MLB Player News

Plawecki is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Nationals, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Plawecki will sit out in favor of Rene Rivera for the third game in the last six games. Plawecki has been struggling at the plate lately, failing to record a hit in his last 17 at-bats.

Grandal (foot) is back in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Reds.

A foot ailment cost Grandal a couple starts, but he will step back in behind the plate Tuesday to catch for starter Mike Bolsinger. The switch-hitter launched home runs in back-to-back games earlier this month, but he's been ice cold since, going 2-for-his-last-30 with 13 strikeouts.

Rupp is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Tigers, Jim Salisbury of CSN Philadelphia reports.

Rupp will get some rest while Carlos Ruiz will take his spot at catcher for the day and face right-hander Justin Verlander. Rupp has gotten a hit in each of the last six games he's played, and is slashing .283/.304/.434 in 2016 so far.

Barnes is hitting .286/.396/.357 with no home runs and 10 stolen bases for Triple-A Oklahoma City.

That sounds like an A.J. Ellis in his prime slash line minus the steals. Barnes is batting a career .182 in 44 big league at-bats, but he should at least be able to be an MLB backup catcher/infielder as early as this year.

Hedges (hand) is heading to extended spring training this week as he progresses in his rehab, Dennis Lin of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Hedges, who had his cast removed last week, will also start taking dry swings soon as he ramps up his recovery effort. Although there is no timetable for his return, the young catcher is clearly on the right track.

D'Arnaud (shoulder) isn't expected by assistant general manager John Ricco to be back for at least a couple more weeks, Matt Ehalt of The Record reports.

D'Arnaud experienced a setback in his rehab program earlier in May, and it seems he will make his return a little later than expected. It is still plausible that the catcher will get a rehab assignment within the next two weeks before his return to major league action.

Grandal (foot) is not in Monday's lineup against the Reds.

Grandal is dealing with a foot injury, but apparently it's not severe enough to keep him from pinch hitting since he did so Sunday, although unsuccessfully. A.J. Ellis will start in place of Grandal on Monday.

Rupp went 3-for-4 with a solo home run in Sunday's win over the Braves.

The three hits were a career-high for Rupp. His opposite field home run was his second of the season. He is hitting .274/.296/.432 in 95 at-bats this season.

Updating a previous report, Grandal appears to be dealing with a foot ailment, Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register reports.

Despite the discomfort, Grandal is expected to be available off the bench if he's needed in a pinch-hit situation. Manager Dave Roberts will simply give him a break from regular catching duties, with the hope being that the break will help him return to full strength in the near future.

Grandal won't start Sunday against the Padres.

Grandal will sit on getaway day Sunday in favor of A.J. Ellis, and it's possible that absence will extend through Monday with the Dodgers scheduled to face the left-handed Brandon Finnegan. Regardless, Grandal remains the primary catcher, despite batting just .196 on the season. Per Ken Gurnick of MLB.com, Grandal is available to pinch hit Sunday, if needed.