MLB Player News

Rupp is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Mets.

Rupp is serving as the Phillies' primary backstop in the extended absence of Andrew Knapp (hand), but he will make his way to the bench in favor Jorge Alfaro as the team wraps up its weekend series against Chris Flexen and the Mets.

Nicholas went 2-for-4 with a home run and three RBI in Saturday's 8-3 win over the Astros.

Following a 21-minute rain delay in the first inning, Nicholas kicked off the scoring for the evening with a three-run blast off Mike Fiers in the second, marking his first long ball of the season. Nicholas was picking up his second start behind the plate in three games, and his performance Saturday only gives manager Jeff Banister further reason to hand the 29-year-old more regular at-bats. Robinson Chirinos has served as the team's primary catcher following the July 30 trade of Jonathan Lucroy, but with a 5-for-25 (.200 average) showing at the dish since that time, he may have seen his hold on the role loosen.

McCann went 2-for-5 with a double, a home run, three runs and five RBI on Saturday against the Twins.

McCann blasted his 11th home run of the season -- a grand slam -- to provide the Tigers with a five-run lead in the first inning of a game they'd eventually win. Although he's not a great fantasy option, his .251/.320/.448 slash line is serviceable for a catcher.

Perez (intercostal) felt good Saturday after playing catch for the second time in three days, Rustin Dodd of The Kansas City Star reports.

The All-Star catcher said he felt no discomfort after stretching, throwing and doing a light cardio workout Saturday. "I don't feel anything with the throwing," he said after stretching it out to 120 feet. Perez's next step will be to take swings, something that could begin as early as next week. Despite the progress, the 27-year-old who is eligible to be activated Tuesday, is well behind the initial 2-to-3-week timeline.

Sanchez went 2-for-4 with a two-run homer in Saturday's loss to the Red Sox.

The first-inning shot off Drew Pomeranz was Sanchez's fifth against left-handed pitching this season and 19th in total. After a slow start to the second half, Sanchez seems to be heating up again with three home runs in his last eight games.

Pentecost was placed on the DL retroactive to August 8 with an undisclosed injury, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

The catching prospect didn't appear to suffer an injury in any of his recent games for High-A Dunedin, and considering there's no official diagnosis as of now, the move was likely just a way to give Pentecost a break. He's slashing .276/.332/.434 through 71 games with Dunedin this year.

Gomes is not in Saturday's lineup against the Rays, Roger Mooney of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Gomes has started three of the last four games, so he'll get a routine day off Saturday. The 30-year-old backstop has found a bit of a power surge since the All-Star break, hitting .228 with two home runs and 12 RBI. Roberto Perez takes over behind the plate in his absence.

Ohlman was recalled by the Blue Jays on Saturday.

Ohlman becomes the beneficiary of an injury-depleted Blue Jays catching corps, as Russell Martin (oblique) joined Miguel Montero (groin) and Luke Maile (knee) on the 10-day disabled list Saturday. The rookie backstop made his major-league debut for Toronto earlier this season, going 2-for-9 over five games before being sent back to Triple-A. Ohlman's .222 batting average in the minors leaves much to be desired, however, and he'll be splitting starts with Raffy Lopez until Montero is able to return.

Barnes went 2-for-3 with a double, a walk and an RBI in Friday's loss to the Padres.

The backstop started his second consecutive game behind the dish in place of the struggling Yasmani Grandal. It is worth noting that the Dodgers have faced southpaws in the two games that Barnes has started, so this is likely a sign of a platoon forming as opposed to a changing of the guard. The 27-year-old has performed well in a limited role this season (.292/.414/.521), making him a solid play in daily formats when he is penciled in the lineup.

Ohlman will be recalled Saturday if an MRI reveals Russell Martin (oblique) needs to be placed on the disabled list, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

By all indications, Ohlman will likely be needed for Saturday's game against the Pirates. However, he can travel light considering Miguel Montero (groin) is eligible to come off the DL as early as Sunday. Even if the latter isn't ready this weekend, Montero will certainly usurp Ohlman by the middle of next week.