MLB Player News

Cartaya was removed Sunday from High-A Great Lakes' game due to an apparent hand or wrist injury, Eric Stephen of SBNation.com reports.

While serving as Great Lakes' catcher, Cartaya was removed in the middle of an opponent's at-bat, so his hand may have been struck by a foul ball or an errant pitch prior to his exit. Heading into Sunday, the Dodgers' top catching prospect was slashing .314/.438/.593 in 105 plate appearances for Great Lakes since his promotion from Single-A Rancho Cucamonga.

Knizner will start at catcher and bat ninth in Sunday's game against the Phillies.

The Cardinals gave Ivan Herrera a look as their No. 1 backstop to begin last week, but the rookie was unable to run away with the job. As a result, Knizner -- who is starting for the third time in four games -- looks like he'll receive another trial as the team's primary backstop while Yadier Molina (knee) remains on the injured list. Knizner has been one of baseball's least-productive hitters among players with at least 100 plate appearances, as he'll take a .185/.284/.242 slash line and 60 wRC+ into Sunday's contest.

Herrera is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Phillies.

Herrera's run as the Cardinals' No. 1 catcher may have come to an end. He'll be on the bench for the third time in four games while Andrew Knizner picks up another start behind the dish.

Barnes agreed Sunday with the Dodgers on a two-year, $7 million contract extension, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

The deal will prevent Barnes from hitting the open market this winter and will keep him on the Dodgers' books through the end of the 2024 campaign. While serving as the backup to No. 1 backstop Will Smith this season, the 32-year-old Barnes has slashed .188/.320/.375 with four home runs, two stolen bases, 14 runs and 12 RBI across 97 plate appearances.

Casali is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the White Sox, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

Casali is on the bench as the Giants conclude their series with the White Sox with a day game after a night game. Austin Wynns will check in behind the dish in place of Casali, who went 0-for-3 with a walk and two strikeouts in Saturday's 5-3 loss.

Nola is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Dodgers.

With Jorge Alfaro overcoming a knee injury and stepping back in behind the plate Sunday, Nola's four-game run in the starting nine will come to an end. Though he should play more frequently than most No. 2 catchers, Nola will likely be little more than a low-end starting option in mixed leagues that keep two catchers active now that Alfaro is healthy again.

Gomes is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Red Sox.

Gomes will retreat to the bench for the series finale after he started in each of Chicago's last three games at catcher or designated hitter while going 1-for-9 with a double, an RBI and a run. P.J. Higgins will check in for Gomes behind the dish while Willson Contreras serves as the Cubs' DH.

Barrera went 1-for-2 with two RBI in Saturday's loss to Miami.

His two RBI came on a single in the second inning that saw Nelson Cruz and Lane Thomas cross the plate before Barrera advanced to second base on a throwing error -- the Marlins' third error of the inning. It was the catcher's first appearance this season, but it should give him confidence going forward after picking up a hit and two RBI. Barrera is the new backup behind Keibert Ruiz after Riley Adams was demoted.

Smith went 1-for-3 with a solo home run and a walk in Saturday's 7-2 win over the Padres.

Six of Smith's 13 homers this year have come in his last 15 games. During that span, he's hitting .302 (19-for-63) while adding 12 RBI and seven runs. The catcher has maintained a large share of playing time by regularly serving as the designated hitter when he isn't behind the dish. He's up to a .260/.345/.472 slash line with 38 RBI, 31 runs scored and 10 doubles through 264 plate appearances this year.

Alvarez was informed Saturday that he is being promoted to Triple-A Syracuse, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports.

The 20-year-old is expected to join the Mets' top minor-league affiliate Monday. Alvarez finishes his time with Double-A Binghamton with a .277/.368/.553 line, 18 homers and 47 RBI in 67 games -- beyond impressive for his age at that level. Alvarez is widely considered the Mets' top prospect and one of the top catching prospects in all of baseball. If he picks up where he left off, Alvarez could get a look in Queens before the end of the 2022 season.