MLB Player News

Maldonado is out of Friday's lineup against the Dodgers, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

He had started five of the previous six games. Jose Briceno will start behind the dish and hit ninth.

Murphy was a late scratch from Friday's lineup against the Mariners, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

It is unclear why Murphy was scratched. Tony Wolters will slot in behind the dish, hitting ninth.

Contreras went 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored in Friday's loss to the Reds.

The Cubs had just eight hits and two runs, but Contreras was still productive from the No. 7 spot in the lineup. The 26-year-old catcher has been locked in lately, going 16-for-34 over his last 10 games with two home runs and 10 RBI. Chicago has a number of strong options in its lineup, but Contreras could move himself up in the order if he keeps hitting like this. He's now batting .287 this season with an .840 OPS.

Mesoraco (head) will catch and bat seventh against Tampa Bay on Friday.

Mesoraco didn't play Wednesday after taking a couple shots to the head during Tuesday's game, but he will be back in action following a scheduled off day. Across 54 games this year, he's hitting .225 with a .736 OPS.

Barnhart is not in the lineup against the Cubs on Friday, Bobby Nightengale of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Barnhart will receive a day off after going 0-for-5 during Wednesday's series finale versus the White Sox. In his place, Curt Casali will handle the catching duties and bat seventh.

Hedges went 2-for-4 with a solo home run Thursday against the Diamondbacks.

Hedges drove an offering from Shelby Miller deep over the left field wall for his third home run of the season. It was his first since coming off the disabled list June 24, one of the few positive signs since his return. In 23 at-bats since getting back on the field, Hedges has managed six hits but struck out nine times.

Stassi (forearm) is back in the lineup against the White Sox on Thursday.

Stassi will handle the catching duties and bat eighth in the order. He was forced to miss Wednesday's game after getting struck by a pitch on his right forearm Tuesday. Over 49 games this year, he's hit .255/.340/.482 with seven home runs and 22 RBI.

Garver is out of the lineup against Baltimore on Thursday.

Garver will take a seat after going 0-for-3 during Wednesday's game after the Brewers. Bobby Wilson will handle the catching duties for the third time in the past four games.

McCann is out of the lineup against the Rangers on Thursday, Stefan Stevenson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

John Hicks will handle the catching duties and spell McCann after the latter started the past four games. Look for McCann to return to the starting lineup Friday.

Perez (ankle) had his rehabilitation assignment moved from Double-A Frisco to Triple-A Round Rock, Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reports.

Perez, who was placed on the 10-day disabled list June 16 with a right ankle sprain, went 4-for-16 at Frisco since beginning a rehab assignment June 28. The Rangers can keep him on rehab another 13 days.