MLB Player News

Plawecki's post-game CT scan came back negative after he was hit with a pitch in the ribs during Wednesday's contest versus the Dodgers, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

Though he initially remained in the game following this incident in the eighth inning, Tomas Nido took over for Plawecki in the bottom of the frame as a precaution. Plawecki should be considered day-to-day ahead of Friday's series opener versus the Phillies.

Plawecki will undergo a CT scan before the Mets leave Los Angeles, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

Plackecki was struck by a Pat Venditte fastball in the ribs in the eighth inning Wednesday, and while he was initially able to stay in the game, Tomas Nido came on to replace the backstop before the bottom half of the frame. Depending on the severity of the issue, the Mets may be forced to promote another catcher with Devin Mesoraco (neck) also on the mend.

Barnhart is out of the lineup against Pittsburgh on Wednesday, John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Barnhart will take a seat after going 0-for-3 with a walk and two strikeouts during Tuesday's contest. Curt Casali will catch Homer Bailey and bat seventh in his place.

Mesoraco could miss several days with a sore neck and back, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

Manager Mickey Callaway said that Mesoraco would "absolutely" be placed on the 10-day disabled list at a different time of the year, though the extended rosters mean that the team doesn't have to go that route and can still carry two other catchers. Kevin Plawecki and Tomas Nido will handle catching duties while Mesoraco remains unable to play.

Barnes went 1-for-2 with a home run, three RBI and a steal in Tuesday's win over the Mets.

Barnes helped the Dodgers climb out of a 4-0 hole with a two-run homer in the third before bringing home the tying run in the fourth. Despite the big day, the backstop is hitting just .207 and remains firmly entrenched behind Yasmani Grandal on the depth chart.

Realmuto went 2-for-3 with two solo home runs and two walks Tuesday against the Phillies.

He now has 20 homers on the season, continuing to add to his career high in that department. Realmuto's 70 RBI, .351 OBP and .511 SLG also represent career bests -- impressive considering he is playing alongside the worst supporting talent since he reached the majors. His 134 wRC+ trails only Wilson Ramos (136) among catchers with at least 200 plate appearances.

Grandal is not in the lineup Tuesday against the Mets.

Grandal is hitting just .205 against southpaws this season -- compared to his .243 mark against righties -- so he'll give way to Austin Barnes behind the dish with a left-hander in Jason Vargas starting for the Mets.

Manager Clint Hurdle said he didn't know if Diaz (hamstring) would play again this season, Rob Biertempfel of The Athletic Pittsburgh reports.

Diaz suffered a hamstring injury over the weekend, and it appears the injury is more serious than initially thought. The Pirates purchased the contract of veteran catcher Ryan Lavarnway on Tuesday to provide depth behind the plate. Consider Diaz out indefinitely.

Mejia was called up by the Padres on Tuesday, Dennis Lin of The Athletic San Diego reports.

Mejia has played in 12 major-league games, going just 2-for-15. He hit .293/.338/.471 over 110 games at the Triple-A level with Columbus and El Paso this season, however. Assuming he can stick at catcher -- the Padres seem to have abandoned the Indians' experiment of converting him into an outfielder -- he has the potential to be one of the best-hitting backstops in the league, with an excellent feel for contact and average power. The Padres have a decent young catcher in the 26-year-old Austin Hedges, though Mejia has a higher offensive ceiling. The playing-time split between the pair down the stretch could offer insight into San Diego's plan for the future.

Hedges went 1-for-4 with two RBI on Monday against the Diamondbacks.

Hedges came through with a two-RBI double in the eighth inning to extend the Padres lead over the Diamondbacks. While he's managed only a .422 slugging percentage for the season, Hedges now has three extra-base hits and four RBI in the past week of action. Given the weak depth at catcher, the 26-year-old could be a key figure at the position as the season comes to a close.