MLB Player News

Smith is not in the lineup Sunday against the Rockies, Eric Stephen of SBNation.com reports.

Smith went 4-for-5 with a home run, two walks and three RBI through the first two games of the series, and he'll take a day off in the finale. Austin Barnes will work behind the plate in his place Sunday.

Nido is out of the lineup Sunday against the Nationals due to soreness in his left thumb, Deesha Thosar of the New York Daily News reports.

Nido returned from the injured list Friday after being sidelined by a left thumb sprain, and it appears the injury remains bothersome. The 27-year-old is available off the bench Sunday, but any further issues could result in another trip to the injured list. Patrick Mazeika will receive another start behind the plate for New York.

Adams is not in the lineup Sunday against the Mets, Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports.

Adams started the past two games and has a 1.032 OPS through 18 games for Washington since being acquired from Toronto, but his playing time is now in jeopardy with top prospect Keibert Ruiz being promoted for his debut Monday. Ruiz figures to take over as the Nationals' primary catcher, though Adams has likely done enough to stick around as the backup option.

D'Arnaud is not in the lineup Sunday against the Giants.

D'Arnaud started the last three games and will receive a day off in the series finale against San Francisco. Stephen Vogt will work behind the plate in his absence Sunday.

Jackson is out of the lineup Sunday against the Reds, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Jackson started the past two games and will take a seat for the series finale after going 1-for-6 with a walk and a strikeout. Sandy Leon will work behind the plate in his place Sunday.

The Nationals announced that Ruiz will be called up from Triple-A Rochester to make his Washington debut Monday versus the Phillies.

The key piece Washington received in the deadline deal that sent Max Scherzer and Trea Turner to the Dodgers, Ruiz has made a quick impression a month into his tenure with a new organization. Over 20 games at Rochester, the 23-year-old switch-hitting catcher slashed .308/.365/.577 with five home runs and 14 RBI. He will likely settle in as Washington's everyday backstop upon joining the team Monday, and his exceptional production at Triple-A should give him a chance at emerging as a fantasy-relevant option over the final month of the season, even in leagues that start only one catcher.

Realmuto (shoulder) is starting at first base and batting second Sunday against the Diamondbacks, Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports.

Realmuto sat out Saturday's contest with a shoulder injury, but he'll return to the lineup Sunday and will make his first start of the season at first base. The 30-year-old is expected to see more work at first down the stretch with Rhys Hoskins (abdomen) out for the season. Rafael Marchan will start behind the plate Sunday since regular backup catcher Andrew Knapp landed on the COVID-19 injured list.

Barnhart is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Marlins.

Southpaw Jesus Luzardo is on the bump for Miami in the series finale, so as per usual, the lefty-hitting Barnhart will give way to Tyler Stephenson behind the dish. Barnhart started in four of the Reds' previous five games, going 4-for-13 with a double and two RBI.

Contreras (knee) caught a bullpen session and participated in baserunning drills Saturday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Contreras has been on the injured list for just over two weeks, but he's been increasing his activity level recently. Manager David Ross said the backstop is expected to begin a rehab assignment early next week, which would likely put him on track to return to the major-league club late in the week or over the weekend.

Stallings isn't in the lineup Saturday against the Cardinals, Jake Crouse of MLB.com reports.

Stallings will be out of the starting nine for the second time in the last three games after he went 3-for-4 with a run Friday. Michael Perez will start at catcher and bat eighth.