MLB Player News

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

Mesoraco was back in the lineup Wednesday, despite taking a slight accidental shot to the head by Maikel Franco's bat Monday. Although he appears to have been cleared of concussion symptoms, the 27-year-old backstop will get regular rest for a day game. Tucker Barnhart will be called upon to take over catching duties.

Grandal (forearm) will participate in a simulated game on Thursday, J.P. Hoornstra of the Los Angeles News Group reports.

This is in line with an expected return before April 12 for Grandal, so he should be good to go by the Dodgers' home opener barring any setbacks. His return will likely push Austin Barnes into the minors.

Barnes is out of the lineup on Wednesday.

After starting at catcher and batting eighth on Tuesday, Barnes will sit for Wednesday's game. With Yasmani Grandal (forearm) on the DL, Barnes is splitting time with A.J. Ellis behind the dish. Ellis also started Monday on Opening Day for the Dodgers. Barnes went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts on Tuesday.

Rupp is in the lineup Wednesday against the Reds, batting sixth and catching.

The Phillies decided to go with Carlos Ruiz behind the plate on Opening Day as a kind gesture to the veteran backstop, but Rupp will slot into the lineup for the second game of the year. Manager Pete Mackanin stated that he expects Rupp to be the starting catcher most of the time, so he should be in the lineup more often than not going forward.

Mesoraco is back in the lineup Wednesday against the Phillies.

Mesoraco took a bat to the temple on Maikel Franco's follow-through swing Monday and felt woozy afterward, but stayed in the game. The off-day Tuesday didn't hurt his chances of returning Wednesday night.

Grandal (forearm) caught a bullpen session Tuesday, Eric Stephen of SB Nation reports.

With the forearm holding up well to Tuesday's activity, Grandal has been cleared to play in a simulated game Wednesday. Manager Dave Roberts expressed confidence in Grandal being ready for the team's April 12 home opener despite a slight setback with the injury last weekend. A.J. Ellis and Austin Barnes are splitting the workload in the meantime.

Barnes will catch and bat eighth against the Padres on Tuesday.

After sitting in favor of A.J. Ellis on Opening Day, Barnes will slot into the lineup Tuesday for his ninth start at the major league level. With Yasmani Grandal (forearm) on the DL, the door is open for Barnes to split time behind the plate in the short term, and manager Dave Roberts suggested the team could keep three catchers after Grandal's return.

Mesoraco said he felt initially woozy after getting hit in the head by Maikel Franco's bat in Monday's game, but it cleared up quickly and he was able to remain in the game, the Cincinnati Enquirer's Zach Buchanan reports.

Given Mesoraco's history of several concussions, it is important to keep an eye on this situation even though it appears that he made it through Monday's game OK. Incidentally, Mesoraco went 0-for-4 with a strikeout against the Phillies on Monday.

Rupp is not in the lineup for Monday's season opener against the Reds, MLB.com's Todd Zolecki reports.

Rupp will be the Phillies' regular catcher this season, but he will give way to Ruiz on Monday, as manager Pete Mackanin wants to give the veteran Ruiz the honor of starting Opening Day. Expect Rupp to be behind the plate for the Phillies' next game Wednesday.

Grandal (forearm) has been placed on the 15-day DL, MLB.com's Ken Gurnick reports.

Grandal's placement on the DL confirms what had been reported earlier this weekend. While Grandal is on the shelf, look for A.J. Ellis to serve as the primary backstop, with Austin Barnes handling backup duties. Look for Grandal to target a return for the Dodgers' home opener on April 12.