MLB Player News

Marchan was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Sunday.

Marchan had been serving as the backup catcher since Andrew Knapp tested positive for COVID-19 in late August. Knapp is now ready to go, so Marchan will return to the minors.

Maile was recalled from Triple-A Nashville on Sunday.

Maile was optioned Friday but returns just two days later. He's unlikely to see too much playing time this time around, as he'll be merely the third-string catcher, with Rowdy Tellez (kneecap) hitting the injured list in a corresponding move.

Barnhart will sit Sunday against St. Louis.

Barnhart has made only four starts against southpaws all year, so he'll hit the bench as expected against lefty J.A. Happ. Tyler Stephenson takes over behind the plate.

Ruiz (head) is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Pirates.

Ruiz was struck in the helmet by a pitch Saturday and was forced to exit. X-rays taken after the game were negative, and he cleared concussion tests Sunday, per Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com, but he'll sit for at least one contest. Alex Avila will take over behind the plate.

Narvaez will be on the bench Sunday against Cleveland.

Narvaez sits after starting six straight games behind the plate. Manny Pina will catch Eric Lauer in his absence.

McCann went 2-for-4 with a home run, a triple, three RBI, an additional run scored and a walk in Saturday's 8-7 loss to the Yankees.

McCann slammed a two-run homer off Chad Green in the sixth inning to give the Mets the lead. In addition, he tripled in the second inning, driving in Kevin Pillar. It was just the second game this season in which he had multiple extra-base hits. The catcher is slashing .240/.303/.368 with 10 long balls, 40 RBI and 24 runs scored in 260 plate appearances.

Ruiz (head) underwent X-rays after Saturday's loss to the Pirates that came back negative, Bobby Blanco of MASNSports.com reports.

Ruiz was removed from Saturday's matchup in the top of the sixth inning after he was hit by a pitch on his helmet, but he doesn't appear to be dealing with a significant injury. The catcher isn't expected to miss much time and should considered day-to-day.

Contreras went 2-for-3 with two RBI in Saturday's loss to the Giants.

Contreras made his return from a knee injury a week ago and has been understandably rusty after missing nearly a month. The catcher came into Saturday's contest with just three hits in 19 at-bats since coming off the injured list, so it was good to see him string together multiple hits. With the Cubs sitting at 65-78 and outside the playoff picture, Contreras will likely receive plenty of rest days down the stretch as the team turns its attention to 2022.

Ruiz exited Saturday's game against the Pirates in the top of the sixth inning after he was hit by a pitch on his helmet, Jessica Camerato of MLB.com reports.

Ruiz went 1-for-3 with a double and three RBI to begin Saturday's contest, but he was immediately removed from the game after he was hit near his jaw area. It's not yet clear whether the injury will force him to miss additional time.

Nido (thumb) will begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A Syracuse on Saturday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Nido will return to game action nearly two weeks after he was placed on the injured list due to a left thumb sprain. Since the 27-year-old hasn't been sidelined too long, he'll likely be considered to rejoin the major-league club early next week.