MLB Player News

Contreras, who is under team control through 2022, said he would "love to stay here" when asked about the possibility of a contract extension this offseason, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Now the team's longest-tenured player following midseason trades of Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo and Javier Baez, Contreras said he would like to stick around in Chicago as the club rebuilds, though he admitted he'd like to see the organization approach that process aggressively before deciding on an extension. "I'm not sure how long it's going to take," Contreras said. "I wish I could have a timeframe for that rebuild, but I'm here to help this team to win in as many ways as I can." The 29-year-old catcher has a .778 OPS and 21 home runs this season, and he should remain among the top fantasy options at the position next year at age 30.

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.