MLB Player News

Barnhart is out of the lineup for Saturday's game against the Diamondbacks.

Barnhart will head to the bench as he is slashing .172/.265/.276 with five extra-base hits in 98 plate appearances since the start of July. Curt Casali will start behind the plate and bat seventh against Robbie Ray and the Diamondbacks.

Hedges went 2-for-3 with a home run, a stolen base and a pair of runs scored in Friday's 2-0 win over Philadelphia.

Hedges returned to the lineup with a bang after get getting a scheduled day off Thursday. The 25-year-old is turning in his best offensive season to date, posting a .256/.311/.450 slash line with nine homers over 55 starts. Hedges' status as the Friars' long-term catcher may be in jeopardy following the acquisition of prospect Francisco Mejia at the deadline, but the incumbent starter is doing everything in his power to prove his worth, helping fantasy owners out in the process.

Mesoraco is not in the lineup against Miami on Friday, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

Mesoraco will take a seat after going 0-for-2 with three walks during Wednesday's game versus the Reds. In his stead, Kevin Plawecki will handle the catching duties and bat eighth.

Diaz went 2-for-5 with a two-run home run in Thursday's win over the Giants.

Diaz has been starting less frequently since Francisco Cervelli returned from a concussion -- Thursday's start was just Diaz's third in the Pirates' last nine games -- but he continues to perform when given an opportunity. The 27-year-old is now slashing .287/.333/.455 with eight homers in 202 at-bats this season.

Hedges is out of the lineup against the Brewers on Thursday.

Hedges will retreat to the bench after starting the past four contests, including a multi-hit game during Wednesday's loss. In his place, A.J. Ellis will handle the catching duties and bat eighth.

Grandal went 1-for-3 with a solo home run, a walk, a stolen base and two strikeouts in Wednesday's loss to the Athletics.

Grandal launched his 20th homer of the year in the fifth inning, and later swiped his second stolen base of the season (sixth of his career). The backstop was riding an 0-for-11 stretch entering Wednesday, but he continues to lead all National League catchers in home runs (20) and RBI (57) while also posting a .256/.357/.502 slash line -- each of which would be career bests.

Barnhart is out of the lineup Wednesday against the Mets.

The Reds will unsurprisingly give Barnhart a breather with the team playing a day game after a night game in the series finale. Curt Casali will check in behind the plate Wednesday, catching for starter Robert Stephenson in the latter's 2018 MLB debut.

Grandal is not in the lineup Tuesday against the A's, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

Grandal will head to the bench against left-hander Sean Manaea after starting four of the last five games behind the dish -- and appearing in all five. Austin Barnes will start at catcher and hit ninth in his stead.

Murphy was optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque on Tuesday.

Murphy is hitting just .227/.253/.398 across 31 games with the Rockies this season -- and just .152/.188/.370 in 19 games since the start of July -- so he'll head back to the minors for more seasoning. With Murphy out of the picture for the time being, Chris Iannetta and Tony Wolters will split time behind the dish for the Rockies.

Caratini is starting at catcher and batting ninth in Tuesday's game against the Royals.

With regular catcher Willson Contreras getting a breather after three straight starts, Caratini will slot in to face Kansas City right-hander Brad Keller. The 24-year-old has a mediocre .634 OPS this season with no home runs and 10 RBI in 45 games, so he hasn't moved the needle much in fantasy leagues.