MLB Player News

Thole has been promoted to Triple-A Oklahoma City, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

Austin Barnes sustained a groin injury Sunday, so Thole's promotion is a likely sign that catching prospect Will Smith is headed to the big leagues, per Gurnick. Thole was slashing .277/.368/.400 for Double-A Tulsa before the move.

Smith is expected to be promoted to the Dodgers on Monday, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

Smith is expected to earn his first promotion to the majors in the wake of Austin Barnes' battle with a groin injury. Smith has hit well at Triple-A Oklahoma City, slashing .290/.404/.551 across 166 plate appearances this season.

Barnes was removed from Sunday's game against the Pirates in the sixth inning due to left groin soreness, Alanna Rizzo of Spectrum SportsNet LA reports.

Barnes went 0-for-1 with a pair of walks and an RBI before the injury forced his early departure. Russell Martin entered the contest in his stead and will catch the remainder of the game for the Dodgers.

Stallings had his contract selected from Triple-A Indianapolis by the Pirates on Sunday, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports.

Stallings was outrighted to Triple-A earlier in May but makes his return to the Pirates after Francisco Cervelli suffered a concussion Saturday. The 29-year-old should serve as the backup catcher to Elias Diaz until Cervelli is good to go.

Barnhart is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Cubs.

Barnhart has swung a hot bat over the last five games by going 7-for-17 with two home runs and five RBI, but he nonetheless will take a seat Sunday. Curt Casali will start behind the dish and bat eighth in the series finale.

Realmuto is not in the lineup for Sunday's game at Milwaukee.

Realmuto will take a seat in the series finale after going 2-for-9 with a solo home run through the first two games versus the Brewers. Andrew Knapp will start behind the plate and bat seventh for the Phillies on Sunday.

Contreras is starting at catcher and batting fifth in Sunday's game against the Reds.

Contreras got days off both Friday and Saturday, but he had started 14 straight games before that, so a little extended rest was well-earned by the backstop. Contreras is slashing a strong .315/.424/.596 with 11 home runs and 31 RBI through 46 games this season.

Hedges is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Blue Jays.

Hedges will head to the bench after starting the last five games and going 7-for-19 with two homers and six RBI in that span. Austin Allen will start behind the dish and bat eighth in Sunday's series finale.

Diaz went 1-for-3 with a double against the Dodgers on Saturday.

He figures to see the bulk of playing time behind the plate for as long as starter Francisco Cervelli misses time with a concussion. Diaz is hitting .387 in his last 31 at-bats after shaking off a slow start. The catcher hit .286 with 10 homers and 34 RBI in 82 games for the Pirates in 2018.

Nido went 1-for-2 with a walkoff solo home run in the 13th inning against the Tigers on Saturday.

Entering as a pinch hitter in the 11th, Nido flew out in his first at-bat, but he ended the game with a deep fly two frames later. It was only his second home run of the season, but both have come in his last six games. Nido is hitting .194 with three extra-base hits, five RBI and two runs in 31 at-bats this season.