MLB Player News
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James McCann C | ARI
Diamondbacks' James McCann: Plays role in comeback
McCann went 1-for-3 with a double, an RBI and a run scored in Saturday's 4-3 win over Philadelphia.
McCann doubled in the game-tying run in the sixth inning before scoring the game-deciding run later in the frame. He's received an uptick in playing time behind the plate of late, which allows manager Torey Lovullo to use Gabriel Moreno as a designated hitter to get his bat into the lineup without wearing him down. McCann's hit safely in five of six starts since returning from back tightness Sept. 6, going 7-for-21 (.333) with two home runs and seven RBI in that span.
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William Contreras C | MIL
Brewers' William Contreras: X-rays clean
Contreras (hand/wrist) underwent X-rays following Saturday's game against the Cardinals, which came back clean, Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.
Contreras was hit in the wrist and hand area by a swing in the seventh inning and was removed a frame later. He made clear to manager Pat Murphy that he wants to play Sunday, though the Brewers could opt to take a safe approach. Regardless, Contreras appears to have dodged a major injury.
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Tyler Stephenson C | CIN
Reds' Tyler Stephenson: Homers in win
Stephenson went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run and a walk in Saturday's 6-3 win over the Cubs.
Stephenson gave the Reds some needed insurance with a two-run homer in the eighth inning. The 29-year-old has gone just 7-for-34 in September but has managed to go deep three times with 12 RBI during that stretch. For the season, he's slashing .224/.310/.409 with 12 home runs, 48 RBI and 38 runs scored across 326 plate appearances.
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William Contreras C | MIL
Brewers' William Contreras: Exits Saturday's game
Contreras exited Saturday's game against the Cardinals due to a hand injury,Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.
Contreras was hit on the hand by a swing in the seventh inning, and he was replaced by Danny Jansen as the Brewers took the field for the eighth frame. The severity of the issue is unclear, though the team is likely to play it safe given its current status in the standings.
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Will Smith C | LAD
Dodgers' Will Smith: Diagnosed with fracture
Imaging revealed a hairline fracture in Smith's right hand Saturday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.
Manager Dave Roberts added that it's doubtful Smith will be able to play again during the regular season, and he's unsure whether the backstop will be ready for the postseason. If Smith is ultimately sidelined the rest of the way, the 30-year-old will finish the year with a .296/.404/.497 slash line alongside 17 homers, 61 RBI and 64 runs scored over 110 games. Ben Rortvedt has been receiving the bulk of playing time at catcher with Smith out and will likely continue to do so for the final week of the regular season.
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Jhonny Pereda C | SEA
Twins' Jhonny Pereda: Resting during nightcap
Pereda isn't in the lineup for the second game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Guardians.
Pereda will stay put in the dugout to begin Saturday's nightcap after going 0-for-3 with a strikeout in Game 1. Mickey Gasper will replace him as Minnesota's backstop and bat eighth.
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Bo Naylor C | CLE
Guardians' Bo Naylor: Resting after big matinee
Naylor isn't in the lineup for the second game of Saturday's doubleheader against Minnesota.
Naylor will catch his breath during the nightcap after going 2-for-3 with a walk and two solo home runs during a win in the early game. Austin Hedges will start behind the dish and bat ninth in Naylor's stead.
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Carson Kelly C | CHC
Cubs' Carson Kelly: Resting up Saturday
Kelly isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against Cincinnati.
Kelly will receive a day off Saturday after going 2-for-4 with a strikeout during Friday's loss. Reese McGuire will catch for starter Javier Assad instead and bat ninth.
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Austin Wells C | NYY
Yankees' Austin Wells: Sitting down Saturday
Wells isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Orioles.
Wells will get some rest Saturday after going 5-for-10 with two RBI and three runs scored over his last four contests. Ben Rice will start behind the dish instead, clearing the way for Paul Goldschmidt to start at first base.
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Bo Naylor C | CLE
Guardians' Bo Naylor: Continues to pile up RBI
Naylor went 2-for-4 with four RBI in Friday's 6-2 win over Minnesota.
Naylor matched a career high in RBI, extending his hitting streak to seven games as well. The catcher is also riding a four-game RBI streak, during which he's totaled 10 of his 42 RBI for the season. Naylor is certainly getting hot at the right time for the playoff-hopeful Guardians, batting .302 over 43 at-bats in the month of September despite hitting a dismal .191 for the campaign.