MLB Player News

Grandal went 1-for-4 with a three-run home run in Tuesday's win over the Padres.

Grandal -- who has been splitting time this month with Austin Barnes -- homered for the second time over the past three games. He's trying to keep a leg up over his backup as the Dodgers begin figuring out their starting lineup for an upcoming postseason run. The competition has actually sparked both catchers' bats, creating enough fantasy value for both to be rostered despite neither truly holding an everyday role.

Contreras went 0-for-1 with three walks and an RBI in Tuesday's loss to the Cardinals.

The 25-year-old's first walk came with the bases loaded in the third inning, giving him his 74th RBI of the season. Contreras has a strong 10.4 percent walk rate this season, and his plate discipline was on full display in this one. He still strikes out a fair amount (22.9 percent K rate), but Contreras makes up for it with his power and ability to draw walks.

Narvaez has a tender right elbow, Colleen Kane of the Chicago Tribune reports.

The White Sox are hopeful that Narvaez will be able to catch Reynaldo Lopez on Wednesday. If he can't go, Kevan Smith is expected to handle the catching duties.

Plawecki went 2-for-4 with a two-run homer in Tuesday's 4-3 win over Atlanta.

His offensive contributions have been few and far between, but Plawecki's third homer of 2017 came at a good time in this game, as it started the Mets' comeback from a 3-0 deficit. Although this was a nice outing for him, the 26-year-old catcher hasn't given fantasy owners any reason to be interested in his services.

Hedges is not in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Dodgers.

Hedges will head to the bench for a breather after starting four of the previous five games behind the dish, going 5-for-12 (.417) with three extra-base hits over that stretch. Luis Torrens takes over at backstop in his stead.

Perez is expected to sit out Wednesday's game against the Tigers, Josh Vernier of 610 Sports reports.

With the Royals out of playoff contention, manager Ned Yost will reward some of his regular starters with a day off in the final week. Perez, who has a healthy .269/.298/.498 line with 27 homers in 127 games this season, is expected to play in all of the Royals' games following Wednesday's breather.

Gomes is not in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Twins.

Gomes will take a seat for the second straight contest. He's started 11 of the Indians' 22 games this month, and should continue to share duties with Roberto Perez in the final week.

Vazquez is not in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Blue Jays, Scott Lauber of ESPN.com reports.

Vazquez will get the day off after starting three of the previous four games behind the dish for Boston, going 3-for-13 (.231) over that span. Sandy Leon will take over as the team's backstop and hit eighth in his place.

D'Arnaud is not in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Mets, according to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com.

D'Arnaud has not started back-to-back games since last week, and that trend will continue Tuesday despite d'Arnaud going 2-for-3 with a home run in the nightcap of Monday's doubleheader. Kevin Plawecki will get the nod behind the plate in d'Arnaud's place.

Barnes went 1-for-3 with a walk and a three-run home run in Monday's win over the Padres.

The long ball was Barnes' second in as many starts and eighth in 97 games this season. His season line is up to .285/.408/.483 -- a dramatic improvement over previous stints in the majors -- as he's displayed great patience at the plate and good contact skills. He has made 18 appearances at second base and could enter next season with dual eligibility, although it wouldn't be a huge boon to his value, as Barnes is better utilized in fantasy at his natural position anyway.