MLB Player News

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.

Stassi (forearm) is not expected to miss significant time, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Stassi was held out Wednesday after taking a pitch off his right forearm Tuesday. Manager A.J. Hinch is hoping to play Stassi "in the next day or so" as the Astros kick off a home series with the White Sox on Thursday. In the meantime, Tim Federowicz will fill in as the primary catcher while Evan Gattis is the backup.

Grandal went 2-for-3 with a double, three RBI and a run scored in Wednesday's 6-4 win over the Pirates.

Grandal followed up his 12th home run Tuesday with another strong day at the plate Wednesday. The switch-hitting catcher has gotten off to a 7-for-10 start through four July contests, after struggling mightily in the month of June (.162/.197/.324). Grandal will still cede starts to Austin Barnes against southpaws, but the streaky hitter appears to be locked in at the dish for the time being.