MLB Player News

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.

Realmuto (hip) won't play over the weekend, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

Realmuto continues to deal with a hip issue, and it'll hold him out at least until Monday's matchup in Washington. Andrew Knapp will handle the catching duties until Realmuto is cleared to return.

Realmuto (hip) is not in the lineup Thursday against the Mets.

Realmuto will be sidelined by hip discomfort for the fifth straight day, though he may be able to return this weekend versus the Blue Jays. Andrew Knapp receives another start behind the plate Thursday.

Smith went 2-for-4 with a double, a run and three RBI in Wednesday's win over San Diego.

Smith came through with a pair of big two-out hits in the contest, driving home a run with an infield single in the third inning and knocking in two more with a double to deep center in the fifth. Manager Dave Roberts recently indicated a preference to have Smith hit in the middle of the lineup due to his ability to produce quality at-bats, and the backstop certainly justified his skipper's comments Wednesday. In fact, Smith has been swinging a hot stick for the last two weeks; since Sept. 2, he has gone 16-for-34 (.471) with two homers, four doubles and seven RBI.

Narvaez is not in the lineup for Game 2 of Wednesday's doubleheader against the Cardinals.

Narvaez started behind the plate in Game 1 and went 0-for-1 with a walk. Jacob Nottingham receives the starting nod in Game 2, batting ninth.

Realmuto (hip) could return by this weekend, Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Realmuto hasn't appeared since leaving Saturday's game against the Marlins with hip discomfort, though he hasn't been placed on the injured list. If he is indeed able to return over the weekend, that decision will look like the correct one. Andrew Knapp has been the team's primary catcher in his absence.

Caratini is not starting Wednesday against Cleveland.

Caratini has been in the lineup for the majority of the Cubs' games this season but doesn't have close to an everyday role, as he's started 31 out of 50 contests thus far. Willson Contreras will be the catcher Wednesday, with Kyle Schwarber serving as the designated hitter.

Narvaez will start at catcher and will bat ninth in the first game of Wednesday's doubleheader with the Cardinals.

Jacob Nottingham will presumably get the nod behind the plate in the nightcap, continuing what has been a timeshare at catcher between the two for much of September. Narvaez was the starter in Tuesday's 18-3 win, finishing 1-for-4 with a walk, two RBI and two runs in the blowout.

Stallings is not in the lineup Wednesday against the Reds.

Stallings has been the clear primary catcher for the Pirates this season, starting two-thirds of the team's 48 games thus far. His .267/.245/.386 slash line is perfectly adequate for a backstop. John Ryan Murphy starts in his place Wednesday.