MLB Player News

Caratini will serve as the designated hitter and bat ninth in Monday's game against the Pirates.

Caratini caught Yu Darvish on Sunday and will now make his second straight start after spending the previous three games on the bench. The 27-year-old has been slumping lately with a .494 OPS across his last 10 games, though the Cubs have several regulars who are struggling at the plate, so Caratini could earn more playing time if he gets hot.

Bart isn't in Monday's lineup against the Rockies.

Bart will remain on the bench for a second straight game with Johnny Cueto starting Monday's series opener against the Rockies. Chadwick Tromp will take over as the catcher in his absence.

Realmuto (hip) isn't in Monday's lineup against the Nationals.

Realmuto was initially on track to return Monday, but he isn't yet ready to serve as the catcher. Bryce Harper (back) will serve as the designated hitter Monday, so Realmuto will get at least one additional day to recover. However, he could be available as a pinch hitter if needed and could start one of Tuesday's games in the doubleheader, Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports. Andrew Knapp will start behind the plate.

Hedges remains out of the lineup for Monday's game against the White Sox.

Since being acquired from the Padres in a deadline-day trade, Hedges has made just four starts through Cleveland's first 19 games of September. While it isn't surprising that Hedges has taken a back seat to top catcher Roberto Perez, the fact that he isn't the clear No. 2 backstop for the Indians is more unexpected. Like Hedges, Sandy Leon has also picked up four starts behind the dish in September.

Barnhart isn't in Monday's lineup against the Brewers.

Barnhart continues to alternate starts behind the plate, and he'll take a seat after starting Sunday. Curt Casali will start at catcher Monday.

Perez went 1-for-4 with a two-run homer in Sunday's 5-3 loss to Milwaukee.

The Royals entered the ninth inning down 5-1 but managed a solid comeback attempt with Perez launching a two-out, two-run shot to close the gap. The 30-year-old catcher now owns a terrific 1.025 OPS with eight homers and 24 RBI this season.

Huff went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in the 7-2 win over the Angels on Sunday.

Huff took Patrick Sandoval deep for his first big-league long ball and RBI in the fourth inning. The backstop has slashed .188/.235/.438 since being promoted Sept. 10. It currently looks like he will continue sharing the catching duties with Jeff Mathis during the season's final week, though his playing time could be reduced if Jose Trevino (wrist) is able to return from the injured list.

Tromp went 3-for-5 with a two-run home run, an RBI single and two total runs scored in Sunday's 14-2 win over the Athletics.

Tromp opened the scoring with his blast off Athletics starter Mike Minor in the third inning. In the ninth, Tromp plated Brandon Crawford with a single before scoring the final run of the game on Brandon Belt's fielder's choice. It was a rare big game for Tromp, who has played in just six games in September. The catcher has four homers, 10 RBI and 11 runs scored across 64 plate appearances this year.

Realmuto (hip) won't be ready to catch Monday, and it's unclear whether he'll be able to serve as the designated hitter, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Realmuto reportedly made progress in his recovery Friday, but he wasn't available to pinch hit over the weekend. Manager Joe Girardi wasn't sure if he'd be able to return to the lineup Monday, even as the designated hitter. Andrew Knapp and Rafael Marchan should continue to start at catcher while Realmuto is unable to play the field.

Caratini is starting at catcher and batting eighth in Sunday's game against the Twins.

Caratini has been on the bench for the past three games but will return to the lineup Sunday as the personal catcher for Yu Darvish, with Willson Contreras shifting over to designated hitter. Other than catching when Darvish starts, Caratini seems to have lost a grip on regular playing time, which limits his fantasy appeal the rest of the season.