MLB Player News

Barnes is catching and hitting ninth for Friday's game against the Diamondbacks, Kirsten Watson of SportsNet LA reports.

The 33-year-old will serve as Clayton Kershaw's personal backstop again. Barnes is hitless in his first five at-bats to begin the 2023 campaign.

Smith isn't in the Dodgers' lineup for Friday's contest with the Diamondbacks, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

Smith is off to a scorching-hot start to the season, slashing .391/.464/.913 through his first six games with at least one hit in each of them. He'll get a day off Friday, allowing Austin Barnes to start behind the dish and bat ninth.

D'Arnaud is out of the lineup Friday against the Padres.

It's the first day off this season for d'Arnaud, who had hit cleanup as the designated hitter in four consecutive games. Marcell Ozuna will DH and bat eighth Friday versus the Padres and right-hander Nick Martinez. Sean Murphy is catching and hitting fifth.

Bart (back) could begin a rehab assignment within the next few days, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Bart landed on the injured list shortly after Opening Day with a mid-back strain but has been progressing well. He is eligible for activation April 11 and could be ready around that time.

Heim is not in the starting lineup Friday versus the Cubs.

Heim will take a seat Friday as the Rangers travel to Chicago. Mitch Garver will replace him behind the plate and bat seventh in the series opener.

McCann (oblique) will begin a rehab assignment with High-A Aberdeen on Friday, Rich Dubroff of BaltimoreBaseball.com reports.

McCann won't be ready for activation from the injured list when first eligible as the O's had hoped, but he's not far off. A return at some point next week seems likely.

Gomes will sit Friday versus the Rangers.

Gomes will be on the bench for a second straight game as the Cubs launch their series against Texas on Friday following Thursday's postponement. Tucker Barnhart will draw another start behind the plate and bat ninth in the series opener.

Stallings is not in the starting lineup Friday versus the Mets.

Stallings will take a seat for a second straight game as the Marlins start their series against the Mets. Nick Fortes will draw the start behind the plate and bat eighth in the series opener.

Nido is starting at catcher and batting ninth for the Mets in Friday's game versus the Marlins.

The Mets are going with Nido over youngster Francisco Alvarez in their home opener. Nido's strong defense will ensure he still gets plenty of playing time even with the talented Alvarez on the roster.

Alvarez is not in the Mets' lineup for Friday's home opener versus the Marlins.

Alvarez was officially recalled prior to Friday's contest but will be on the bench in favor of Tomas Nido. The 21-year-old will play plenty, likely receiving some starts at designated hitter in addition to catcher, but Nido is also going to continue getting work.