MLB Player News

D'Arnaud isn't in the lineup for the second game of Sunday's doubleheader against the Nationals, Matt Ehalt of The Record reports.

D'Arnaud served as catcher for the Mets' earlier Sunday, so they'll give him the night off and use Kevin Plawecki as their backstop. D'Arnaud struggled in Game 1 and went 0-for-4 at the plate.

Barnhart is out of the lineup Sunday against the Pirates.

Barnhart will receive a breather after drawing starts behind the plate in the previous three games. Chad Wallach, who was recalled from the minors Friday after backup catcher Stuart Turner hit the paternity list, will draw his first MLB start as the batterymate for Tyler Mahle, who he had previously caught at Triple-A Louisville.

Stewart is out of the lineup Sunday against the Reds.

With Francisco Cervelli (quadriceps) returning to the disabled list Saturday, the Pirates have an opening for regular starts behind the plate, but it looks as though Stewart may be forced to share time with Elias Diaz, who receives the nod Sunday. Even if Stewart were to take on the bulk of the catching duties, he would likely do more harm than good for fantasy owners, given the middling .469 OPS he carries for the season.

Realmuto is out of the lineup Sunday against the Padres, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports.

It's nothing more than a routine day off for Realmuto, who had started the last 15 games for the Marlins, with most of those nods coming behind the plate. The extensive workload seems to be wearing on Realmuto, who had managed just five hits in 33 at-bats over the past eight contests. A.J. Ellis checks in for him at catcher.

Diaz was recalled by the Pirates on Saturday.

He returns to the Pirates with Francisco Cervelli heading back to the disabled list due to an irritated quadriceps. Diaz figures to platoon with Chris Stewart behind the dish while Cervelli is on the shelf. The 26-year-old Diaz is slashing .250/.283/.350 with 16 RBI in 100 at-bats this season.

Hedges isn't in the lineup Saturday against the Marlins.

Hedges has had a tough time hitting as of late, going 3-for-19 with nine strikeouts in his last seven games. He'll get the day off while Hector Sanchez fills in behind the dish.

D'Arnaud is out of the lineup Saturday against the Nationals, Marc Carig of Newsday reports.

Kevin Plawecki will start at catcher and hit sixth for Saturday's game. D'Arnaud's disappointing season has continued through August, as he's hitting just .210 with a .537 OPS over 20 games since the start of the month.

Diaz was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis on Friday.

Francisco Cervelli's return will force Diaz to the minors, but he should be back once rosters expand in September. Diaz went 4-for-21 with five strikeouts in his most recent stint with the major-league club and is now batting .250/.283/.350 in 36 games with Pittsburgh, which is similar to his line with Indy.

Contreras (hamstring) took batting practice Friday, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.

In addition to hitting for the second consecutive day, Contreras practiced throwing to second base from behind the plate. Barring any setbacks, Contreras will look to return to action in mid-September. Until then, Alex Avila and Rene Rivera are in line to spend time in the Cubs' lineup.

Realmuto went 1-for-4 with a home run and three RBI in Thursday's win over the Phillies.

Getting the start at first base -- and seeing action there for the fifth time in 2017, giving him extra position eligibility in many fantasy formats -- Realmuto hit his third homer in the last week and 16th of the season. His .200 (16-for-80) batting average in August may be due to fatigue, however, so don't be surprised if he gets a few more rest days, or partial rest days while he mans first, down the stretch.