MLB Player News

Gomes is not in the lineup for Friday's contest with the Tigers.

Gomes hit his first home run of the season Thursday night, but given that it was just his second hit all season, he'll get another day off Friday. Roberto Perez will fill in for him for the second time in three days.

McCann is not in the lineup Friday against the Indians.

McCann has only amassed one hit over the past four games, so he'll head to the bench for a day off. Alex Avila will slot in behind the plate in his stead.

Narvaez is out of the lineup Friday against the Twins.

With Geovany Soto (elbow) landing on the disabled list, Narvaez has assumed most of the starts behind the dish as of late. However, he'll head to the bench for a day off Friday after starting the past two games. Kevan Smith will assume the catching duties for the evening.

Barnhart is not in the Reds' starting lineup for Friday's game against Milwaukee.

It seems to be a routine day off as Stuart Turner takes over the backstop. Barnhart has been swinging a hot bat to open the season in the form of a .296 batting average, but has just one RBI while hitting out of the eighth spot.

Contreras is not in the Cubs' lineup Friday.

The backstop gets a breather in this day game, with Miguel Montero taking his place behind the plate and batting seventh. Contreras should return to action Saturday.

Murphy (forearm) remains in a thumb-extending brace and has not done fielding drills as of Thursday, Nick Groke of The Denver Post reports.

The goal was to immobilize the injury as long as possible, so he still may be able to return before the end of April. Still, optimism will increase when Murphy starts to ramp up baseball activities and log rehab appearances.

D'Arnaud went 4-for-6 with a walk, a triple, a home run, three runs scored and four RBI in Thursday's extra-inning win over the Marlins.

After playing all 16 innings Thursday and giving the Mets the victory with a solo homer in the top of the 16th, expect d'Arnaud to get a well-deserved day off Friday. The 28-year-old is enjoying a tremendous start to 2017, slashing .333/.438/.704 through nine games with two home runs and nine RBI.

Realmuto is not in the lineup Thursday against the Mets, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports.

Realmuto is off to a blistering start to the season, going 12-for-29 (.414) with two homers, seven runs and six RBI through seven games. He'll head to the bench in favor of A.J. Ellis Thursday, though he'll likely resume his duties behind the dish Friday.

Stewart will start at catcher Thursday afternoon in Boston.

The 34-year-old has played in just one game, going 1-for-3 against Atlanta on April 9. Stewart is looking to stay healthy in 2017 after appearing in only 34 games last season. Starter Francisco Cervelli will get the day off at Fenway.

Higashioka will occupy the Yankees' backup catcher role with Gary Sanchez (biceps) absent, Brendan Kuty of The Star-Ledger reports.

Higashioka will spell starter Austin Romine on occasion (perhaps to pair with fellow rookie Jordan Montgomery), but he's the clear understudy for at least the next few weeks while Sanchez is sidelined. Higashioka likely will return to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre upon Sanchez's activation.