MLB Player News

Grandal went 2-for-4 with a home run, two RBI and a walk in Tuesday's loss to the Diamondbacks.

Grandal hit a solo home run in the third, and then had an RBI single in the fifth. The multi-hit affair came after a six-game hitless streak, but Grandal's slash line still sits at a favorable .280/.381/.505. The backstop's 23 RBI and 17 runs are both good for second among MLB catchers, trailing only Gary Sanchez of the Yankees.

Cubs manager Joe Maddon indicated that Caratini could play positions besides catcher and first base at some point this season, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.

Caratini has made eight appearances behind the plate and five appearances at first base this season, but has not played anywhere else on the diamond. The 24-year-old logged a single inning in the outfield for the Cubs last year, and it stands to reason that he could get some time in right or left at some point in 2018, though it remains to be seen if he'll gain eligibility at any additional positions.

Mesoraco was traded from the Reds to the Mets on Tuesday in exchange for Matt Harvey.

With Travis d'Arnaud (elbow) out for the remainder of the season and Kevin Plawecki (hand) without a timetable for his return, the Mets opted to bring in Mesoraco. The 29-year-old backstop is hitting just .220/.289/.341 through 18 games this season, but he's proven he can be a serviceable backstop when healthy, as evidenced by his 2014 All-Star campaign. That said, he's played just 113 games over the past four seasons combined due to injuries, so staying healthy is far from a given. Mesoraco should be given the opportunity to take over as the team's primary catcher. He'll be available for Tuesday's game against his former team.

Barnhart is starting at catcher and hitting seventh Tuesday against the Mets.

Barnhart was originally scheduled to get the night off, but he was thrust into the lineup when the Reds traded backup catcher Devin Mesoraco to the Mets in exchange for Matt Harvey. He'll face Jason Vargas.

Contreras is not in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Marlins.

Contreras will head to the bench for what appears to be a regular night off with the Cubs scheduled for a day game Wednesday. Victor Caratini will start behind the dish and hit fifth in his stead.

Maldonado was activated from the bereavement list Tuesday. He is starting at catcher and hitting eighth against the Rockies.

Maldonado is back with the Angels after spending the weekend away from the team on the bereavement list. The backstop, who is hitting .213/.306/.307 through 23 games this season, will face Jon Gray in his first game back. Juan Graterol was sent to the minors in a corresponding move.

Barnhart is not in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Mets.

Barnhart will head to the bench for what appears to be a regular night off with a day game on tap Wednesday. The 27-year-old is hitting .247/.357/.376 with two homers through 30 games this season. Devin Mesoraco will start behind the dish and hit seventh in his stead.

Mejia was removed from Tuesday's game with Triple-A Columbus after being hit by a pitch on the left forearm, John Wagner of The Toledo Blade reports.

Mejia initially remained in the game after taking a pitch off his forearm in the top of the eighth inning, but he was replaced behind the dish prior to the bottom half of the frame. He'll undergo further evaluation Wednesday.

Caratini went 2-for-4 with a walk and two runs scored in Monday's win over the Marlins.

Caratini started at first base in this one, something he's now done five times this season. The 24-year-old is the primary backup to Willson Contreras behind the plate, but his ability to play first is getting him a little added playing time. Caratini is now hitting .292 through 48 at-bats.

Garver is not in the lineup Monday against the Cardinals, Phil Miller of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Garver was expected to handle the bulk of catching duties with Jason Castro (knee) on the disabled list, but he'll head to the bench for a second straight game while Bobby Wilson picks up another start behind the dish Monday. It's unclear if Garver is dealing with an injury or if the Twins expect to proceed with Wilson as their primary backstop until Castro is healthy, but it may be something worth monitoring. The 27-year-old is hitting .250/.302/.450 with two homers through 43 plate appearances this season.