MLB Player News

Murphy was a late scratch from Friday's lineup against the Mariners, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

It is unclear why Murphy was scratched. Tony Wolters will slot in behind the dish, hitting ninth.

Contreras went 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored in Friday's loss to the Reds.

The Cubs had just eight hits and two runs, but Contreras was still productive from the No. 7 spot in the lineup. The 26-year-old catcher has been locked in lately, going 16-for-34 over his last 10 games with two home runs and 10 RBI. Chicago has a number of strong options in its lineup, but Contreras could move himself up in the order if he keeps hitting like this. He's now batting .287 this season with an .840 OPS.

Mesoraco (head) will catch and bat seventh against Tampa Bay on Friday.

Mesoraco didn't play Wednesday after taking a couple shots to the head during Tuesday's game, but he will be back in action following a scheduled off day. Across 54 games this year, he's hitting .225 with a .736 OPS.

Barnhart is not in the lineup against the Cubs on Friday, Bobby Nightengale of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Barnhart will receive a day off after going 0-for-5 during Wednesday's series finale versus the White Sox. In his place, Curt Casali will handle the catching duties and bat seventh.

Hedges went 2-for-4 with a solo home run Thursday against the Diamondbacks.

Hedges drove an offering from Shelby Miller deep over the left field wall for his third home run of the season. It was his first since coming off the disabled list June 24, one of the few positive signs since his return. In 23 at-bats since getting back on the field, Hedges has managed six hits but struck out nine times.

Grandal went 2-for-3 with a double, three RBI and a run scored in Wednesday's 6-4 win over the Pirates.

Grandal followed up his 12th home run Tuesday with another strong day at the plate Wednesday. The switch-hitting catcher has gotten off to a 7-for-10 start through four July contests, after struggling mightily in the month of June (.162/.197/.324). Grandal will still cede starts to Austin Barnes against southpaws, but the streaky hitter appears to be locked in at the dish for the time being.

Contreras went 2-for-3 with a walk, a double, a solo home run and three RBI in Wednesday's win over the Tigers.

Contreras played a key role in sending the Wrigley Field crowd home happy on the Fourth of July. His sixth-inning home run broke a 2-2 tie, then he tacked on some insurance runs for the Cubs in the seventh with a double that plated two more. The young catcher has been locked in lately, going 13-for-29 over his last eight games with two home runs and 10 RBI.

Diaz will make his 12th straight start Wednesday and bat cleanup against the Dodgers.

He's slashing .316/.357/.605 in 42 plate appearances since taking over for Francisco Cervelli (concussion). Diaz is proving that he could become a viable full-time option in the event that Cervelli remains out indefinitely or is traded.

Mesoraco (head) passed a second concussion test Wednesday and will be available off the bench for the Mets' game against the Blue Jays, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

The backstop took a couple blows to the head in Tuesday's game, but he was fortunate to avoid any concussion symptoms, which would have necessitated a week-long stay on the disabled list. It appears Mesoraco's absence from the lineup Wednesday is strictly precautionary and he should be ready to step back in behind the plate in Friday's series opener against the Rays.

Mesoraco is not in Wednesday's lineup after suffering a head injury during Tuesday's game, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Mesoraco was removed from Tuesday's outing after getting hit in the head on a backswing. He was able to pass through concussion protocol, but manager Mickey Callaway will give him a chance to rest with a scheduled off day coming Thursday. Kevin Plawecki will handle the catching duties.