MLB Player News

Grandal was removed from Saturday's game with an undisclosed injury, Eric Stephen of TrueBlueLA.com reports.

He was talking with the team trainer and was replaced by Austin Barnes behind the plate. We'll provide an update on Grandal when more information is made available.

Realmuto went 3-for-4 with a solo home run in Friday's win over the Giants.

With the Marlins' offense now healthy, Realmuto has found himself hitting in the bottom half of the order more often than not lately despite a .303/.359/.464 slash line with eight home runs. The 26-year-old is solidifying his spot as one of the top fantasy catchers in baseball this season, but don't be surprised if his workload gets reduced a bit in the second half after playing in 73 of Miami's first 85 games.

Hedges went 2-for-3 with two homers and three RBI on Friday against the Phillies.

Hedges blasted his 12th and 13th homers off Nick Pivetta as part of a winning effort. He's been a solid source of power at the catcher position despite a weak batting average of .220.

Hedges (neck) is starting behind the plate Friday against the Phillies.

Hedges had missed the previous two games with neck stiffness, but appears good to go after some rest. The young backstop is just 2-for-17 over his last five starts and hasn't hit a home run since June 3, so he'll be looking to find some offensive rhythm prior to the All-Star break.

Diaz was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis on Friday, Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Diaz has seen limited playing time since Francisco Cervelli returned from the 7-day concussion DL, and appears to have lost out on a backup role to counterpart Chris Stewart. Nonetheless, the 26-year-old has filled in admirably since getting called up in May, hitting .266 with 14 RBI over 79 at-bats, and should get a chance to see increased action at Indianapolis. Reliever A.J. Schugel was recalled in a corresponding move.

Contreras is not in the Cubs' lineup Friday against the Pirates.

Victor Caratini takes his place batting seventh and forming a battery with Eddie Butler. Contreras has just about matched his 2016 production with 11 home runs and 41 RBI in 268 plate appearances, but he's dipped with his .258/.326/.458 slash line.

Grandal is not in the lineup Thursday against the Diamondbacks.

Grandal has been hot as of late, collecting three extra-base hits and four RBI in the past three games, but he'll head to the bench for a night off. Austin Barnes will collect a start behind the dish to replace him.

Hedges (neck) will be available off the bench for Thursday's game, Dennis Lin of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Manager Andy Green said that Hedges was "feeling better" prior to Thursday's contest against the Indians, but the club wanted to stress precaution with their catcher instead of rushing him back too fast. He could return for the series opener against Philadelphia on Friday, but if he is unable to go, Hector Sanchez or Luis Torrens would fill in.

Hedges (neck) remains out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Indians.

Hedges was scratched from Wednesday's lineup due to neck stiffness and will get another day off as Luis Torrens draws the start behind the dish. There hasn't been much word from the Padres concerning Hedges, so he should be considered day-to-day for the time being.

Mesoraco's shoulder injury is unrelated to his previous torn labrum that ultimately required surgery, according to manager Bryan Price, as told to MLB.com's Mark Sheldon.

That's the good news. The bad news is that Mesoraco hurt his shoulder catching the ball, and that anti-inflammatory medicine did not lessen the soreness in his shoulder. While the Reds don't believe this is a long-term injury, how he did it and that he could not get immediate relief don't bode well.