MLB Player News

Garver went 2-for-4 with a double, two RBI and a run scored in Friday's 10-3 loss to the Angels.

Garver tied the game at 2-2 with his two-run double in the sixth inning and later came around to score the go-ahead run before the Angels' bats caught fire. The 6-foot-1 catcher is up to four extra-base hits and six RBI this season.

Contreras went 2-for-4 with a solo home run and a strikeout in Friday's loss to Atlanta.

Contreras was hit by a pitch in his first at-bat Friday, but he responded with his third home run of the year in the fifth inning. The 28-year-old is now slashing .257/.413/.514 with seven runs and four RBI to begin the season.

Nola (finger) has taken a "significant step" in his recovery and is close to playing in games at the Padres' alternate training site, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

Nola's return to action hasn't been as smooth as initially hoped, and the backstop has already exceeded the minimum stay on the 10-day injured list. "He's been having a good day, then having a bad day, continue that road," explained manager Jayce Tingler. "[Friday] was one of the better days he's had, where the swelling in that finger has been staying down...Obviously, we've still got a ways to go, but certainly happy to hear that some of the swelling has not popped up." Tingler indicated that Nola is getting closer to taking part in games at the team's alternate site but did not provide a date or timeframe for when that may occur.

Maldonado (COVID-19 protocols) is unlikely to return during the Astros' current five-game road trip, Jake Kaplan of The Athletic reports.

Maldonado was one of five Astros who landed on the COVID-19 injured list Wednesday. The team hasn't announced whether Maldonado has tested positive for the virus, but manager Dusty Baker said Friday that none of the five players are likely to return before the Astros return home Thursday. Jason Castro and Garrett Stubbs should continue to fill in behind the plate in Maldonado's absence.

Caratini isn't starting Friday's game against the Dodgers.

Caratini will retreat to the bench for a second straight contest after he went 1-for-11 with a double and one RBI in his last four games. Luis Campusano will start behind the dish Friday, batting eighth.

Gomes is not in the lineup Friday against Arizona.

Gomes hits the bench after starting behind the plate in two straight games. Alex Avila will get the nod in his absence.

Barnhart will remain on the bench for Friday's game against Cleveland.

Barnhart sits for back-to-back games for the first time this season. He's now been in the lineup for eight of the Reds' first 13 games, with Tyler Stephenson, who starts Friday, getting the nod five times.

Mejia went 2-for-4 in Thursday's 6-4 extra-inning loss to Texas.

The backup catcher has started strong at the plate this season, hitting .300 in 20 at-bats with only one strikeout. A former top prospect, Mejia has been involved in multiple blockbuster trades throughout his career but has yet to live up to high offensive expectations. That being said, his performance early in 2021 has been promising, and if it continues it may be enough to earn Mejia more opportunities over starter Mike Zunino, who's never hit for a respectable average and has begun this year no differently.

Perez is not starting Thursday against the White Sox, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

Perez has handled a fairly heavy workload behind the plate this season, as Thursday's day off will be just his third in 12 games. Austin Hedges will get the nod in his absence.

Garver isn't starting Thursday's game against Boston, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Garver went 1-for-4 with two strikeouts in the second game of Wednesday's doubleheader against the Red Sox. Ryan Jeffers will start behind the dish for Thursday's series finale, batting eighth.