MLB Player News

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Wednesday that Smith (neck) will "most likely" be placed on the injured list, Maddie Lee of the Los Angeles Times reports. "We'll have to make that decision at some point in time [after Wednesday's game against the Pirates]," Roberts said.

Roberts acknowledged that the three-time All-Star is progressing, but Smith -- who will be out of the lineup Wednesday for a fourth straight game -- has missed enough time at this point that he'll require a ramp-up period before returning to action, per Jack Harris of the California Post. Dalton Rushing will step in as the Dodgers' top backstop for the duration of Smith's absence, and Los Angeles will likely call up Chuckie Robinson or Eliezer Alfonzo from Triple-A Oklahoma City prior to Thursday's series finale in Pittsburgh to serve as Rushing's understudy.

Smith (neck) is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Pirates.

Though recent imaging on Smith's neck revealed nothing overly concerning, the catcher will nonetheless remain on the bench for a fourth straight game Wednesday. Smith was able to do some throwing and take some indoor batting practice prior to Tuesday's series opener in Pittsburgh, but a stint on the injured list could still be in play for the 31-year-old. Dalton Rushing will make another start Wednesday and is the only other catcher on the 40-man roster for the moment, but the Dodgers opened up a spot by releasing infielder Tyler Fitzgerald and can now more easily promote another backstop from the minors if Smith needs to go on the IL.

Mack is not in the lineup for Wednesday's contest against the Diamondbacks.

Mack had made seven straight starts at catcher, so he's earned a day off. Liam Hicks will be behind the dish for the Marlins, Kyle Stowers is in the designated hitter slot and Heriberto Hernandez will cover left field.

Bart (foot) will begin a rehab assignment Wednesday at Single-A Bradenton, Colin Beazley of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Bart has reached the final phase of his recovery process from a left foot infection, which has kept him on the 10-day injured list since May 12. Given the length of his absence, Bart could remain on assignment in the minors through the weekend before the Pirates evaluate him for a return during their six-game road trip next week. Prior to being deactivated, Bart had produced a .669 OPS over 62 plate appearances on the season.

The Pirates recalled Flores from Triple-A Indianapolis on Wednesday, Colin Beazley of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Flores will likely be in line for a short-term stay with the Bucs during his first stint in the big leagues this season, as he's slated to provide Pittsburgh with another option at catcher behind Endy Rodriguez while Henry Davis (personal) is on the paternity list. While splitting time between catcher and first base at Triple-A this season, Flores has slashed .207/.320/.324 with four home runs in 53 games.

The Pirates placed Davis on the paternity list Wednesday, Colin Beazley of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Davis will be away from the Pirates for 1-to-3 days while he welcomes his first child into the world. Pittsburgh recalled Rafael Flores from Triple-A Indianapolis to provide an additional option at catcher behind Endy Rodriguez while Davis is on paternity leave.

Hunt (oblique) has gone 5-for-13 with a home run, a double, a walk, four RBI and three runs in four games for Triple-A El Paso since being reinstated from the 7-day injured list last week.

Hunt opened the season on the IL after tweaking his oblique early in spring training, but he made enough progress to begin a rehab assignment in mid-May. The 27-year-old catcher was cleared to rejoin El Paso after posting a 1.167 OPS over seven games during his rehab stint in the rookie-level Arizona Complex League.

Fermin is absent from the lineup for Wednesday's contest against the Reds.

Fermin had a three-game home run streak come to an end with a 0-for-5 showing Tuesday, so he'll get a breather for Wednesday's matinee. Rodolfo Duran will do the catching and bat eighth for the Padres.

Stephenson is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Padres.

After starting behind the plate each of the last three days, Stephenson will get a breather while the Reds wrap up their series in San Diego with an afternoon game after a night game. P.J. Higgins will step in at catcher, forming a battery with starting pitcher Brady Singer.

Mack went 4-for-4 with three runs Tuesday in the Marlins' 10-6 win over the Diamondbacks.

With a .203 batting average, the rookie catcher was barely sitting above the Mendoza Line for the season at the end of May, but his bat has begun to heat up in June. Through seven games on the month, Mack has gone 9-for-23 with a home run and a double, lifting his season average up by 50 points in the process. Mack is still expected to provide most of his value to the Marlins through his defense behind the plate, but he offers a bit of pop and should play frequently enough to make for a viable lineup option in fantasy leagues that start two catchers.