the last two games and went 1-for-6 with a strikeout. Kevin Plawecki is starting behind the dish and batting eighth.