MLB Player News

Contreras (hamstring) will begin a rehab assignment with High-A Myrtle Beach on Thursday, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.

Contreras is set to begin the final stage of his rehab program after being placed on the disabled list with a hamstring strain on Aug. 11. It's unclear how many minor-league contests the catcher will appear in, but it seems that he's on track to return to the majors during this weekend's series against the Brewers.

Maldonado went 2-for-4 with a pair of home runs and three RBI in Monday's win over the Athletics.

The veteran backstop has put together a solid week -- by his standards -- with a .259 batting average and three homers over his last seven contests. His overall numbers leave much to be desired (.227/.288/.385), but Maldonado's career-high 14 homers put him on the map in two-catcher leagues.

Manager Joe Maddon said Contreras (hamstring) is "really close" to returning, Patrick Mooney of CSN Chicago reports.

He was able to run the bases with no issue during batting practice Monday, and Maddon indicated Contreras' next step may be a minor-league rehab assignment -- assuming an affiliate is in the playoffs. If not, the Cubs will likely get him up to game speed through simulated games. While he's close, Contreras still remains without a concrete return date.

Grandal is not in the lineup for Monday's game against the Diamondbacks, Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Grandal will head to the bench against southpaw Robbie Ray after starting four of the last five games behind the dish. In his place, Austin Barnes will start at backstop, batting fifth.

Stassi (hand) was activated from the 10-day disabled list Monday.

Stassi was sidelined for just over the minimum amount of time with left hand inflammation and was cleared to return after a successful three-game rehab assignment with Double-A Corpus Christi. With Brian McCann's top backup at catcher, Evan Gattis (wrist), on track to return from the DL by the weekend, Stassi and Juan Centeno won't be in store for much work behind the plate -- if any -- before the season concludes.

Diaz will start at catcher and bat eighth Monday against the Cubs.

With Diaz picking up his third consecutive start Monday, it looks as though he'll be the Pirates' top option behind the plate until Francisco Cervelli (quadriceps) returns from the disabled list, perhaps later in the week. The non-contending Pirates probably aren't eager to use Cervelli on a full-time basis in September given the multitude of injuries he's dealt with this season, so Diaz could be in store for semi-regular work even after Cervelli returns.

Stewart is out of the lineup Monday against the Cubs.

Stewart had started four straight games earlier in the week, but Labor Day will mark his third consecutive absence from the starting lineup. Elias Diaz, who is 3-for-17 at the dish since getting the call Aug. 26, will draw yet another start Monday.

Mejia will serve as the Indians' designated hitter and bat eighth Monday against the White Sox.

Both of the Tribe's top two catchers, Yan Gomes and Roberto Perez, have struggled at the dish for the balance of the season, but Perez in particular has heated up of late to become a key part of the Indians' 11-game winning streak. As a result, it's not expected that Mejia, one of the top catching prospects in all of baseball, will be in store for much duty behind the plate in September, but with Edwin Encarnacion receiving the day off to rest, manager Terry Francona will hand the 21-year-old his first career start in the majors. Mejia had previously appeared as a pinch hitter in two contests, going 0-for-2 with a run scored.

Perez is in the starting lineup Monday against Detroit.

Perez will shoulder the catching duties for a second straight day, proving his hot bat is being noticed by manager Terry Francona. The 28-year-old is more than capable of holding his own defensively, so contributing offensively like he has lately should allow Perez to see more playing time down the stretch.

Plawecki will bat fifth and start at catcher Monday against the Phillies.

With Wilmer Flores unavailable due to a broken nose, the Mets don't have many viable middle-of-the-order options remaining on the roster, so Plawecki will slot into a more prominent spot in the lineup than he's received in his more recent appearances. Plawecki has earned the upgrade through his impressive play of late, which could soon allow him to usurp the struggling Travis d'Arnaud for the top spot on the depth chart at catcher. Since being recalled from Triple-A Las Vegas on Aug. 19, Plawecki has posted an .805 OPS while striking out just three times in 31 at-bats.