MLB Player News

Mejia is out of the lineup for Saturday's game against the Cubs.

On the bench for the third time in four games, Mejia looks to have fallen into a timeshare at catcher with Austin Hedges after having appeared to seize control of primary duties in late June. A bat-first catcher, Mejia hasn't helped his case for sticking ahead of Hedges on the depth chart by supplying a lackluster .205/.244/.308 through 12 games this month.

Contreras (foot) is scheduled to take batting practice Saturday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Contreras' ability to face live pitching is an encouraging sign for his recovery from a strained arch muscle in his right foot, but the real test of his health will come when he resumes baserunning and catching duties. Until that happens, the Cubs likely won't be able to pinpoint a definitive target date for Contreras' return. In the meantime, Chicago will get by with a timeshare of Victor Caratini and Martin Maldonado at catcher.

Sanchez is out of the lineup for Saturday's game against the Rockies, Erik Boland of Newsday reports.

Sanchez played all nine innings in Friday's series-opening 8-2 win over the Rockies but had a rough day both at the plate and behind the dish. He finished 0-for-4 with a walk and a run scored and was charged with catcher's interference in the fifth inning, bringing Sanchez's error total up to 12 for the season. Austin Romine will fill in for him Saturday, but expect Sanchez to resume catching duties in the series finale Sunday.

Barnes isn't in the starting lineup for Friday's game against the Marlins.

Barnes will take a seat for the second time in the last three contests. Russell Martin is set to handle the catching duties and bat eighth with Barnes out of the lineup.

Barnhart (oblique) will take batting practice Saturday and could start a rehab assignment next week, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

Barnhart landed on the injured list with a right oblique strain at the end of June but appears to be nearing a rehab assignment. The Reds are in dire need of help behind the plate with Curt Casali (knee) and Kyle Farmer (concussion) also on the shelf, though Barnhart is unlikely to rejoin the team before August.

Gallagher is not in the lineup for Friday's game at Cleveland.

Gallagher has alternated starts over the last five games and that trend continues Friday with Meibrys Viloria starting behind the plate. It's not fully clear how playing time will be divided following the departure of Martin Maldonado via trade, but the 26-year-old Gallagher figures to see increased opportunities, regardless.

Garver is not in the lineup Friday against Oakland.

Garver had started five of the last seven games behind the plate. Jason Castro gets the nod for Friday's contest.

Wynns was recalled from Triple-A Norfolk on Friday.

Wynns was optioned to Triple-A in early June but returns to the majors with Pedro Severino battling an illness. Wynns seems likely to be shipped back to the minors once Severino is clear of the issue.

Wynns was recalled from Triple-A Norfolk on Friday.

Wynns was optioned to Triple-A in early June but returns to the majors with Pedro Severino battling an illness. Wynns seems likely to be shipped back to the minors once Severino is clear of the issue.

Diaz will start at catcher and bat eighth against the Phillies on Friday.

He has just five hits in his last 36 at-bats since June 28, good for a .139 batting average. Perhaps more importantly, Diaz has started only seven of 12 games in July as Jacob Stallings has become the personal catcher to both Chris Archer and Joe Musgrove. Diaz is 0-for-4 lifetime with three strikeouts against Friday's starter, Jake Arrieta.