MLB Player News

Contreras went 1-for-3 with two runs scored, a walk and a hit-by-pitch in a 9-0 win Saturday over the Brewers.

Contreras walked and scored in the first and singled and scored in the sixth. The two-time All-Star was plunked on a 3-0 pitch by Brandon Woodruff in the fourth, the second consecutive game he's been hit by a Milwaukee pitcher. Barring a surprise extension, the 30-year-old is expected to reach free agency for the first time following the season. Since making his debut in 2016, Contreras has been one of the best catchers in baseball and he will likely receive a healthy payday if he puts up numbers similar to his career .806 OPS this year.

Barnes went 2-for-3 with a home run in Saturday's loss against the Rockies.

The backstop made his season debut Saturday and took German Marquez deep in the top of the third inning. He was the only player to record multiple hits for the Dodgers in this game, but he's not expected to become the regular catcher for the Dodgers.

The Dodgers said there was nothing to Smith's scratch from Saturday's lineup and instead there was simply a mistake with the first lineup released, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

Fantasy managers can breathe a sigh of relief, as it seems like the Dodgers just wanted to get Austin Barnes involved to keep him sharp. We should expect Smith back in the lineup for Sunday's series finale in Colorado.

Ruiz isn't starting Saturday's game against the Mets, Matt Weyrich of NBC Sports Washington reports.

Ruiz served as a starter in each of the first two games of the season and went 4-for-8 with a double. However, Riley Adams will start behind the dish and bat eighth Saturday.

Smith was scratched from the lineup for Saturday's game against the Rockies for undisclosed reasons.

It's unclear if Smith is dealing with an injury or illness or if the Dodgers have simply decided to lighten his workload following an abbreviated spring training. Austin Barnes will take over behind the plate and would step into a starting role if Smith needs to miss time.

Diaz will sit Saturday against the Dodgers.

Diaz went 1-for-4 with a double and a run scored in Friday's season opener. He'll get a rest day already in the second game of the year, with the Rockies seemingly wanting to ease him into the season following an abbreviated spring schedule. Dom Nunez takes over behind the plate.

D'Arnaud will get the day off Saturday against the Reds, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

Teams around the league are giving players a few more days off than normal following the condensed spring schedule, especially at the catcher position. D'Arnaud will sit after going 2-for-8 with three RBI in the first two games of the year, with William Contreras taking over behind the plate.

Stephenson will hit the bench Saturday against Atlanta.

Stephenson has a clear role as the Reds' primary catcher this season with Tucker Barnhart now a Tiger, but, like any catcher, he'll get a fair amount of days off. He'll hit the bench after going 2-for-6 with three RBI in the first two games of the year, with Aramis Garcia taking over behind the plate.

Narvaez isn't starting Saturday's game against the Cubs, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Southpaw Justin Steele is on the mound for the Cubs on Saturday, so Narvaez will get a breather. Victor Caratini will start behind the dish and bat ninth.

D'Arnaud went 2-for-4 with a run and three RBI in Friday's 7-6 win over the Reds.

The veteran catcher opened the scoring by bringing home Adam Duvall in the bottom of the second inning before adding a two-run knock in the third. D'Arnaud is coming off a rough, injury-plagued campaign, but Atlanta is hoping better health will allow the 33-year-old to return to something close to the form that saw him deliver a .919 OPS in 2020.