MLB Player News

Realmuto (neck) will be evaluated again Wednesday, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Realmuto is dealing with a bruised neck after taking a Zack Wheeler slider off of his neck in the seventh inning Tuesday, putting his availability in doubt for the immediate future. The catcher's status will receive another update Wednesday after he undergoes additional testing, and if he's forced to miss any time, Garrett Stubbs will likely operate as the team's primary catcher.

Smith went 2-for-5 with a three-run home run and an additional run scored in Tuesday's 6-3 win over the Twins.

Smith singled and later came around to score on three-run homer by James Outman in the top of the fourth inning before launching a three-run shot of his own the following frame. The long ball was the catcher's first of the season, but he's out to a red-hot start to 2024 overall, batting .400 with five extra-base hits and 12 RBI over 50 at-bats in 12 contests.

Realmuto was forced to exit Tuesday's matchup with the Cardinals early with a throat injury, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

Realmuto took an errant slider from Zack Wheeler off the throat after it took an odd bounce off the dirt in the bottom of the seventh inning, bringing his night to a premature end. Garrett Stubbs replaced him behind the plate and the catcher's status will likely be updated following the contest.

Ruiz is out of the lineup Tuesday versus the Giants, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reports.

Ruiz will get a breather after he went 0-for-3 with two walks, a run scored and two punchouts in Monday's 8-1 win over the Giants. Riley Adams will replace him behind the plate and bat sixth as Washington faces left-hander Kyle Harrison on the mound Tuesday.

Sullivan was recalled from Triple-A El Paso on Tuesday.

Before being optioned to Triple-A after losing the battle for a backup catcher spot to Kyle Higashioka, Sullivan logged seven hits in 25 spring training at-bats. The catcher has gotten off to a great start in Triple-A this year, slashing .472/.500/.722 in 38 plate appearances. In a corresponding move, Graham Pauley was optioned to Triple-A El Paso.

Alvarez is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against Atlanta, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Alvarez is 1-for-13 with five strikeouts and a walk over his past four games, and he'll take a seat for Tuesday's contest. Omar Narvaez will step in behind the plate to catch for right-hander Adrian Houser.

Contreras (hand) will serve as the Cardinals' designated hitter and No. 3 batter Tuesday versus the Phillies.

Contreras still isn't able to squeeze his catcher's mitt due to lingering soreness in his left hand and admits that "it does bother me to swing a little bit," per John Denton of MLB.com. However, he's feeling well enough to DH in this one and is hoping to be ready to catch by this weekend. Ivan Herrera is getting another start behind the plate Tuesday.

Stubbs went 1-for-4 with one run and one stolen base in Monday's win against the Cardinals.

Playing in a mere two games since Opening Day, the 30-year-old has gone 2-for-7 with a run and a stolen base. Currently locked in as No. 2 catcher behind J.T. Realmuto, Stubbs' position could be reevaluated when Rafael Marchan returns from his back injury.

Delay (knee) remains shut down from all baseball activities, Alex Stumpf of MLB.com reports.

Delay has been out for the last week with right knee inflammation and appears to have made little-to-no progress. He's eligible for activation in mid-April, but clearly the catcher will not be ready at that time.

Rodriguez (elbow) will begin a swinging progression from the left side next week, Alex Stumpf of MLB.com reports.

It's the next step in recovery as Rodriguez continues to work his way back from offseason Tommy John surgery. He'll be sidelined until 2025.