MLB Player News

The Nationals confirmed that Ruiz was recalled from Triple-A Rochester ahead of Monday's game against the Phillies.

Washington has yet to release its lineup for the series opener, but it's expected to include Ruiz, who should take over as the team's everyday catcher moving forward. Between stops at Rochester and at the Dodgers' Triple-A affiliate in Oklahoma City this season, the 23-year-old Ruiz hit .310 with 21 home runs and 59 RBI in 72 games.

The Nationals optioned Barrera to Triple-A Rochester on Monday, Matt Weyrich of NBC Sports Washington reports.

Barrera's demotion sets the stage for top catching prospect Keibert Ruiz to join the Nationals' 26-man roster ahead of Monday's series opener with the Phillies. Ruiz's arrival will leave fewer opportunities to go around for Riley Adams, who had been handling the larger portion of a timeshare behind the plate with Barrera. Over 107 plate appearances with the big club this season, Barrera has hit .264 with two home runs, 10 RBI and eight runs.

Realmuto exited in the top of the sixth inning of Sunday's game against the Diamondbacks with a sore left ankle, Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports Philadelphia. He went 1-for-2 with a walk and a run before departing.

With Rhys Hoskins (abdomen) shut down for the season, Realmuto picked up his first start of the season at first base Sunday and is expected to see more work at the position down the stretch. However, Realmuto's availability moving forward is now in question, after he fouled a ball off his ankle in an at-bat earlier in the series finale before eventually leaving the game. The Phillies will presumably send Realmuto for further evaluation before providing an update on his status heading into Monday's game in Washington.

Diaz is not in the lineup Sunday against the Dodgers.

Diaz started the past three games and will receive a maintenance day in the series finale at Los Angeles. Dom Nunez will catch for the Rockies on Sunday.

Smith is not in the lineup Sunday against the Rockies, Eric Stephen of SBNation.com reports.

Smith went 4-for-5 with a home run, two walks and three RBI through the first two games of the series, and he'll take a day off in the finale. Austin Barnes will work behind the plate in his place Sunday.

Nido is out of the lineup Sunday against the Nationals due to soreness in his left thumb, Deesha Thosar of the New York Daily News reports.

Nido returned from the injured list Friday after being sidelined by a left thumb sprain, and it appears the injury remains bothersome. The 27-year-old is available off the bench Sunday, but any further issues could result in another trip to the injured list. Patrick Mazeika will receive another start behind the plate for New York.

Adams is not in the lineup Sunday against the Mets, Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports.

Adams started the past two games and has a 1.032 OPS through 18 games for Washington since being acquired from Toronto, but his playing time is now in jeopardy with top prospect Keibert Ruiz being promoted for his debut Monday. Ruiz figures to take over as the Nationals' primary catcher, though Adams has likely done enough to stick around as the backup option.

D'Arnaud is not in the lineup Sunday against the Giants.

D'Arnaud started the last three games and will receive a day off in the series finale against San Francisco. Stephen Vogt will work behind the plate in his absence Sunday.

Jackson is out of the lineup Sunday against the Reds, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Jackson started the past two games and will take a seat for the series finale after going 1-for-6 with a walk and a strikeout. Sandy Leon will work behind the plate in his place Sunday.

The Nationals announced that Ruiz will be called up from Triple-A Rochester to make his Washington debut Monday versus the Phillies.

The key piece Washington received in the deadline deal that sent Max Scherzer and Trea Turner to the Dodgers, Ruiz has made a quick impression a month into his tenure with a new organization. Over 20 games at Rochester, the 23-year-old switch-hitting catcher slashed .308/.365/.577 with five home runs and 14 RBI. He will likely settle in as Washington's everyday backstop upon joining the team Monday, and his exceptional production at Triple-A should give him a chance at emerging as a fantasy-relevant option over the final month of the season, even in leagues that start only one catcher.