MLB Player News

Knizner went 2-for-4 with a double, a walk and three runs scored in Saturday's 16-7 win over the Diamondbacks.

Knizner got the start behind the dish Saturday as Yadier Molina (personal) is away from the team. In his last 10 games, Knizner has delivered four multi-hit efforts with two doubles, two RBI and seven runs scored. The backup catcher is up to a .219/.311/.273 slash line with one home run, 19 RBI, 18 runs scored and seven doubles through 213 plate appearances this year. Molina is expected to rejoin the Cardinals on Monday, so Knizner's time as the No. 1 backstop is likely limited.

Smith went 1-for-3 with a three-run home run and a walk in a 7-0 win over Miami on Saturday.

Smith hit out of the cleanup spot as the Dodgers' DH in the contest while Austin Barnes started behind the plate. The decision to get Smith's bat into the lineup paid off quickly when he put the Dodgers on the board with a three-run blast to left field in the first inning. Smith is up to 18 homers on the campaign, and his 70 RBI leads all big-league catchers.

Herrera was recalled from Triple-A Memphis on Saturday.

With Yadier Molina traveling to Puerto Rico to handle personal matters, Herrera will join the team from the taxi squad as short-term catching depth. Herrera has been used sparingly during his major-league stints this year and he's struggled in limited action, going 2-for-18 with eight strikeouts.

D'Arnaud isn't in the lineup Saturday against Houston.

D'Arnaud will get another day off Saturday after also sitting out Wednesday against the Mets. William Contreras will take his place behind the dish.

Narvaez (quadriceps) was activated off the injured list as expected Saturday.

A strained quadriceps had kept Narvaez out since early August, but he's good to go now after going 3-for-8 in a pair of rehab games. Mario Feliciano was optioned to create room on the roster, leaving Victor Caratini to serve as Narvaez's lone backup behind the plate.

Realmuto will be on the bench for the first half of Saturday's doubleheader against the Mets.

Realmuto was never likely to catch two games in one day, and the Phillies will elect to give him a full rest in the afternoon game rather than using him as the designated hitter. Garrett Stubbs will start behind the plate, but expect Realmuto to return for the nightcap.

Ruiz went 2-for-2 with two walks, an RBI, a stolen base and a run scored in Friday's 6-3 win over the Padres.

Ruiz got aboard four times, which included his third multi-hit effort in August. Through 18 games this month, he's gone 13-for-55 (.236) with four extra-base hits. The catcher lifted his slash line back up to .246/.311/.354 through 97 contests, and he's added six steals, six home runs, 32 RBI and 28 runs scored this year in a starting role.

McCann isn't starting Friday against the Phillies.

McCann started the last two games and went 1-for-7 with a double and two strikeouts. Michael Perez will take over behind the plate and bat ninth.

Contreras will sit Friday versus the Astros.

Contreras will take a seat for a second straight game Friday as the team starts a three-game series with the Astros. Robbie Grossman will take over at designated hitter and bat ninth in the series opener.

Heineman is not in the starting lineup Friday against the Reds.

Heineman will get a breather after he went 1-for-4 in Thursday's win over the Red Sox, his first game back from a groin injury that had landed him on the 10-day injured list. Jason Delay will start at catcher and bat ninth versus Cincinnati.