MLB Player News

Knizner went 1-for-3 with a three-run home run and a walk in Tuesday's 6-5 win over the Royals.

The backup catcher was initially expected to start Monday versus the Pirates before that game was rained out. Knizner still got his start Tuesday and made good use of it, as his three-run blast in the fourth inning gave the Cardinals just enough runs to get the win. The 27-year-old is expected to play more frequently than in past seasons to give Yadier Molina rest, so it's encouraging to see Knizner make an impact when given a start as he looks to cement his place as the Cardinals' catcher of the future.

Nola isn't starting Wednesday's game against the Giants.

Nola started in each of the last four games, and he went 4-for-15 with a homer, four RBI, two runs, a walk and three strikeouts. Jorge Alfaro will start behind the dish and bat eighth Wednesday.

Adams will start at catcher and bat eighth Wednesday in Atlanta, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

He'll enter the lineup for the second time in seven games this season while top backstop Keibert Ruiz rests on getaway day. The Nationals gave Adams some exposure to first base in spring training to present him with another potential avenue to playing time, but the 25-year-old is still expected to see the overwhelming majority of his work behind the plate on days when Ruiz is sitting out.

Ruiz is not in Wednesday's lineup against Atlanta, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

Ruiz will get Wednesday off after starting the last two games behind the plate, going 2-for-9 with a double and two runs over those contests. Riley Adams will start at catcher and bat eighth as the Nationals try to to take the rubber match.

Perez is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Cubs.

Perez is getting a breather due to the Pirates and Cubs closing their series with a game that begins at 12:35 p.m. ET. Andrew Knapp will step in for Perez and form a battery with starting pitcher Zach Thompson.

McCann is not in the lineup for Wednesday's contest against the Phillies, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

The catcher will get a breather Wednesday after starting the last two contests, failing to produce a hit in either while scoring a run and stealing a base. Tomas Nido will get the start behind the plate and will bat ninth in the series finale.

D'Arnaud is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Nationals.

D'Arnaud will sit for the third time in five games, though it's largely a byproduct of Atlanta's early schedule including several contests with early start times. Manny Pina will be behind the plate for Wednesday's series finale, but d'Arnaud still looks like the clear No. 1 catcher for Atlanta. D'Arnaud turned in his best game of the season in Tuesday's 16-4 win, going 3-for-5 with three runs.

Smith is not in the lineup for Wednesday's series finale against the Twins.

Smith was in the lineup for each of the Dodgers' last two games, going 1-for-8 with two runs and two RBI, but he'll get Wednesday off. Austin Barnes will start in his place behind the plate and bat ninth in the contest.

Contreras was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett on Monday.

Contreras made the Opening Day roster, as Atlanta needed a third option behind the plate while Manny Pina battled a minor wrist issue. Pina made his season debut Monday, so Contreras is no longer needed.

Amaya (elbow) won't catch this season, but he may be able to DH by midsummer, Jim Callis of MLB.com reports.

He had Tommy John surgery in November, which is why he won't be catching. However, as a position player, he won't require the typical 14-to-16 months to return to game action. He should be a full go as a catcher in 2023.