MLB Player News

D'Arnaud went 3-for-4 with a home run, two RBI, two walks and a run scored Friday as he contributed to the Braves' 15-2 win over the Mets.

D'Arnaud ignited a six-run fourth inning with a two-run shot to left to extend the Braves' lead to 8-0. The 31-year-old is having the best season of his eight-year career as he hitting .336/.397/.550 with eight home runs, 30 RBI and 17 runs scored across 156 plate appearances.

Marchan got the start in the second game of Friday's doubleheader sweep of the Blue Jays, going 2-for-3 with a three-run homer and a second run scored.

Remarkably, it was the 21-year-old's first professional homer at any level. Marchan's opportunities to contribute should dry up as soon as J.T. Realmuto (hip) is able to play again, but the rookie was at least able to make an impact when he got the chance.

Realmuto (hip) made progress Friday and could return for Monday's series opener against the Nationals, Matt Breen of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Realmuto has already been ruled out for the Phillies' weekend series, but he could be on track for a return Monday as long as he doesn't experience any setbacks. Andrew Knapp should continue to serve behind the plate in Realmuto's absence.

Contreras went 2-for-3 with a walk and an RBI in Friday's 1-0 win over the Twins.

Rich Hill and Caleb Thielbar limited the Cubs to just three total hits, but Contreras managed two of them, and the Chicago catcher drove in the game's only run. Contreras is now batting .256 with a .760 OPS and 22 RBI in 49 games.

Gomes went 2-for-4 with two runs and one strikeout during the win in Game 1 of Friday's doubleheader against the Marlins.

Gomes has continued to split time with Kurt Suzuki behind the plate this season, but he's put together some solid stat lines recently with multi-hit performances in two of his last four games. The 33-year-old is now hitting .282 with 11 runs and 11 RBI over 23 games this season.

Smith is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Rockies, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

Smith hits the bench after starting seven of the last eight games. He posted a 1.074 OPS over that stretch, right in line with his season-long 1.013 mark in that category. Austin Barnes will be the catcher Friday.

Caratini will be on the bench Friday against the Twins.

Caratini has started 31 out of the Cubs' 51 games this season, but he'll sit for the second straight game here. With a .456 OPS over his last 17 games, it certainly wouldn't be a surprise if his opportunities drop off down the stretch. Willson Contreras will catch Friday, with Jason Kipnis serving as the designated hitter.

Narvaez is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Royals.

Narvaez continues to struggle at the plate and is 1-for-11 in his past five games, so he'll take a seat against left-hander Danny Duffy. Jacob Nottingham receives the start at catcher Friday for Milwaukee.

Manager Dave Roberts indicated Thursday that he is considering using Smith as the team's designated hitter in games that he doesn't catch during the playoffs, Eric Stephen of SBNation.com reports.

Though catchers aren't typically targeted for the DH role, Smith has been one of the Dodgers' best hitters this season, leading Roberts to consider a way to keep his bat in the lineup on an everyday basis. Austin Barnes will certainly catch some contests if the Dodgers advance beyond the first round of the playoffs, but Roberts used both Barnes and Smith in the starting lineup when Smith DH'd last week, and the same setup could be employed again this weekend as the team prepares for the postseason. The desire to deploy Smith as an offensive weapon is justified by his .303/.417/.596 slash line and 18:16 BB:K.

Stallings is out of the lineup for Game 1 of Friday's doubleheader versus the Cardinals.

Stallings will receive a breather in the first game of the twin bill and figures to rejoin the lineup for the nightcap. John Ryan Murhpy starts behind the plate in the matinee, batting ninth.