MLB Player News

Contreras is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Rockies, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Contreras went 2-for-7 with a double, two RBI and a run across the first two games against the Rockies and will take a seat for Sunday's series finale. Andrew Knizner is starting behind the plate and batting eighth.

Murphy is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Cubs, Justin Toscano of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Murphy started the first two games of the series in Chicago but will head to the bench for Sunday's finale. Travis d'Arnaud will step in behind the plate and bat fifth.

Perez (thumb) will partake in baseball activities before Sunday's game against the Giants before joining Triple-A Las Vegas to begin a rehab assignment Tuesday, the Associated Press reports.

Perez has been sidelined for just over a month with his thumb fracture, but he's been making steady progress over the last couple of weeks in particular. The veteran's rehab assignment figures to last at least 3-to-4 games given the amount of time he's been sidelined.

The Nationals reinstated Pineda (oblique) from the 60-day injured list Sunday and optioned him to Double-A Harrisburg, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

Pineda has spent the entire season on the IL due to the left oblique strain, though he was cleared to begin a rehab assignment in late May before being shut down soon thereafter due to a setback. The 23-year-old catcher was cleared to return to game action in the minors coming out of the All-Star break and will ultimately settle at the Double-A level now that his 20-day rehab window has come to an end. Washington granted right-hander Paolo Espino his unconditional release to free up a spot on the 40-man roster for Pineda.

Fermin went 2-for-4 with a pair of solo home runs in Saturday's 9-6 loss to the Phillies.

Fermin continues to sizzle in the second half of the season, with the pair of home runs giving him four since the All-Star break and bringing his OPS up to 1.107 in the second half. While Nick Pratto (groin) has been on the injured list, the Royals have made room for both Fermin and Salvador Perez in the lineup, with the latter usually occupying Pratto's spot at first base. However, Perez will get a turn behind the dish in Sunday's series finale while Fermin serves as the Royals' designated hitter.

Rogers is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Rays.

Rogers started the first two games of the series versus Tampa Bay but will take a seat for Sunday's finale. Eric Haase will work behind the plate and bat eighth.

Realmuto is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Royals, Alex Coffey of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Realmuto started the past three games after missing a couple contests due to a cut on his hand, and he'll receive Sunday off after going 4-for-11 with a home run, two RBI and three runs during that span. Garrett Stubbs will step in behind the plate to catch for Taijuan Walker.

Wong is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Blue Jays, Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald reports.

He'll get a breather for the series finale after starting behind the dish for each of the Red Sox's last three contests. Reese McGuire will handle the catching duties Sunday.

Jansen (wrist) is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Red Sox.

Jansen will be on the bench for a second straight day while he contends with an inflamed right wrist. Alejandro Kirk will get another turn behind the dish in Jansen's stead, catching for starting pitcher Chris Bassitt.

Alvarez is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Orioles.

Alvarez started the first two games of the series in Baltimore but will take a seat for the finale after going 0-for-6 with a walk. Omar Narvaez will step in behind the plate to catch for Jose Quintana.