MLB Player News

Narvaez went 2-for-3 with a three-run home run in Monday's 5-3 loss to the Cubs.

He took Jason Adam deep in the seventh inning to provide the Brewers with their only offense of the night. Narvaez has hits in all three of his starts to begin the season, going 5-for-11 with one homer and four RBI.

Contreras went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run in Monday's win over the Brewers.

Contreras went deep against Milwaukee starter Brett Anderson during a four-run fourth inning, giving the Chicago catcher his first long ball of the season. Contreras had seven home runs in 57 games last season and posted a career-high 24 homers in the team's last full season back in 2019. He could certainly surpass that figure in 2021 if he stays healthy.

Jansen (knee) is being considered day-to-day after leaving Monday's game against Texas, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Jansen was removed from Monday's clash after being struck by a pitch on his knee. The team will likely re-evaluate the backstop Tuesday before determining his status for the second game of the series.

Murphy (wrist) will return to the lineup Monday against the Dodgers, Matt Kawahara of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Murphy was hit by a pitch on his wrist in the season opener and missed the next three games. The issue never seemed like a long-term problem, however. He'll catch and bat sixth Monday.

Jansen left Monday's game against the Rangers after a pitch hit his knee, Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun reports.

The severity of the injury is not yet clear. Alejandro Kirk took over for him behind the plate and would be in line for an increased role should he miss time.

Stassi isn't starting Monday's game against the Astros.

Stassi went 1-for-2 with two walks in Sunday's win over the White Sox, but he'll take a seat for Monday's series opener against Houston. Kurt Suzuki will start behind the dish, batting eighth.

Nola (finger) has recently resumed taking live batting practice, and he could soon be ready to take at-bats in simulated games at the Padres' alternate site, Jim Duquette of Sirius XM Radio reports.

Along with Trent Grisham (hamstring), Nola is one of two projected regulars in the San Diego lineup who opened the season on the 10-day injured list. Grisham has already resumed playing in simulated games and looks on track to return from the IL for this weekend's series with the Rangers, while Nola is slightly behind the outfielder in his recovery from a fractured finger on his left (catching) hand. In addition to picking up regular at-bats at the alternate site, Nola will need to prove that the fractured finger presents no issues for him defensively before the Padres are comfortable bringing him off the IL. Victor Caratini will continue to see the bulk of the work behind the plate while Nola is on the shelf.

Stephenson will return to a bench role for Monday's game against the Pirates.

Though Tucker Barnhart is back behind the plate for the series opener with Pittsburgh, Stephenson may have earned himself a larger share of playing time following a huge game Sunday. Stephenson posted a team-high three hits in the Reds' 12-1 win over the Cardinals, coming around to score three times while also driving in a run. Barnhart's defensive prowess is probably enough to keep him locked in atop the depth chart, but Stephenson's combination of power and on-base skills would likely make him one of the more intriguing fantasy catchers if he can capture a regular role at any point in 2021.

Jeffers will start at catcher and bat eighth Monday against the Tigers.

Jeffers will be behind the plate for the second time in four games to begin the season while Mitch Garver rests. The fact that Monday's series opener is a day game is likely the main reason that Garver is sitting, as the Twins aren't expected to have an even split of the catching starts throughout the season. Jeffers shouldn't be counted on to make more than two starts in most six- or seven-game weeks.

Garver is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Tigers.

The Twins are facing a quick turnaround from the weekend with Monday's game beginning at 1:10 p.m. ET, so Garver will be receiving a routine breather after he caught nine innings in Sunday's 8-2 win over the Brewers. Ryan Jeffers picks up a start behind the dish Monday.