MLB Player News

Nola (knee) caught a bullpen session and played long toss in addition to doing agility work earlier this week, MLB.com reports.

The backstop remains without a definite timeline for a return, but he appears to be progressing from the left knee sprain that put him on the shelf in late May. In addition to his recent activity, Nola has also been doing blocking drills and taking batting practice. Given his extended absence, he'll almost certainly need to go on a rehab assignment prior to rejoining the Padres.

Diaz went 3-for-4 with a double, three-run homer and strikeout in a 5-2 victory against St. Louis on Thursday.

Diaz has been scorching of late as he extended his hitting streak to five games and homer streak to three with his walk-off blast in the ninth. The hot streak has increased his slash line to .194/.273/.343, though Diaz has been much better of late following an abysmal opening two months.

Contreras isn't starting Thursday's game against the Mets.

Contreras has gone just 2-for-21 with a double, three walks and six RBI across his last seven appearances, and he'll retreat to the bench for the third time in the last four games. Kevan Smith will start behind the dish and bat eighth.

Barnhart isn't in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Padres.

Barnhart will retreat to the bench for the fourth time in the last seven games with left-hander Ryan Weathers starting for the Padres. Tyler Stephenson will start behind the plate and bat fourth.

Caratini isn't starting Thursday's game against Cincinnati.

Caratini has gone 1-for-7 with a walk and four strikeouts across the last two games, and he'll get a day off in Thursday's series finale. Webster Rivas will start at catcher and bat eighth.

Jackson (hamstring/finger) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Gwinnett on Wednesday, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

Jackson was on a rehab assignment earlier in the month while recovering from a left hamstring strain, but he suffered an injury to his pinkie finger that forced him to pause his activities. The catcher was transferred to the 60-day IL and isn't eligible to return until this weekend, but he'll resume his rehab assignment Wednesday and could be back with the major-league club in the near future.

Marlins manager Don Mattingly said Leon will catch for starting pitcher Jordan Holloway in Wednesday's game at Philadelphia, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Leon will crack the starting nine for only the second time in 12 games. Jorge Alfaro is locked in as the Marlins' clear top catcher, and opportunities will likely remain few and far between for Leon while Alfaro is healthy.

Contreras isn't starting Wednesday's game against the Mets.

Contreras went 0-for-2 with a walk in Tuesday's loss, and he'll take a seat for the second time in the last three games. Kevan Smith will start behind the dish and bat eighth.

Perez will start at catcher and bat seventh Wednesday against the Rockies.

No. 1 backstop Jacob Stallings is getting the afternoon off after making three straight starts behind the dish, so Perez will check into the lineup for the 23rd time this season. Perez has delivered five extra-base hits in his limited opportunities in June, but he doesn't appear likely to move ahead of Stallings on the depth chart anytime soon.

Stallings is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Rockies.

Stallings will head to the bench for the series finale after he logged starts at catcher in each of the past three contests while going a collective 2-for-10 with a walk and four strikeouts. Michael Perez will check in for Stallings behind the dish.