MLB Player News

Nola (knee) caught a bullpen session and played long toss in addition to doing agility work earlier this week, MLB.com reports.

The backstop remains without a definite timeline for a return, but he appears to be progressing from the left knee sprain that put him on the shelf in late May. In addition to his recent activity, Nola has also been doing blocking drills and taking batting practice. Given his extended absence, he'll almost certainly need to go on a rehab assignment prior to rejoining the Padres.

Diaz went 3-for-4 with a double, three-run homer and strikeout in a 5-2 victory against St. Louis on Thursday.

Diaz has been scorching of late as he extended his hitting streak to five games and homer streak to three with his walk-off blast in the ninth. The hot streak has increased his slash line to .194/.273/.343, though Diaz has been much better of late following an abysmal opening two months.

Contreras isn't starting Thursday's game against the Mets.

Contreras has gone just 2-for-21 with a double, three walks and six RBI across his last seven appearances, and he'll retreat to the bench for the third time in the last four games. Kevan Smith will start behind the dish and bat eighth.

Barnhart isn't in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Padres.

Barnhart will retreat to the bench for the fourth time in the last seven games with left-hander Ryan Weathers starting for the Padres. Tyler Stephenson will start behind the plate and bat fourth.

Caratini isn't starting Thursday's game against Cincinnati.

Caratini has gone 1-for-7 with a walk and four strikeouts across the last two games, and he'll get a day off in Thursday's series finale. Webster Rivas will start at catcher and bat eighth.

Cleveland manager Terry Francona said Perez (finger) will resume his rehab assignment at Triple-A Columbus on Friday, Tom Withers of the Associated Press reports.

Perez, who has been on the shelf since early May after undergoing surgery to repair a fractured finger on his left hand, has thus far appeared in six games during his rehab assignment, going 2-for-12 with a 3:4 BB:K. He was removed in his rehab game Wednesday after bruising his hand, but follow-up examinations revealed nothing concerning. After getting Thursday off to rest, Perez is expected to be ready to catch for Columbus on Friday in what should be his final rehab appearance. If Perez comes out of Friday's game fine, Cleveland could activate him as soon as Saturday.

The Cardinals released Heineman on Thursday.

Heineman was cut loose from the Triple-A Memphis roster to make room for lefty reliever T.J. McFarland, who finalized a split contract with the Cardinals on Thursday. The 30-year-old switch-hitting backstop appeared in 21 games for Memphis, slashing .254/.325/.313 across 77 plate appearances.

Murphy isn't starting Thursday against the Rangers, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Murphy went 1-for-6 with an RBI and two strikeouts across the last two games, and he'll retreat to the bench for the second time in the last four contests. Aramis Garcia will start behind the plate and bat ninth.

Trevino was placed on the 10-day injured list with a right forearm contusion Thursday, retroactive to June 29.

Trevino was held out of the lineup for a fourth consecutive game Thursday after he suffered his forearm injury Tuesday, and he'll have additional time to recover while on the injured list. John Hicks is starting at catcher Thursday, but Jonah Heim could serve as the primary backstop in Trevino's absence. David Dahl (ribs) was reinstated from the 10-day IL in a corresponding move.

Trevino (forearm) isn't starting Thursday's game against the Athletics.

Trevino suffered a forearm contusion when he slipped in the bathroom Tuesday morning, and he'll be out of the lineup for a fourth consecutive game. The 28-year-old is still considered day-to-day for now, but John Hicks will start behind the dish and bat eighth Thursday.