MLB Player News

Contreras went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run and a walk in Saturday's 7-4 win over the Mets.

Contreras capped a four-run seventh inning with a two-run blast off Ryan Helsley. It was a much-needed performance for the catcher, who had been mired in a 1-for-22 slump since last homering in a five-hit effort Aug. 1. For the year, he's slashing .250/.351/.371 with 10 home runs, 49 RBI, 63 runs scored and five steals across 482 plate appearances.

Kelly went 3-for-4 with one RBI in Saturday's 9-1 win over the Cardinals.

This was Kelly's third multi-hit effort over seven games in August, and he's batting .364 (8-for-22) in that span. None of those hits have gone for extra bases, but the catcher is at least displaying some consistency at the plate. On the year, he's at a .276/.368/.484 slash line, 13 home runs, 38 RBI, 42 runs scored, 12 doubles and no stolen bases across 78 contests. His .852 OPS is the best of his career, which should allow Kelly to maintain decent playing time even once Miguel Amaya (oblique) returns in the upcoming week.

Salas (back) has been cleared for baseball activities, but he may not be ready for game action before the end of the minor-league season, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Salas hasn't played in a game since April 17, so he'll need a lengthy ramp-up period and the Padres won't rush him back from this stress fracture in his back that was slower to heal than anticipated. Regardless of whether Salas makes it back before the end of the minor-league season, he'll likely play either fall or winter ball to make up for what has essentially been a lost season.

Smith isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Blue Jays.

Smith will watch the beginning of Saturday's contest from the dugout after going 0-for-10 with two walks and an RBI over his last three games. Dalton Rushing will catch instead for starter Blake Snell and bat ninth.

Hicks isn't in the lineup for the second game of Saturday's doubleheader versus Atlanta.

After going 1-for-4 with a strikeout during a loss to begin the day, Hicks will retreat to the bench for Saturday's final game. Agustin Ramirez will work as Miami's catcher, and Eric Wagaman will pick up a start at first base.

Davis isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Reds.

Davis will take a seat on the bench Saturday after going 2-for-7 with a two-run homer through the first two games of the series. Joey Bart will take his place behind the dish and bat seventh for the Pirates.

McCann isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game versus Colorado.

McCann will get a day to clear his head Saturday after going just 1-for-17 with a walk and five strikeouts over his last six games. Jose Herrera will catch instead for starter Eduardo Rodriguez and bat ninth.

Bailey isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against Washington, Shayna Rubin of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Bailey has gone 5-for-9 with four RBI and two runs scored over his last three games, but he'll begin Saturday's contest on the bench while Andrew Knizner catches for left-handed starter Carson Whisenhunt.

Adams isn't in the lineup for Friday's game against the Giants, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

After going 2-for-6 with a homer during Washington's last series against the A's, Adams will move to the bench for Friday's series opener in San Francisco. Drew Millas will pick up a start at catcher and bat seventh.

Murphy is not in the starting lineup for Friday's game against the Marlins.

Rookie Drake Baldwin will get another start behind the plate following his first career two-homer game Thursday. With Marcell Ozuna's bat coming alive again from the DH spot, Murphy may be squeezed out of the lineup more often moving forward.