Stephenson (thumb) is a combined 2-for-5 with a home run, two RBI and an additional run scored in two games of a rehab assignment for Triple-A Louisville.

Stephenson, who is on the injured list with a fractured thumb, began the assignment Wednesday, when he caught seven innings and homered in his first plate appearance. He followed up as the designated hitter for six innings Thursday. The report indicates an expected return date of Friday, when the Reds begin a weekend series at home against the Mets.

Alvarez (finger) will be activated from the injured list Friday, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

Alvarez has been on a rehab assignment since Aug. 26 and was able to catch a full game Sunday. He's gone 4-for-19 across parts of five games and should take over as the Mets' primary catcher upon his return.

The Dodgers selected Rortvedt's contract from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Thursday.

Will Smith is undergoing a CT scan on his right hand and is expected to be out for at least a few days, so Rortvedt will be up to provide catching depth behind Dalton Rushing. Rortvedt was acquired from the Rays at the trade deadline.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Thursday that Smith (hand) is undergoing a CT scan, and it's "probably unlikely" the catcher will play this weekend against the Orioles, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Smith had to be removed from Wednesday's game in Pittsburgh after a foul tip caught him in the right hand. He's not in Thursday's lineup and could require a stint on the 10-day injured list, pending results of the CT scan. Ben Rortvedt will be added to the roster as a third catcher, and Dalton Rushing will handle the bulk of the starts behind the plate while Smith is out.

Rodriguez was promoted from Single-A Palm Beach to High-A Peoria on Thursday.

Rodriguez has demolished Florida Complex League and Florida State League pitching thus far, slashing .275/.405/.567 with 20 home runs and a 63:54 K:BB over 80 games covering the two stops. The 18-year-old will now get his feet wet in the Midwest League before Peoria's season concludes Sunday. Rodriguez has established himself as one of the best young power-hitting prospects in baseball.

Smith (hand) is absent from the lineup for Thursday's game in Pittsburgh.

Smith had to be removed from Wednesday's contest when his right hand was struck by a ball while he was catching. He avoided any broken bones, but he'll get a little more rest as he deals with a contusion. Dalton Rushing is catching and batting ninth in Thursday's series finale.

Carrigg was suspended on Sept. 2 at Double-A Hartford after getting ejected from an Aug. 31 game against Portland.

Carrigg slammed his helmet after getting called out on an attempted steal of third base and was ejected and then made a scene in between innings arguing with the umpire who ejected him. It's unclear how many games he will miss, but Hartford's season wraps up Sept. 14. Carrigg's hit tool looked stronger a year ago, as his strikeout rate jumped from 19 percent at High-A to 27.8 percent at Double-A while his batting average dipped from .280 to .234. He is an excellent athlete and has logged 40-plus steals in back-to-back seasons while showcasing average pull-side power. A 107 wRC+ is a middling mark for a 23-year-old at Double-A, but if Carrigg can find his way into a regular role for the Rockies in a year or two, his speed will make him valuable in fantasy, at least in his home games.

Smith was removed from Wednesday's game against the Pirates with a right hand contusion.

Smith took a pitch off his right hand while catching in the second inning and was lifted for a pinch hitter in the following frame. The fact that the Dodgers are labeling his injury as a contusion suggests the veteran backstop avoided structural damage, though he could still sit out a game or two while he recovers.

Kelly is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against Atlanta.

After going 2-for-8 with his 14th home run of the season, a walk and three RBI while starting behind the plate in the first two games of the series, Kelly will get a breather for the finale. Reese McGuire will handle catching duties for the Cubs.

Davis is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Dodgers.

Davis will be getting a routine day off after he started at catcher in each of the previous two contests. Joey Bart will be behind the dish and bat eighth for the Pirates in Wednesday's series finale.