MLB Player News

Grandal is out of the starting lineup against San Diego for Friday's game, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

It's the second consecutive off night for Grandal, as the Dodgers again decide to go with Austin Barnes behind the plate against another southpaw. While the month is still young, Grandal has only hit 3-for-22 with 10 strikeouts. His playing time is probably not at risk, but his struggles are worth monitoring in the upcoming days as the season heads towards the playoffs.

Contreras (hamstring) has a moderate hamstring strain, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.

The diagnosis offers hope that Contreras will be back in time for the postseason, as the recovery time for this type of injury is generally four to six weeks, but the Cubs will take another look at him after two weeks of no physical activity. The announcement does mean that it should only be a matter of time until he is officially placed on the disabled list. Until he returns, expect Alex Avila to take over the bulk of the catching duties.

Mesoraco is not in the starting lineup against the Brewers on Friday.

Mesoraco returned from paternity leave Thursday, but remains out of the lineup for the 10th time in the last 11 games. The 29-year-old backstop has been dealing with a rash of knee and back injuries over the past month which have cut into his regular playing time. It also hasn't helped that his counterpart, Tucker Barnhart, is batting .292 with seven RBI over his last nine games. Expect Mesoraco to see more starts in the coming weeks, if he can stay healthy.

D'Arnaud is not in the starting lineup against the Phillies on Friday.

D'Arnaud has gone 0-for-7 at the plate over the past two games, so he'll take a seat on the bench. Rene Rivera takes over behind the plate and will act as battery mate for probable starter Seth Lugo.

Contreras (hamstring) avoided a "worst-case scenario" with his injury and should return this season, Jesse Rogers of ESPN Chicago reports.

Contreras exited Wednesday's game after pulling up holding his hamstring while running to first base, and he's expected to hit the 10-day DL. Recovery could take up to a month or more, but Contreras is expected back before the end of the regular season, though it sounds like it could come down to the wire. Alex Avila is expected to handle the bulk of the catching duties in the meantime.

Grandal is not in the lineup for Thursday's game against Arizona, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

Grandal will receive a standard day off after starting the first two games of this series, going 1-for-7 with a double during his time at the dish. In his place, Austin Barnes draws the start, batting seventh.

Barnes (hand) is in the lineup for Thursday's series finale against the Diamondbacks, MLB.com's Steve Gilbert reports.

Barnes was on the receiving end of a foul ball that grazed his throwing hand during Sunday's game, causing him to miss the last few outings while Yasmani Grandal scooped up all the starts behind the plate. The catcher was able to come in as a pinch hitter during Wednesday's victory, and appears good to go moving forward as Grandal's backup.

Realmuto is not in Thursday's lineup against the Nationals, MLB.com's Joe Frisaro reports.

Realmuto will retreat to the bench after nine straight starts, going just 6-for-33 (.182) during that span. Besides two multi-hit games, the 26-year-old has been scuffling at the plate as of late, and gets a day off to clear his head while A.J. Ellis sets up behind the dish.

Mesoraco is not in Thursday's lineup against the Padres, MLB.com's Mark Sheldon reports.

Mesoraco missed the last three games while on paternity leave, and the catcher will continue to sit on the bench for the finale of the San Diego series as Tucker Barnhart fills in behind the plate. The 29-year-old hasn't played much in the second half of this season; with knee issues, a shoulder injury and the birth of his child forcing Mesoraco to play in only 12 games since the All-Star break. During that span, he's hit just 4-for-26 (.154), but figures to slide back into his regular role of getting roughly four starts per week moving forward.

Hedges is not in Thursday's lineup for the series finale against the Reds, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Following four straight starts behind the plate, Hedges will get a day off for Thursday's matinee while Luis Torrens draws the start in his place. Since coming off the 7-day concussion disabled list July 29, Hedges is 8-for-29 with two home runs and three RBI.