MLB Player News

Maldonado isn't starting Saturday's game against the Blue Jays, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Maldonado started the last two games and went 1-for-7 with a run, a walk and four strikeouts. Jason Castro will take over behind the dish and bat eighth.

Barnhart went 2-for-3 with a run scored in Friday's 5-1 loss to the Dodgers.

Barnhart isn't really driving the ball, as he only has one double and no home runs so far this season. However, the catcher is finding ways to reach base, as he's batting .278 to go along with a .366 on-base percentage. Singles and walks aren't the most exciting, but Barnhart is at least providing some fantasy value, especially because he's locked into a regular role with the Tigers.

HIgashioka went 1-for-3 with a walk, a double and three RBI in Friday's 12-2 win over Kansas City.

Higashioka's lone hit of the game was a big one, as it cleared the bases and gave New York a 10-run lead. The double was a much-needed knock for the backstop, who had previously registered only one extra-base hit and one RBI all season. Higashioka had a great spring but is slashing just .143/.213/.190 through 48 regular-season plate appearances.

Murphy went 1-for-5 with a three-run home run in a 9-8 loss to Cleveland on Friday.

Murphy took Cleveland starter Aaron Civale deep to center in the first inning but remained quiet in his other four at-bats. Despite the long ball, Murphy has been mired in a 3-for-24 skid over his last six games with his overall .218/.262/.487 slash line being propped up by 12 of 17 hits going for extra bases.

Contreras went 2-for-4 with two solo home runs in Friday's 6-3 win over the Rangers.

The blasts provided insurance runs in the victory, as Contreras took Brock Burke deep in the fourth inning and connected off Albert Abreu in the sixth. They were the first two hits of the season for Contreras, in his second game with Atlanta this season, but regardless of how he does, the 24-year-old may have to head back to Triple-A Gwinnett for more development once Manny Pina (wrist) gets healthy.

Diaz went 2-for-4 with a solo home run and two runs scored Friday against the Reds.

Diaz led off the second inning with a solo home run, his second long ball of the season. It was a welcomed performance for Diaz, as he entered the game having collected only three hits in his last 24 at-bats -- only one of which went for extra bases. Even despite those recent struggles, Diaz has maintained a .263/.300/.439 line with five runs scored and six RBI across 17 games to begin the campaign.

Trevino is out of the lineup Friday at Kansas City.

Trevino started Wednesday in Baltimore for the fourth time in six games, but he'll take a seat Friday for the second consecutive contest. Kyle Higashioka will receive another start behind the plate as the Yankees continue to use a committee approach at catcher.

Murphy will sit Friday against the Marlins.

Murphy seemed like he could be in line for a larger share of catching duties after Cal Raleigh was optioned Thursday. That hasn't been the case thus far, however, as it's been Luis Torrens who's gotten the start in two straight games.

D'Arnaud is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Rangers.

D'Arnaud started all three games against the Cubs this week and will take a seat for the series opener in Texas. William Contreras, who was promoted Thursday to fill the roster spot of Manny Pina (wrist), will start behind the plate Friday and form a battery with Ian Anderson.

Kirk is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Astros.

Kirk leads Toronto's catchers in playing time with 12 starts through 20 games, but he'll take a seat Friday for the third time in the past four contests. Tyler Heineman will work behind the plate in his place.