MLB Player News

D'Arnaud is out of the lineup Sunday against the Rockies.

After making the first two starts of the second half for the Mets, d'Arnaud will take a seat in favor of Rene Rivera behind the plate.

Realmuto is out of the lineup Sunday against the Dodgers.

Realmuto started each of the first two games of the second half and seven in a row overall, so it was likely time for a regular day off. A.J. Ellis will man the backstop in his stead.

Grandal is out of the lineup Sunday against the Marlins.

Grandal started the first two games of the series but will take a seat for the finale against left-handed pitcher Chris O'Grady. Austin Barnes will man the backstop in his stead.

Sanchez started in place of Austin Hedges (concussion) on Saturday, going 1-for-4 with a walkoff two-run home run in a win over the Giants.

Sanchez was a late addition to the lineup after Hedges experienced concussion symptoms prior to Saturday's game. The veteran backstop took advantage of the opportunity and popped his career-best fourth homer of the season. Hedges' injury isn't considered serious, and he could return to the lineup as soon as Sunday, but Sanchez would be the main beneficiary if the Padres' primary catcher was forced to miss additional time.

Grandal went 1-for-5 with a three-run homer Saturday against the Marlins.

Grandal launched his 12th home run of the campaign as part of a five-run third inning that led the Dodgers to a road victory. His .267 batting average is at its highest level since his rookie year, and he's been a solid lineup option at catcher, as he also has a .474 slugging percentage.

Hedges was held out of Saturday's game after feeling some effects from taking a foul ball to the head Friday, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

It appears to be a precautionary move by the Padres, as they would rather not risk a head injury with their young catcher. Initial hopes are that a stint on the 7-day concussion DL won't be needed, though it will certainly be a situation worth monitoring over the coming days. Hector Sanchez will take Hedges' place as the starting backstop for Saturday's tilt.

Hedges (undisclosed) was scratched from Saturday's lineup for precautionary reasons.

The team has yet to announce an official injury status for Hedges, but the fact remains that he'll be held out of Saturday's lineup. Hector Sanchez will take his place behind the plate and the Padres figure to have a further update on Hedges later in the weekend.

Contreras went 1-for-4 with a three-run homer Friday against the Orioles.

Contreras launched his 12th blast of the year to put the Cubs on the board in the first inning of a winning effort. He's left the yard six times over his last 17 games, and he continues to provide fantasy owners with solid power from the catcher position, as evidenced by his .462 slugging percentage.

Grandal (hand) is back behind the plate for Friday's game against the Marlins, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

Grandal wound up missing the final game before the All-Star break due to a minor left hand contusion that he suffered during Saturday's contest against the Royals. With the rest coming at a good time for the 28-year-old, he was able to recover without missing much time and is back in the seventh spot of the order while catching Brandon McCarthy on Friday.

Smith, 22, hit .232/.355/.448 with 11 home runs, 43 RBI and six steals in 72 games at High-A Rancho Cucamonga before being promoted to Double-A.

Smith is a catcher by trade, but the Dodgers have been trying him out at other positions in order to keep his bat in the lineup. Though the batting average is a bit low, Smith has shown some pop along with the ability to work the count.