MLB Player News

Sanchez (groin) has progressed to running on a treadmill, though his timetable remains uncertain, James Wagner of The New York Times reports.

Sanchez was diagnosed with a groin strain nearly one week ago, so it's good news that he's already progressed to running. When asked about his return, Sanchez stated "maybe before the season is over. We'll see how it goes with all the exams I'm getting."

Diaz went 1-for-4 with a walk, double, RBI and two runs scored Thursday against the Mariners.

Diaz enjoyed a productive day at the dish, first doubling in Colin Moran in the second inning. He later came around to score in the same frame before crossing the plate again two innings later. Despite the departure of Francisco Cervelli (finger), Diaz has endured a disappointing season by hitting .243/.298/.309 across 330 plate appearances.

Caratini will not start at first base Thursday against the Cardinals as originally anticipated.

Caratini was slated to start at first base, but Anthony Rizzo will make a surprising return to action, and he will get the nod at the position instead.

Mejia is not in Thursday's lineup against the Brewers.

He returned to action Wednesday after missing almost three weeks with an oblique injury and went 2-for-4 with a strikeout. Austin Hedges will catch and hit eighth.

Grandal is not in Thursday's lineup against the Padres.

Grandal has been really grinding for Milwaukee, as this represents his first day out of the lineup since Aug. 18. He is hitting .219/.390/.490 with seven home runs, 27 walks and 32 strikeouts in 28 games over that span. Manny Pina will start behind the dish and hit seventh. It would not be surprising if Grandal were in the lineup for each of the final nine games of the season.

Stallings (back) is not in Thursday's lineup against the Mariners.

It sounds like the Pirates are hoping to have Stallings back for this weekend's series against the Brewers. Elias Diaz is starting behind the dish and hitting fifth.

Hedges is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Brewers.

Hedges will give way to Francisco Mejia behind the plate Wednesday night. Hedges started regularly the last three weeks with Mejia sidelined, but with Mejia now back in action, the two figure to split the catching duties in some fashion the rest of the way.

Garver is not in the lineup Wednesday against the White Sox.

Garver went 0-for-4 Tuesday, ending a six-game hitting streak. Jason Castro takes over behind the plate in his absence.

Mejia is in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Brewers.

Mejia has not started a game since August 27 because of an oblique injury, but he is finally ready to get back behind the plate. He will hit sixth Wednesday against Brewers starter Adrian Houser.

Narvaez is not in the lineup Wednesday against the Pirates.

Narvaez has gone 9-fo-19 with three homers over his last five games. Tom Murphy starts behind the plate in his absence.