MLB Player News

Gomes is out of the lineup for the first game of Wednesday's doubleheader with the Rockies.

After reaching base three times and working behind the dish in the series opener Tuesday, Gomes will take a seat with the Nationals facing a quick turnaround for the front end of the twin bill. Kurt Suzuki will handle catching duties for the afternoon contest, but expect Gomes to check back into the lineup for the second game.

Barnes isn't in the starting lineup for Tuesday's game against the Angels.

Barnes will retreat to the bench after taking the collar in Sunday's series finale against the Marlins (0-for-4). Russell Martin is starting behind the dish and batting eighth with Barnes out of the equation.

Contreras (foot) will likely be activated from the 10-day injured list ahead of Wednesday's game against the Giants, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports. "Everything feels fine," Contreras said Monday, regarding his recovery from a strained right foot.

In what likely amounted to a final test of his health before a potential return from the IL, Contreras caught Jon Lester's between-starts bullpen session Monday and took part in a series of defensive drills with no complications. The Cubs will presumably check in on Contreras and see how he's feeling Tuesday before rendering a decision on his status for the series finale. After acquiring Martin Maldonado from the Royals while Contreras was on the mend, the Cubs are expected to keep three catchers moving forward and instead drop an infielder from the active roster to open up a spot for Contreras.

Caratini is not in the lineup Monday against the Giants.

Caratini and Martin Maldonado had been alternating starts, but Maldonado is now starting Monday for the second game in a row. Caratini has a solid .790 OPS on the season but just a .579 mark over his last 21 games.

Ruiz was promoted to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Sunday, Eric Stephen of TrueBlueLA.com reports.

He turned 21 on Saturday, so this is a nice little birthday present for one of the game's top catching prospects. Ruiz hit .254/.329/.330 with four home runs in 310 plate appearances at Double-A. He was better at Double-A in 415 plate appearances last year (100 wRC+) than he has been this year, and his dynasty-league stock has taken a bit of a hit. It hasn't helped that Will Smith has passed him as a catching prospect within his own organization. Look for Ruiz to reach the majors at some point next season.

Grandal is not in the lineup Sunday against the Diamondbacks.

Grandal will get a routine day off with the Brewers playing a day game after a night game. Manny Pina will take his place behind the dish and bat fifth.

Contreras (foot) is progressing well in his recovery and could return from the injured list when first eligible Wednesday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Chicago manager Joe Maddon said it's "not impossible" that Contreras will return Wednesday in San Francisco, though nothing is official at this point. The catcher did take batting practice Saturday, which is an encouraging sign as he works his way back from a right foot strain. Victor Caratini and Martin Maldonado will continue to share catching duties while Contreras is out.

Caratini is not in the lineup for Sunday's series finale against the Padres.

Martin Maldonado will receive his second start of the series, with Caratini sandwiching in a start in Saturday's contest. The two should continue to split catching duties while Willson Contreras (foot) is out, though Caratini's stronger offensive production (.798 OPS, versus .641 for Maldonado) figures to afford him a slight edge in playing time.

Maldonado is starting at catcher and batting eighth in Sunday's game against the Padres.

Victor Caratini started behind the plate Saturday, but Maldonado will spell him Sunday in what will be his third start with his new team. Regular catcher Willson Contreras (foot) is still on the injured list, though he took batting practice Saturday. Caratini and Maldonado will continue to split duties behind the plate for however long Contreras remains out, with Caratini a favorite to receive an edge in playing time.

Realmuto is not in the lineup Sunday against the Pirates.

Realmuto will head to the bench with the team participating in a day game after a night game. Andrew Knapp will catch and bat eighth in his place.