MLB Player News

Atlanta reinstated Jackson (hamstring) from the 60-day injured list Wednesday and optioned him to Triple-A Gwinnett.

Though Travis d'Arnaud (thumb) is expected to remain sidelined through mid-August, Jackson wasn't needed to provide catching depth at the big-league level with Atlanta having acquired a pair of veteran backstops (Stephen Vogt and Kevan Smith) while the 25-year-old was on the shelf. Jackson will likely share time behind the plate at Gwinnett with William Contreras, who was demoted shortly before the All-Star break after struggling at the dish during his time as Atlanta's No. 1 catcher. Jackson enjoyed a productive rehab assignment at Triple-A, going 17-for-60 (.283 average) with four home runs, seven doubles and 15 RBI in 14 games.

Mejia went 2-for-4 with a triple, a home run, two runs scored and five RBI in Tuesday's 9-3 win over the Orioles.

The catcher launched a two-run shot off John Means in the fourth inning, then added some insurance with a bases-loaded triple in the eighth off Shaun Anderson. Mejia's outburst was either shocking or long overdue, depending on your perspective -- he hadn't gone yard since May 23 and hadn't even collected an RBI since June 22. On the season, he's slashing .255/.317/.416 with four homers and 19 RBI through 50 games.

Smith drilled a walkoff three-run home run in his only at-bat against the Giants on Tuesday.

The backstop got a scheduled breather Tuesday, as Austin Barnes started the contest behind the plate for Los Angeles. However, Smith was summoned to pinch hit with two runners on base and the Dodgers down a run in the ninth inning. After looking at a strike on Tyler Rogers' first pitch, Smith sent the following offering 419 feet over the left-field wall to give the Dodgers the big win. Smith has been one of the best offensive catchers in baseball this season with a .264/.369/.475 slash line, 12 home runs and 42 RBI. Over his past four games, he has gone 6-for-12 with two homers and 10 RBI.

Haase went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Tuesday's 4-1 win over the Rangers.

Haase led off the fifth inning with a solo shot off Dane Dunning. The homer marks his first since July 8 and just his second hit since coming back from the All-Star break. Still, the Detroit native is enjoying a career year, and his utility as either a catcher or left fielder makes him an interesting fantasy player.

Smith is not in the lineup Tuesday against the Giants, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

After starting the past two contests, Smith will head to the bench for Tuesday's game. Austin Barnes will work behind the plate in his absence.

Kirk (hip) was reinstated from the 10-day injured list Tuesday and optioned to Triple-A Buffalo.

Kirk began a rehab assignment with Buffalo in late June and has gone 11-for-45 with a homer, two doubles and six RBI. With Reese McGuire and Danny Jansen currently handling the big-league catching duties, Kirk will remain in Triple-A for the time being.

Stallings is not in the lineup Tuesday against the Diamondbacks.

Stallings is 5-for-12 with a grand slam in four games since the All-Star break and will head to the bench for the second time in the past three days. Michael Perez will work behind the plate in his place.

Grandal (knee) threw and took some swings Tuesday, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Manager Tony La Russa said the fact that Grandal is not limping is an encouraging sign, and it suggests he may be slightly ahead of schedule in his recovery from left knee surgery. It's unclear when the catcher will be ready for activation, but all signs have pointed to his returning before the regular season concludes.

Manager Jayce Tingler said Tuesday that Nola (knee) could be activated from the 10-day injured list during the upcoming weekend series against the Marlins, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

Tingler didn't provide a specific day for when the backstop could be reinstated, but the update suggests he could be activated as soon as Thursday's series opener. Nola has been out since May 24 with a left knee sprain, and he figures to resume sharing the catching duties with Victor Caratini when he returns.

Perez Is on the bench for Tuesday's game against the Astros.

Perez went 0-for-2 with a pair of walks Monday and is now hitting .241 with three home runs and six RBI in eight games since returning from his finger injury. Austin Hedges will start behind the dish and bat eighth Tuesday.