MLB Player News

Diaz went 2-for-4 with a double against the Tigers on Tuesday.

He's hitting .330 with one homer and 16 RBI in 100 at-bats since May 16. While it's possible that Francisco Cervelli (concussion) returns in a couple weeks and takes away some of Diaz's playing time, Cervelli is unlikely to re-sign with Pittsburgh when he becomes a free agent following season's end. Diaz has compiled only 10 extra-base hits (nine doubles, one homer) in 146 plate appearances, but look for the power numbers to increase, considering he belted 10 homers in 277 plate appearances a year ago.

Hedges is not in the lineup Wednesday against the Brewers.

Hedges is slashing just .158/.220/.184 with a 39 percent strikeout rate since the start of June (11 games), so he'll stick on the bench for a second straight game as Francisco Mejia gets another start behind the dish.

Barnhart is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Astros.

The Reds have been withholding Barnhart from the lineup against left-handed pitchers more frequently, but his absence from the starting nine in the series finale is probably the result of two teams playing a day game after a night game. Curt Casali will check in behind the dish Wednesday and will bat eighth.

Realmuto (groin) will start at catcher and bat fifth for the first game of Wednesday's doubleheader with the Nationals, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Back-to-back postponements Monday and Tuesday resulted in Realmuto missing just one start while he tended to the groin injury he sustained in a game Saturday against the Braves. The Phillies' decision not to bring up another catcher to serve as the 26th man for the twin bill implies the club isn't concerned about Realmuto's availability moving forward. Realmuto is scheduled to sit out Wednesday's nightcap, however.

Mejia went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in Tuesday's 4-1 win over the Brewers.

He took Brandon Woodruff deep in the sixth inning for his first big-league homer of the year. Despite big numbers in the minors and a strong prospect pedigree, Mejia is still trying to establish himself in the majors, slashing .173/.232/.323 through 138 career plate appearances, but Tuesday's long ball could give him a boost of confidence.

Hedges is not in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Brewers.

Hedges has hit .136/.191/.159 over his last 13 games. Francisco Mejia will get the call behind the plate in his absence.

Realmuto (groin) expects to start one game of Wednesday's doubleheader against the Nationals, Meghan Montemurro of The Athletic reports.

Realmuto hasn't been in the lineup since a foul tip hit him in the groin Saturday. It doesn't appear that he'll be out much longer. He's available off the bench for Tuesday's contest.

Realmuto (groin) remains out of the lineup Tuesday against the Nationals.

Realmuto hasn't played since taking a foul tip to the groin Saturday. Andrew Knapp starts again behind the plate. The Phillies haven't indicated when Realmuto is expected to return.

Contreras will sit Tuesday against the White Sox.

Contreras has had more days off recently, as he finds himself out of the lineup for the fourth time in eight games. Victor Caratini gets the nod in his absence.

Smith went 1-for-3 with a solo home run Monday in a Triple-A game against El Paso.

Monday marked the fifth consecutive game in which Smith had a homer, as he now leads the Triple-A club with 13 home runs through 47 games. He got his chance to show that his power translates to the major-league level -- Smith had two homers from May 28 to June 5 with the big-league club. The Dodgers have Austin Barnes and Russell Martin on the major-league depth chart, and even though Barnes has struggled recently (1-for-19 since returning from the injured list), manager Dave Roberts suggested Smith still needs to get regular at-bats, something he likely wouldn't be able to get with the Dodgers. Still, Smith has shown he can produce at every level, and could find himself back in the majors if any injuries arise or if Barnes' slump continues.