MLB Player News

Nola is not in Saturday's lineup against the White Sox.

He is hitting .179 with two home runs and one steal in 28 September at-bats. Shed Long gets a start in left field while Tim Lopes starts at designated hitter and Daniel Vogelbach starts at first base.

Murphy is not in Saturday's lineup against the Rangers.

He is hitting .409 (9-for-22) with four home runs and three doubles in his first eight big-league games, but the A's will continue to give him rest days after he missed significant time with knee injuries this season. Josh Phegley will start behind the dish and hit ninth.

Higashioka will take on a "fairly even" split in catching duties while Gary Sanchez (groin) is on the shelf, Jordan Horrobin of MLB.com reports.

Though the Yankees are optimistic that Sanchez will make it back by the end of the season, he is likely to miss around two weeks, giving Higashioka a chance to showcase his abilities down the stretch. Manager Aaron Boone indicated that the decision to split time behind the plate between Higashioka and Austin Romine was made in order to protect both catchers from fatigue. Higashioka started Game 2 of Thursday's doubleheader and is back in the lineup, slotted eighth in the batting order, for Saturday's tilt against Toronto.

Murphy went 2-for-4 with a walk and a run in a loss to the White Sox on Friday.

Murphy's breakout season at the plate looks like it's on its way to wrapping up in strong fashion, as the backstop now has a trio of multi-hit efforts over the eight games he's suited up for in September. Murphy's career-best .280 average and impressive .555 slugging percentage are largely comprised of his career-high 30 extra-base hits (12 doubles, one triple, 17 home runs), numbers he's generated in his first major-league campaign with more than 100 plate appearances.

Maile (oblique) was activated from the 10-day injured list Saturday.

He is not in the lineup, as Danny Jansen gets the start behind the dish, but Maile is active for the contest. Look for him to work as the third-string catcher over the rest of the season.

Murphy went 3-for-4 with a walk, three doubles and four runs scored in Friday's 14-9 win over the Rangers.

While seven homers were hit on the night in Globe Life Park between the two teams, Murphy was content with his first big-league two-baggers instead. The rookie is now slashing an eye-popping .409/.458/1.091 through 24 plate appearances since his promotion, with seven of his nine hits (three doubles, four homers) going for extra bases.

Narvaez went 3-for-5 with an RBI and a run scored in Friday's 9-7 loss to the White Sox.

All three hits were singles, including one of the run-scoring variety to cap a three-run first inning for the Mariners. Narvaez later scored on Shed Long's two-run single in the fourth. The catcher has enjoyed hitting against his former team, going 7-for-14 with two RBI and three runs scored in three games versus the White Sox this year. For the season, Narvaez is hitting .280/.354/.462 with 20 homers, 52 RBI and 60 runs scored.

Thaiss isn't in the starting lineup for Friday's game against the Rays, Maria Torres of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Thaiss will retreat to the bench, opening the door for Albert Pujols to draw the start at first base and bat cleanup.

Sanchez was diagnosed with a groin strain Friday, James Wagner of The New York Times reports.

Sanchez battled another groin strain in late July and early August, missing slightly more than two weeks. His current injury is considered quite similar, putting his expected return date right around the final few days of the regular season. Austin Romine appears to be in line to handle the bulk of the catching duties down the stretch.

McCann will hit the bench Friday against Seattle.

McCann has gone 6-for-17 with three doubles over his last five games. He'll get a rest Friday, with Zack Collins starting behind the plate.