MLB Player News

Moreno went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Thursday's 4-3 win over the Padres.

Moreno has gone 10-for-34 (.294) over his last 11 contests, hitting safely in nine of them. The homer was just his second of the year, as the catcher continues to struggle with generating power. Overall, he has a .242/.322/.344 slash line with 20 RBI, 19 runs scored, eight doubles, a triple and no stolen bases through 51 games.

The Pirates sent Koch outright to Triple-A Indianapolis on Thursday.

Koch was designated for assignment Tuesday and went unclaimed on waivers. He'll remain in the Pirates organization and serve as depth at catcher, though his chances of reaching the majors again in 2024 appear slim.

X-rays on Stephenson's right hand came back clean Thursday, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

Stephenson was hit by a pitch in the sixth inning and remained in the game. He apparently had some lingering effects, however, as he got X-rays after the contest. The team may give him an extra day of rest during its weekend series against the Cubs, but Stephenson appears to have avoided serious injury.

Campusano isn't in the Padres' lineup Thursday versus Arizona, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Prior to going 1-for-3 versus the Angels on Wednesday, Campusano had gone hitless across 30 plate appearances in a 10-game span. With the 25-year-old out of the lineup Thursday, Kyle Higashioka will start behind the dish and bat ninth.

Rutschman went 2-for-4 with a pair of home runs and three total RBI in Thursday's 6-5 loss to the Blue Jays.

Rutschman was responsible for the Orioles' first three runs Thursday, launching a solo shot off Yusei Kikuchi in the sixth inning before adding a two-run homer off Zach Pop in the eighth. Rutschman came into the day with just one home run in his previous 17 contests, though he's now hit safely in 10 straight games, going 15-for-42 (.357) in that span. The 26-year-old backstop is slashing .307/.345/.490 through 258 plate appearances this season with 12 homers, 43 RBI and 34 runs scored.

Contreras (forearm) was throwing, catching and running on the field prior to Thursday's game against the Rockies, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Contreras has been participating in all three activities since the Cardinals' last stretch of road games. It's an encouraging sign that the 32-year-old backstop is recovering well from his fractured left forearm, but he still is not expected back until closer to the All-Star break. Until then, Ivan Herrera will continue to serve as St. Louis' primary catcher.

Murphy (elbow) will start at catcher and bat sixth in Thursday's game versus the Nationals.

Murphy had to depart Tuesday's game against the Red Sox after being struck on the right elbow by a pitch and was then held out of action Wednesday. It will be just a one-game absence for Atlanta's top catcher, though, as he and his teammates take on Mitchell Parker and the Nationals on Thursday.

Smith is not in the lineup for Thursday's game in Pittsburgh.

Smith started the first two games of the series, going 3-for-7 with a double, a walk and an RBI. He will yield to Austin Barnes for the series finale as the Dodgers try to avoid a sweep.

Jeffers isn't in the Twins' lineup Thursday against the Yankees.

Jeffers has gone 0-for-11 with four strikeouts over his last three games, and he'll get a day to regroup Thursday. Christian Vazquez will instead start behind the dish and bat ninth.

Langeliers isn't in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Mariners.

Langeliers has received more days off than usual of late, as he's now started just three of the last six games for the Athletics. He doesn't appear to be dealing with any sort of injury, however. Kyle McCann will get the start at catcher for Oakland on Thursday.