MLB Player News

Stassi is not starting Thursday against the Athletics, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Stassi will stick on the bench for a second straight game as the Angels continue to rotate between three catchers. Kevan Smith is starting behind the dish and hitting ninth in this one.

Murphy made his first major-league start in a win over the Angels on Wednesday and went 1-for-3 with a solo home run.

Manager Bob Melvin had previously announced Murphy would make his highly anticipated big-league debut either Wednesday or Thursday, and he quickly made good on that promise. The promising backstop launched a 409-foot solo shot off Jake Jewell in the fifth inning for his first big-league hit and could eventually work his way up from the eighth spot in the order, out of which he operated against the Angels.

Diaz's solo homer ignited a ninth-inning rally in a 6-5 win over the Marlins on Wednesday.

With just two home runs to his credit, the catcher's offensive production has fallen off a cliff since 2018. An undisclosed viral infection delayed his season's start and it's possible that he never fully recovered. Whatever the case, Diaz's disappointing campaign includes a slash line of .254/.306/.325 in 291 plate appearances and his platoon role for 2020 is not guaranteed.

McCann is not in Thursday's lineup against the Indians.

Of the three catchers on the White Sox's roster, McCann is the odd man out in this one. Welington Castillo will start behind the dish while Zack Collins gets a start at first base.

Mejia (oblique) played catch up to 90 feet and participated in defensive and agility drills Wednesday, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

Manager Andy Green indicated that Mejia is still on track for a return this year as long as he continues to progress. The 23-year-old was placed on the 10-day injured list with a right oblique strain Aug. 30. He is hitting .263 with eight homers in 205 at-bats this season.

Barnhart is not in Thursday's lineup against the Phillies.

He is 2-for-11 with two walks and three strikeouts in four September games. Curt Casali will start behind the dish and hit sixth.

Stassi will be on the bench Wednesday against Oakland.

Stassi appears to be at the head of a three-man catching committee at the moment, starting five of the last nine games. Anthony Bemboom gets the nod behind the plate on this occasion.

Trevino is not starting Wednesday against the Yankees.

Trevino has been moving into the starting catching role for the Rangers, getting the nod in four out of five games heading into Wednesday's contest. Jeff Mathis starts behind the plate on this occasion.

Sanchez will sit Wednesday against the Rangers.

Sanchez has an excellent 1.393 OPS with five homers over his last seven games. He'll get a rest Wednesday, with Austin Romine starting behind the plate.

Garver (jaw) remains out of the lineup Wednesday against the Red Sox.

Normally, Garver would be leading off with a lefty (Eduardo Rodriguez) due up for the opposition, but he's still dealing with the effects of a foul tip to the mask. He emerged from Monday's game with a sore jaw but is considered day-to-day. Willians Astudillo will catch Wednesday with Max Kepler atop the batting order.