MLB Player News

Realmuto went 1-for-3 with a walk and a solo home run in Saturday's 5-0 win over Atlanta.

His fourth-inning blast off Kyle Wright opened the scoring, and gave Jake Arrieta and the Philly bullpen all the offense they would need. Realmuto continues to light it up to begin the season, going 9-for-27 (.333) through seven games with four homers and nine RBI.

Mejia is not in the lineup Saturday against the Diamondbacks.

Mejia and Austin Hedges have come as close to an even split as possible behind the plate through the first 15 games of the year. Mejia has been in the lineup eight times, while Hedges, who starts Saturday, has gotten the nod on seven occasions.

Nola underwent X-rays on his hand Saturday that revealed no fractures, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

Nola hurt his hand in Friday's contest against the Rockies, but he appears to have avoided a serious injury. He'll be held out Saturday in hopes that he'll be able to return for the series finale Sunday.

Sanchez isn't in the lineup for the second game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Rays.

Sanchez will hit the bench after going 0-for-2 with two walks and one strikeout in the first game of Saturday's twin bill. Erik Kratz will start behind the plate and bat ninth.

Smith is not starting Saturday against the Giants.

Smith and Austin Barnes have split the playing time very evenly behind the plate this season, with Smith starting eight games and Barnes starting seven. Barnes will catch Clayton Kershaw in Saturday's contest.

Nola isn't starting Saturday against the Rockies.

Nola had a home run and a double in Friday's loss, but he'll sit for the second time in the last three games. Joe Hudson is starting at catcher and batting ninth Saturday.

Perez came on as a pinch hitter in the eighth inning against the Yankees on Friday and hit what would prove to be the game-winning sacrifice fly.

The young backstop carried out his role effectively, with his flyball to center plating Yoshi Tsutsugo with the only run of the night. Perez is still seeing very sporadic action -- he has only two starts on the season -- but he's firmly locked in as Mike Zunino's primary backup behind the dish.

Barnhart remains on the bench Saturday against Milwaukee.

Barnhart opened the year on the paternity list but then started seven of the Reds' next eight games upon returning to the lineup. He's now sat for two straight, with Curt Casali again getting the nod behind the plate.

Maldonado isn't in the lineup Saturday against the Athletics.

Maldonado drew walks in each of the past four contests, but he'll take a seat after Saturday's 13-inning loss. Dustin Garneau will start behind the dish and bat ninth.

Higashioka was placed on the 10-day injured list Saturday with a right oblique strain.

Higashioka's last start came Wednesday, but he apparently suffered an oblique injury during the contest. To take his place as the backup catcher behind Gary Sanchez for the time being, the Yankees signed Erik Kratz to a major-league contract. It's unclear how much time Higashioka will miss.