MLB Player News

Contreras went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts in Friday's 3-2 loss to the Brewers.

More noteworthy than the empty box score was the fact that Contreras batted first for the first time all season. The slugging catcher previously hadn't batted any higher than fourth, but Chicago manager Joe Maddon decided to mix up his lineup against Milwaukee lefty Gio Gonzalez. It remains to be seen whether Contreras will get more time in the leadoff spot. If he does, the 27-year-old could see an uptick in runs but a decrease in RBI.

Mejia isn't in the starting lineup for Friday's game against the Giants.

Mejia will head to the bench after picking up a pair of base knocks Thursday night. Austin Hedges draws the start behind the dish and is set to bat eighth with Mejia out of the mix.

Manager Dave Roberts told MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM on Friday that Smith will be the Dodgers' primary catcher moving forward.

The 24-year-old will be given a day to get acclimated -- he's out of the lineup Friday -- before taking over as the No. 1 backstop, after the Dodgers decided to move on from Austin Barnes as the primary option. Smith has hit 20 homers with a 130 wRC+ with Triple-A Oklahoma City this season, and he tacked on three additional homers during a prior stint with Los Angeles earlier this season. The rookie looks like a worthwhile add in virtually all two-catcher formats.

Smith is out of the lineup for Friday's game at Washington.

Smith was officially recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City earlier Friday but he'll have to wait another day before rejoining the starting nine.

Barnhart (oblique) was activated off the 10-day injured list Friday, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports. He is starting at catcher and batting eighth versus the Rockies.

Barnhart had his lone rehab game with Triple-A Louisville on Thursday, which was apparently enough to clear the way for his return from the injured list given the dire situation behind the plate for the Reds. The 28-year-old figures to see the bulk of the starting catching duties with Curt Casali (knee), Kyle Farmer (concussion) and Juan Graterol (concussion) all on the shelf.

Gomes is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Dodgers.

Gomes hasn't started consecutive games since July 16-17, with Kurt Suzuki receiving six of the past nine starts. Gomes has two hits in each of his last two starts, but prior to that he was 3-for-39 in his previous 14 games.

Smith was officially recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Friday.

Smith trades places with Austin Barnes and figures to see immediate starting chances with the Dodgers. Smith showcased himself well during his brief time in the majors this season with a .269/.345/.654 slash line and three homers in nine games.

Smith will be recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City prior to Friday's game against the Nationals, Jorge Castillo of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Smith has pieced together a .269/.381/.605 slash line with 20 homers and 54 RBI over 61 games at Triple-A this season, earning him another chance to stick in the big leagues. He figures to share the catching duties with Russell Martin moving forward after Austin Barnes was demoted to Triple-A.

Barnes was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Thursday, J.P. Hoornstra of the Los Angeles Daily News reports.

Barnes has been scuffling at the dish since the All-Star break, slashing .133/.206/.233 over nine contests. As a result, he'll take a trip to the minors with the hope of finding his stroke. The Dodgers will recall Will Smith from Triple-A prior to Friday's clash in a corresponding move. Russell Martin and Smith figure to handle the catching duties moving forward.

Gomes is not in the lineup Thursday against the Rockies, Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports reports.

Gomes will take a seat on the bench for Thursday's afternoon contest after starting the second game of Wednesday's doubleheader and going 2-for-3 with a home run. In his place, Kurt Suzuki is starting at catcher and hitting sixth.