MLB Player News

Smith is not starting Friday's game against the Nationals, Jorge Castillo of the Los Angeles Times reports.

The 26-year-old sits after three consecutive 1-for-3 performances. Smith has hit just .231 in his last 14 games, but he has smashed three homers in that span. Austin Barnes starts at catcher for the second of four games against Washington.

Stallings went 2-for-3 with a double, an RBI and a walk in Thursday's loss against the Brewers.

He drove home Ke'Bryan Hayes with an RBI double in the ninth inning, and he had previously singled in the bottom of the second as well. Stallings is firmly entrenched as the Pirates' starting catcher, and he's been putting up slightly better numbers than he was at the beginning of the year. Stallings is slashing .265/.342/.324 with six RBI over his last 10 games, though his .231 average on the season remains poor compared to what he accomplished in each of his previous two seasons.

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.