MLB Player News

Contreras is expected to join the Cubs on Friday, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reports.

Contreras has never appeared in an MLB game, but he's tearing the cover off the ball at Triple-A this season, slashing .350/.439/.591 in 54 games. Per Rosenthal, the plan is for the Cubs to roster three catchers for the time being, and a corresponding roster move is yet to be revealed.

Diaz (elbow) has began throwing and plans to resume hitting and catching activities in a simulated game soon, Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Diaz has yet to play in a game this season due to his elbow injury that required surgery in early May. He is expected to return around mid-July and the fact that he will resume some baseball activities is promising. Diaz is not going to participate in any throwing during the simulated game, but has been throwing from 120 feet, which is another encouraging sign. The 25-year-old has only accumulated two at-bats in the majors during his career, but still remains a significant part of the Pirates future.

Stewart is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Mets, but passed his concussion tests after taking a hit to the head in Tuesday's contest, Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Stewart stayed in the game Tuesday after a bat struck his head, but he will get Wednesday off due to several bumps and bruises he suffered. In his place, the Pirates are starting Erik Kratz behind the plate while Francisco Cervelli is on the disabled list due to a hand injury. Stewart should be back in the lineup for Thursday's game.

Plawecki is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Pirates.

Plawecki will sit in favor of Rene Rivera after playing in six of the past seven games. The 25-year-old is hitting just .202 with one home run and 10 RBI through 39 games.

Barnhart is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Braves.

Barnhart will get the day off in favor of Ramon Cabrera after going 0-for-9 with two strikeouts over the past two days against Atlanta. The Indianapolis native is hitting .247 with two home runs, 10 RBI, and 14 runs scored this season.

Sanchez was designated for assignment Tuesday, A.J. Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

Sanchez has played in 14 games for the Padres this season, going 5-for-16 with one home run and four RBI while being the third catcher for the club. He was designated for assignment once already this season, by the White Sox on May 9 before being scooped up by San Diego. If Sanchez passes through waivers unclaimed, he figures to land at Triple-A El Paso. In a corresponding move, San Diego selected Ryan Schimpf from El Paso.

Barnes was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Tuesday, Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register reports.

The Dodgers rolled with three catchers for more than a week, but with outfielder Will Venable coming aboard on a major league deal, they sent Barnes packing. Barnes has gone 2-for-19 with seven strikeouts with the big club so far this season, and will likely continue to ride the shuttle so long as Yasmani Grandal and A.J. Ellis are healthy.

Stewart (foot) is back in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Mets, Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.

Stewart injured his foot against the Cardinals during Saturday's game following a collision at the plate. He sat out Sunday's game and will return to the lineup behind the plate, batting eighth Tuesday.

Realmuto is not in the lineup for Tuesday's contest with San Diego, Craig Davis of the Sun Sentinel reports.

Realmuto is getting his first game off in four, giving way to Jeff Mathis who's making his 15th start behind the dish this season. After going 9-for-48 (.188) during the first two weeks of the season, Realmuto has caught fire, collecting at least one hit in 33 of his last 44 games and raising his average to .300.

D'Arnaud (shoulder) is expected to return from the DL next Tuesday, Matt Ehalt of The Record reports.

D'Arnaud recently underwent a rehab assignment with High-A St. Lucie and connected for seven hits in 26 at bats while collecting three runs and four RBI. His return to major league action has been a long time coming as a setback delayed his recovery but it appears as if he's nearing 100 percent. If he stays healthy throughout the remainder of the week, he'll likely return to the Mets lineup for the start of their series with Kansas City on June 21.