MLB Player News

Hedges went 2-for-3 with two homers and three RBI on Friday against the Phillies.

Hedges blasted his 12th and 13th homers off Nick Pivetta as part of a winning effort. He's been a solid source of power at the catcher position despite a weak batting average of .220.

Mejia will suit up in Sunday's All-Star Futures Game in Miami, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Mejia will join the World Team for the second year in a row. The 21-year-old backstop is having no problem handling his first season at Double-A, slashing .338/.381/.550 through 58 games with Akron. He leads the Eastern League in batting average while ranking third in OPS. Mejia is performing at a level that should earn him a September debut once MLB rosters expand.

Moore (quadriceps) was reinstated from the DL on Friday.

Moore returns from a two-week stay on the disabled list with a right quad injury. The catcher is hitting .235/.312/.346 with four home runs and 14 RBI during 42 games this season for Triple-A Columbus.

Hedges (neck) is starting behind the plate Friday against the Phillies.

Hedges had missed the previous two games with neck stiffness, but appears good to go after some rest. The young backstop is just 2-for-17 over his last five starts and hasn't hit a home run since June 3, so he'll be looking to find some offensive rhythm prior to the All-Star break.

Diaz was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis on Friday, Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Diaz has seen limited playing time since Francisco Cervelli returned from the 7-day concussion DL, and appears to have lost out on a backup role to counterpart Chris Stewart. Nonetheless, the 26-year-old has filled in admirably since getting called up in May, hitting .266 with 14 RBI over 79 at-bats, and should get a chance to see increased action at Indianapolis. Reliever A.J. Schugel was recalled in a corresponding move.

Evans retired from professional baseball after playing for five years, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.

Evans spent the entirety of his career in the minor leagues after being selected in the fourth round of the 2013 draft by the Royals. The 25-year-old made it up to the Triple-A level last season, but only spent four games with Omaha before heading back to Double-A. In his career, Evans posted a slash line of .251/.292/.380 with 29 home runs and 167 RBI in 341 games. During the 2017 season, Evans tried to make the conversion from catcher to pitcher with the Rookie-league AZL Royals, but never progressed far enough to take the mound during a game.

Contreras is not in the Cubs' lineup Friday against the Pirates.

Victor Caratini takes his place batting seventh and forming a battery with Eddie Butler. Contreras has just about matched his 2016 production with 11 home runs and 41 RBI in 268 plate appearances, but he's dipped with his .258/.326/.458 slash line.

Gomes went 1-for-3 with a solo home run during Thursday's win over San Diego.

With a .233/.320/.383 slash line, five homers, 20 RBI and 20 runs, Gomes is a low-end option. His attachment to a high-powered offense is intriguing and offers a modest fantasy floor, but his upside is capped.

Grandal is not in the lineup Thursday against the Diamondbacks.

Grandal has been hot as of late, collecting three extra-base hits and four RBI in the past three games, but he'll head to the bench for a night off. Austin Barnes will collect a start behind the dish to replace him.

Hedges (neck) will be available off the bench for Thursday's game, Dennis Lin of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Manager Andy Green said that Hedges was "feeling better" prior to Thursday's contest against the Indians, but the club wanted to stress precaution with their catcher instead of rushing him back too fast. He could return for the series opener against Philadelphia on Friday, but if he is unable to go, Hector Sanchez or Luis Torrens would fill in.