MLB Player News

Crooks is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Mets.

Andre Pallante has worked in a battery with Ivan Herrera for all but one of his 12 starts this season, so Crooks will take a seat while Herrera steps in behind the plate for the middle game of the series. Since being called up from Triple-A Memphis on May 29, Crooks has started in five of the Cardinals' ensuing 11 games while going 3-for-18 with a double, two walks and two RBI.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Wednesday that Smith (neck) will "most likely" be placed on the injured list, Maddie Lee of the Los Angeles Times reports. "We'll have to make that decision at some point in time [after Wednesday's game against the Pirates]," Roberts said.

Roberts acknowledged that the three-time All-Star is progressing, but Smith -- who will be out of the lineup Wednesday for a fourth straight game -- has missed enough time at this point that he'll require a ramp-up period before returning to action, per Jack Harris of the California Post. Dalton Rushing will step in as the Dodgers' top backstop for the duration of Smith's absence, and Los Angeles will likely call up Chuckie Robinson or Eliezer Alfonzo from Triple-A Oklahoma City prior to Thursday's series finale in Pittsburgh to serve as Rushing's understudy.

Pereda is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Orioles.

After making three consecutive starts at catcher, Pereda now finds himself on the bench for the second straight day while the Mariners go with Mitch Garver behind the plate. Pereda has produced a .750 OPS over 14 games since being called up from Triple-A Tacoma on May 14, but his run as Seattle's preferred option at catcher will soon come to an end with Cal Raleigh (oblique) in the midst of a rehab assignment and likely to be activated from the injured list at the beginning of next week.

Basallo (wrist) remains out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Mariners.

Basallo pinch hit each of the last two days, but he will be out of the starting nine for a third straight day as he deals with discomfort in his left wrist brought about by a bony growth. Adley Rutschman (hamstring) is also out again Wednesday, leaving catching duties to Sam Huff and the designated hitter role to Tyler O'Neill.

Caratini is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Tigers.

Minnesota will go with Alex Jackson behind the plate for the second game of the series while Caratini rests up. Caratini saw an eight-game hitting streak come to an end with an 0-for-5 showing in Tuesday's 10-4 loss.

Rutschman (hamstring) remains out of the lineup for Wednesday's contest versus the Mariners.

Rutschman will miss out on a third straight start while he deals with tightness in his left hamstring, but he felt well enough to test out the injury by doing some pregame running on the field before rain began to fall at Camden Yards, per Jake Rill of MLB.com. The Orioles are considering the 28-year-old day-to-day, but he'll need to improve in a hurry in order to avoid a trip to the injured list. Sam Huff will start at catcher for the Orioles on Wednesday.

Smith (neck) is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Pirates.

Though recent imaging on Smith's neck revealed nothing overly concerning, the catcher will nonetheless remain on the bench for a fourth straight game Wednesday. Smith was able to do some throwing and take some indoor batting practice prior to Tuesday's series opener in Pittsburgh, but a stint on the injured list could still be in play for the 31-year-old. Dalton Rushing will make another start Wednesday and is the only other catcher on the 40-man roster for the moment, but the Dodgers opened up a spot by releasing infielder Tyler Fitzgerald and can now more easily promote another backstop from the minors if Smith needs to go on the IL.

Mack is not in the lineup for Wednesday's contest against the Diamondbacks.

Mack had made seven straight starts at catcher, so he's earned a day off. Liam Hicks will be behind the dish for the Marlins, Kyle Stowers is in the designated hitter slot and Heriberto Hernandez will cover left field.

Bart (foot) will begin a rehab assignment Wednesday at Single-A Bradenton, Colin Beazley of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Bart has reached the final phase of his recovery process from a left foot infection, which has kept him on the 10-day injured list since May 12. Given the length of his absence, Bart could remain on assignment in the minors through the weekend before the Pirates evaluate him for a return during their six-game road trip next week. Prior to being deactivated, Bart had produced a .669 OPS over 62 plate appearances on the season.

The Pirates recalled Flores from Triple-A Indianapolis on Wednesday, Colin Beazley of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Flores will likely be in line for a short-term stay with the Bucs during his first stint in the big leagues this season, as he's slated to provide Pittsburgh with another option at catcher behind Endy Rodriguez while Henry Davis (personal) is on the paternity list. While splitting time between catcher and first base at Triple-A this season, Flores has slashed .207/.320/.324 with four home runs in 53 games.