MLB Player News

Mejia (thumb) was activated from the injured list Wednesday.

Mejia missed a month with a bruised left thumb. While he was out, the Padres acquired both Austin Nola and Jason Castro, so he could be buried down the depth chart for the stretch run. The fact that he was hitting .079/.146/.184 in 16 games prior to the injury certainly doesn't help his case for playing time, though he'll remain at least a bench option for now. Abraham Almonte was optioned in a corresponding move.

Nola will sit Wednesday against the Dodgers.

Nola has handled a heavy workload since joining the Padres in a trade from the Mariners at the deadline, as Wednesday's day off will be just his third since the move. Jason Castro starts behind the plate in his absence.

Smith has hit fourth or fifth in the order in each of his last three games, and manager Dave Roberts stated that he prefers the backstop in that area of the lineup, Eric Stephen of SBNation.com reports.

Smith began the season hitting in the lower part of the order but has worked his way up due to an improved approach at the plate this season. "As far as Will in the middle of the order, I think his at-bat quality has been consistent, the on-base, using the whole field," Roberts said. "As we look out, to finish the season and into the postseason, I just want to count on the certainty of a quality at-bat." Smith was slated to bat fifth Tuesday -- as he had in his previous two starts -- but was moved up to the cleanup spot after Max Muncy was removed from the lineup in order to get a day of rest. Smith has been among the Dodgers' most effective hitters this season, slashing .300/.424/.600 with six home runs and 15 RBI. He has already matched his walk total (18) from last season -- in nearly 100 fewer at-bats -- while reducing his strikeout rate from 26.5 percent to 13.1 percent.

Casali will start at catcher and will bat ninth Wednesday against the Pirates.

He'll be behind the dish for the second time in the series while top backstop Tucker Barnhart rests. Barnhart's greater familiarity with the Cincinnati pitching staff and his ability to control the run game may be enough to maintain his spot atop the depth chart, but if the 24-26 Reds fade from the playoff race during the final week of the season, manager David Bell could hand more starts to Casali or Tyler Stephenson.

Barnhart is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Pirates.

Curt Casali will check in behind the dish while Barnhart sits for the second time in the series. The Reds value Barnhart mostly for his defensive work, but he's been an easy out at the plate this season, slashing .207/.301/.390 over 93 plate appearances. His sluggish bat could prompt the Reds to sit him more frequently over the final week and a half of the regular season in favor of Casali, or even prospect Tyler Stephenson.

Diaz went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run in Tuesday's 3-1 win over the Athletics.

Diaz gave the Rockies a lead they wouldn't lose with his blast off Athletics starter Sean Manaea in the fifth inning. That homer was Diaz's first of the year, and the RBI were his first as well. He also has two runs scored and a .250/.341/.361 slash line across 41 plate appearances.

Realmuto (hip) remains on the bench Tuesday against the Mets.

Realmuto left Saturday's game against the Marlins with hip discomfort and hasn't played since. It's not clear when he's expected to return. Andrew Knapp starts behind the plate Tuesday.

Stephenson hit a two-run home run in a pinch-hit at-bat in Game 1 of Monday's doubleheader against the Pirates.

Stephenson was called on with a runner on and two outs, and he delivered his second long ball of the 2020 season. Since being called up Sept. 8, he's 3-for-9 with four RBI and a walk.

Barnhart isn't starting the second game of Monday's doubleheader against the Pirates.

Barnhart will take a seat for Monday's nightcap after going 1-for-2 in the first game of the twin bill. Curt Casali will start behind the dish in his place.

Smith isn't starting Monday's game against the Padres.

Smith drew starts in the past four games and has been on a tear recently, going 8-for-12 with three doubles over the past three contests. He'll get a day off Monday with Austin Barnes starting behind the plate.