MLB Player News

Smith went 1-for-3 with a solo homer and a walk in a win over the Rockies on Sunday.

Smith's solo shot in the eighth inning snapped a streak of 13 games without going deep. It was also his first extra-base hit in a brutal September in which the 24-year-old has gone 5-for-44 (.114) with 14 strikeouts. Despite the rough month, Smith remains one of the better hitting backstops in the National League, posting a .242/.318/.561 slash line with 14 homers and 37 RBI in only 50 games this season.

Garver was removed from Sunday's game with right hip tightness and was pulled for precautionary reasons, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

With the Twins preparing for a run in the playoffs, they want everyone at full health, which is why they were taking no chances by removing Garver from the game after he was experiencing some hip tightness. The team has a day off Monday, which will give Garver some extra time to heal up before it takes on the Tigers in Detroit on Tuesday. It is not guaranteed that Garver plays Tuesday as he is listed as day-to-day. Jason Castro figures to draw the next start if Garver isn't able to go.

Mejia is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Diamondbacks.

Austin Hedges will step in behind the dish for the day game after Mejia started at catcher in Saturday's 4-2 loss. Mejia has gone 2-for-7 with a walk in two games since returning from the injured list Sept. 17.

Diaz (knee) is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Brewers.

Diaz left Saturday's game with a right knee injury, and the setback will prevent him from starting Sunday. The extent of Diaz's injury is uncertain, so it remains to be seen if he will be back in the lineup for the Pirates' next game Tuesday against the Cubs.

Contreras is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Cardinals.

Contreras was held out Saturday to get some rest, and he will open on the bench for a second straight day Sunday with Victor Caratini catching Yu Darvish like he usually does. Contreras should be available to pinch hit and figures to be back behind the plate for the Cubs' next game Tuesday in Pittsburgh.

Narvaez is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Orioles.

Narvaez went 12-for-29 (.414) with three homers over his last eight games, but manager Scott Servais decided to hold him out of the lineup Sunday for the second day in a row. Austin Nola will handle the catching duties after Tom Murphy was behind the plate Saturday.

Diaz exited Saturday's contest early with a right knee injury, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports.

Diaz exited the game in the fourth inning due to the injury and Steve Baron took over behind the plate. The extent of the injury remains unknown for the time being, though if Diaz is forced to miss more time, Baron would serve as the backup catcher behind Jacob Stallings.

Diaz left Saturday's game with an apparent injury to his right leg.

He injured himself reaching for a pitch while catching. Diaz needed assistance walking off the field but was able to put pressure on his injured right leg. Steve Baron replaced him behind the plate.

Garver is not in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Royals.

Jason Castro will step in behind the plate, pushing Garver to the bench following back-to-back starts. With a .277 average, 31 homers, 67 RBI and 68 runs, Garver currently ranks behind only J.T. Realmuto among catchers in year-to-date fantasy value.

Nola is not in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Orioles, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

Nola has been playing close to every day for Seattle, and he's still hitting enough to justify the playing time (.884 OPS, three homers in September). He should be back in there Sunday to face lefty John Means.