MLB Player News

Murphy is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Cubs, Justin Toscano of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Murphy started the first two games of the series in Chicago but will head to the bench for Sunday's finale. Travis d'Arnaud will step in behind the plate and bat fifth.

The Nationals reinstated Pineda (oblique) from the 60-day injured list Sunday and optioned him to Double-A Harrisburg, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

Pineda has spent the entire season on the IL due to the left oblique strain, though he was cleared to begin a rehab assignment in late May before being shut down soon thereafter due to a setback. The 23-year-old catcher was cleared to return to game action in the minors coming out of the All-Star break and will ultimately settle at the Double-A level now that his 20-day rehab window has come to an end. Washington granted right-hander Paolo Espino his unconditional release to free up a spot on the 40-man roster for Pineda.

Realmuto is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Royals, Alex Coffey of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Realmuto started the past three games after missing a couple contests due to a cut on his hand, and he'll receive Sunday off after going 4-for-11 with a home run, two RBI and three runs during that span. Garrett Stubbs will step in behind the plate to catch for Taijuan Walker.

Alvarez is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Orioles.

Alvarez started the first two games of the series in Baltimore but will take a seat for the finale after going 0-for-6 with a walk. Omar Narvaez will step in behind the plate to catch for Jose Quintana.

Smith went 1-for-3 with a solo home run, a walk and a stolen base in Saturday's 8-3 loss to the Padres.

Smith has hit safely in four straight games, and he's driven in a run in each of them. The homer was his first since July 7, while the steal was his second of the campaign. The catcher is slashing .276/.384/.474 with 14 long balls, 56 RBI, 57 runs scored and 17 doubles through 85 contests overall.

Stephenson is not in the lineup for Saturday's game versus the Nationals.

Stephenson has a .528 OPS in 15 games since the All-Star break and will hit the bench Saturday for the second time in the past three games. Luke Maile will receive another start behind the plate for Cincinnati.

Diaz went 2-for-5 with two RBI on Friday against the Cardinals.

Diaz came out of the All-Star break without much punch at the plate, though he's changed that across his last six games. In that span, he's collected 11 hits in 25 at-bats while also tacking on four RBI and two runs scored. Since C.J. Cron and Randal Grichuk were dealt away, Diaz has hit cleanup twice, though he hit in his more customary sixth position Friday.

Moreno (shoulder) has begun hitting off a tee and hitting flips in the batting cage, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.

The Diamondbacks are hopeful that Moreno can ramp up further and begin taking practice by early next week. The catcher has exceeded the 10-day minimum and can be activated at any time.

Murphy went 1-for-3 with a walk and a two-run home run in Friday's victory over the Cubs.

Murphy hit one of two home runs against Kyle Hendricks in a seven-run fourth inning for Atlanta. It was Murphy's 18th home run of the season but his first of the second half. He entered Friday's game with a .098/.229/.122 line in 11 games since he made his first career All-Star Game appearance.

Sanchez isn't in the Padres' lineup Friday against the Dodgers.

Sanchez will catch a breather Friday after going 3-for-5 with two homers and four RBI during Wednesday's blowout win over Colorado. Luis Campusano will fill in behind the dish and bat eighth.