MLB Player News

Barnhart isn't starting Wednesday's game against the Twins.

Barnhart will get a breather after he went 2-for-6 with a double, two runs and two strikeouts in his last two appearances. Eric Haase will start behind the dish and bat eighth.

Kirk isn't starting Wednesday against the Red Sox.

Kirk has gone 2-for-12 with two walks in his last five appearances, and he'll retreat to the bench for the third time in the last four games. Tyler Heineman will take over behind the dish and bat ninth.

Vazquez isn't in the lineup Wednesday against the Blue Jays, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Vazquez will be out of the lineup for the second time in the last three games after he went 2-for-3 with a run, a walk and a strikeout Tuesday against Toronto. Kevin Plawecki will start behind the plate and bat ninth.

Higashioka is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Orioles.

Higashioka is sitting for the fourth time in six games and looks to have fallen behind Jose Trevino on the depth chart at catcher. The 32-year-old Higashioka could be at risk of a demotion to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre whenever fellow backstop Ben Rortvedt (oblique) is cleared to return from the 10-day injured list.

Stubbs will start at catcher and bat ninth Wednesday against the Rockies, Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Stubbs will be making just his fifth appearance of the season through the Phillies' first 19 games, as top backstop J.T. Realmuto has shouldered one of the heaviest workloads among all MLB catchers thus far in April. The Phillies will finally extend Realmuto a breather after 10 consecutive turns behind the dish, allowing Stubbs to pick up his first start since April 15.

Realmuto isn't starting Wednesday's game against the Rockies.

Realmuto went 4-for-12 with two doubles, three runs, an RBI, a stolen base and three strikeouts in his last three appearances, and he'll get his first day off since April 15. Garrett Stubbs will start behind the plate and bat ninth.

Stephenson (concussion) participated in agility drills and ran on the field prior to Wednesday's game against the Padres, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Stephenson is eligible to return from the 7-day injured list as early as Wednesday, but manager David Bell said Sunday that he isn't sure whether the catcher will be back in action in time for the team's weekend series against Colorado. While it was encouraging to see Stephenson participate in some work Wednesday, it's not yet clear when he'll return to game action. Aramis Garcia is starting behind the plate once again Wednesday.

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

Herrera will take a seat for the series finale, as No. 1 backstop Carson Kelly checks back into the Arizona lineup. Though Kelly remains atop the depth chart, his ongoing struggles at the dish have opened the door for Herrera to push for a larger share of the catching duties. Herrera and Kelly have now alternated turns behind the dish over the last seven games.

Grandal is serving as the designated hitter in Wednesday's matchup against the Royals, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

Grandal exited Tuesday's loss to Kansas City since he was experiencing some leg soreness after sliding into second base. Although he won't be behind the dish Wednesday, he's been cleared to remain in the lineup. The 33-year-old has gone 3-for-10 with two doubles, an RBI, two walks and three strikeouts in his last three appearance.

Smith is not starting Wednesday versus the Diamondbacks, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

Smith started each of the last two games at catcher, going 3-for-7 with a double, homer and four RBI, but he'll take a seat Wednesday. Austin Barnes will start behind the plate and bat ninth as the Dodgers finish their series against the Diamondbacks.