MLB Player News

Kirk is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Yankees.

Though he'll take a seat Wednesday, Kirk may have inched ahead of Danny Jansen as the Blue Jays' preferred backstop. The rookie made a splash while starting behind the dish in the first two games of the series, going 5-for-7 with a home run and a double. Jansen, meanwhile, has two extra-base hits in his last 16 games combined.

Garver will sit Wednesday against the Tigers.

Garver has been quite disappointing at the plate this season, as his .152/.240/.242 slash line could hardly be more different from his .273/.365/.630 line from his breakout 2019 campaign. He did at least hit his second homer of the year Tuesday, however. He won't get to follow that performance up here, as it will be Ryan Jeffers who gets the nod behind the plate.

Realmuto will start at first base and will bat cleanup Wednesday against the Nationals.

Realmuto has previously made four appearances at first base this season, but he'll be picking up his first start at the position Wednesday. Since Realmuto still not 100 percent healthy after recently missing a week and a half with a hip injury, the Phillies are reluctant to expose him to catching duties. Rhys Hoskins (elbow) is unlikely to return before Sunday's regular-season finale, so Realmuto could have the opportunity to make up to three more starts at the position after Wednesday. That may be enough to allow Realmuto to head into 2021 with eligibility at both catcher and first base in certain fantasy leagues.

Stephenson was optioned to the Reds' player pool Wednesday.

Stephenson saw minimal playing time in recent games, and he'll now be removed from the active roster as the regular season winds down. The 24-year-old showed promise over a limited sample this season, slashing .294/.400/.647 with two home runs, six RBI and nine strikeouts over 17 at-bats this season.

Vazquez is not in the lineup Wednesday against the Orioles.

Vazquez hits the bench despite homering Tuesday. Kevin Plawecki takes over behind the plate in his absence.

D'Arnaud isn't starting Wednesday's game against the Marlins.

D'Arnaud has gone 15-for-40 with two home runs and eight RBI over the last 10 games, and he'll get a breather Wednesday. Tyler Flowers will start behind the dish in his place.

Caratini isn't starting Wednesday against the Pirates.

Caratini will hit the bench for a second consecutive game as his playing time has dipped recently. Kyle Schwarber will serve as the designated hitter Wednesday with Cameron Maybin starting in left field.

Stassi is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Padres.

Stassi will receive a breather one day after turning in his best game of the season in Tuesday's 4-2 win, during which he went 4-for-4 with two home runs and three RBI. Anthony Bemboom will draw the starting nod behind the dish Wednesday, but Stassi should be back as the Angels' starting catcher in Friday's series opener against the Dodgers.

Nola is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Angels.

Nola sits for the second time in three games, giving way to Jason Castro behind the dish. With Nola slashing .189/.295/.358 since coming over in a trade with Seattle on Aug. 30, he could be in danger of falling into a timeshare at catcher with Castro heading into the postseason.

Grandal (hand) remains on the bench Tuesday against Cleveland.

Grandal exited Monday's game with a bruised hand and did not start Tuesday's contest, though he did appear off the bench. That would suggest he's not far from being able to return to the lineup, though the White Sox have already clinched a playoff spot, so they have very little reason to rush him.