MLB Player News

Maldonado will sit Friday against Oakland, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Maldonado left Wednesday's game against the Rays with a sore shoulder but started Thursday's contest. It's unclear if his absence Friday is injury-related or if he's simply been rewarded with a day off alongside several teammates after the Astros clinched the division title Thursday.

Fortes isn't starting Friday's game against the Phillies, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Fortes has gone 0-for-12 with five strikeouts across his last four appearances, and he'll retreat to the bench for the third time in the last four games. Payton Henry will start at catcher and bat sixth.

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

D'Arnaud will receive a day off after starting the past seven games after Atlanta clinched the NL East division title Thursday. Williams Contreras will start behind the plate and bat eighth.

Sanchez will sit Friday against the Rays.

Sanchez hasn't started behind the plate for three straight games, though he did serve as the designated hitter Thursday, going 0-for-3 with three strikeouts. Kyle Higashioka remains the starting catcher Friday.

Realmuto is out of the lineup Friday against the Marlins, Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Realmuto started the past six games and will take a seat Friday with the Phillies now eliminated from playoff contention. Andrew Knapp will start behind the plate Friday.

Garver will sit Friday against the Royals.

The Twins have no reason to push Garver in the final few games of the season, so he'll hit the bench here for the second time in three games. Ryan Jeffers takes over behind the plate.

Caratini is not in Thursday's lineup against the Dodgers.

Caratini has started four consecutive games behind the dish so he'll draw a rest day. Webster Rivas takes over at catcher and will hit eighth.

Haase isn't starting Thursday's game against the Twins.

Haase will get a breather after he went 5-for-13 with a double, two runs, two RBI and three strikeouts across the last three games. Dustin Garneau will start at catcher and bat eighth.

Jansen isn't starting Thursday's game against the Yankees.

Jansen went 1-for-7 with a three-run homer and two strikeouts across his last two appearances, but he'll be on the bench for a second straight game. Alejandro Kirk will start behind the plate and bat seventh.

Maldonado (shoulder) is starting Thursday's game against Tampa Bay, Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Maldonado exited Wednesday's game due to left shoulder soreness, but he'll be back in action Thursday. He's gone hitless with five strikeouts in his last 13 at-bats but will start at catcher and bat ninth.