MLB Player News

Contreras (forearm) will start at catcher and bat fourth against the Cardinals on Friday.

A bruised forearm prevented Contreras from playing in Wednesday's series finale against Texas, but after being checked out by team doctors Friday, the 27-year-old backstop has been cleared to return behind the plate. He's been hitting the ball well since the start of the month, going 10-for-30 with two RBI and seven runs scored through eight games in September.

Smith (hand) isn't in the lineup for Friday's game against the Giants.

Smith will head to the bench for the second straight game and the seventh time in the Dodgers' last eight contests while he continues to nurse a sore right hand. Ben Rortvedt will receive another start at catcher as a result and bat ninth.

Diaz is out of the lineup for Friday's game against Atlanta.

Diaz will take a seat Friday after making five consecutive starts behind the plate, allowing Victor Caratini to catch. Diaz has logged multiple hits in three of his last five games.

Houston optioned Salazar to Triple-A Sugar Land on Friday, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

With Yainer Diaz and Victor Caratini at full health, Salazar is expendable. He'll lose his spot on the active roster in order for Zach Cole to have his contract selected. Salazar is 3-for-13 (.231) with a 2:2 BB:K in 11 big-league games this season.

Dingler is not in the lineup for Friday's contest in Miami.

Dingler will get a breather after catching each of the previous three games. Jake Rogers will be behind the plate and bat ninth for the Tigers.

Higashioka is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Mets.

Higashioka is out of the lineup for the second time in three games, yielding to Jonah Heim behind the dish for Friday's series opener. In his last 11 games, Higashioka is 10-for-40 with two home runs and three doubles.

Realmuto is absent from the lineup for Friday's game against the Royals.

Realmuto will receive a well-earned day off after catching all four games this week against the Mets. Rafael Marchan will be behind the dish and batting ninth for the Phillies on Friday.

Quero is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Guardians.

Quero will get the day off Friday after making three straight starts -- two at DH and one at catcher. Kyle Teel will slot in behind the plate while Andrew Benintendi serves as the designated hitter.

Rushing (lower leg) began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City on Thursday, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

Rushing has been sidelined since Saturday with a shin injury, but it appears that he has the chance to be activated after a minimum stint on the injured list. He went 1-for-4 with a double and caught all nine innings of Thursday's game.

Dingler went 2-for-4 with a solo homer and an RBI single during the Tigers' 9-3 loss to the Yankees on Thursday.

Dingler put the Tigers on the board in the second inning with an RBI single before logging his second RBI of the night on a solo homer in the seventh. Dingler has been hot at the plate as of late, having gone 14-for-37 (.378) with two home runs and four RBI over his last 10 games.