MLB Player News

D'Arnaud went 1-for-3 with a grand slam Sunday against the White Sox.

D'Arnaud was responsible for all four of his team's runs, as he belted a grand slam in the second inning to give his team an early lead. The 30-year-old backstop has clubbed four homers over his last five contests, though three of those long balls came Monday against the Yankees.

Ruiz was promoted to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Sunday, Eric Stephen of TrueBlueLA.com reports.

He turned 21 on Saturday, so this is a nice little birthday present for one of the game's top catching prospects. Ruiz hit .254/.329/.330 with four home runs in 310 plate appearances at Double-A. He was better at Double-A in 415 plate appearances last year (100 wRC+) than he has been this year, and his dynasty-league stock has taken a bit of a hit. It hasn't helped that Will Smith has passed him as a catching prospect within his own organization. Look for Ruiz to reach the majors at some point next season.

Grandal is not in the lineup Sunday against the Diamondbacks.

Grandal will get a routine day off with the Brewers playing a day game after a night game. Manny Pina will take his place behind the dish and bat fifth.

Thaiss is not in Sunday's lineup against the Mariners, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

With the Angels facing southpaw Yusei Kikuchi, the left-hitting Thaiss heads to the bench. David Fletcher will start at third base while Luis Rengifo starts at the keystone.

Contreras (foot) is progressing well in his recovery and could return from the injured list when first eligible Wednesday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Chicago manager Joe Maddon said it's "not impossible" that Contreras will return Wednesday in San Francisco, though nothing is official at this point. The catcher did take batting practice Saturday, which is an encouraging sign as he works his way back from a right foot strain. Victor Caratini and Martin Maldonado will continue to share catching duties while Contreras is out.

Caratini is not in the lineup for Sunday's series finale against the Padres.

Martin Maldonado will receive his second start of the series, with Caratini sandwiching in a start in Saturday's contest. The two should continue to split catching duties while Willson Contreras (foot) is out, though Caratini's stronger offensive production (.798 OPS, versus .641 for Maldonado) figures to afford him a slight edge in playing time.

Maldonado is starting at catcher and batting eighth in Sunday's game against the Padres.

Victor Caratini started behind the plate Saturday, but Maldonado will spell him Sunday in what will be his third start with his new team. Regular catcher Willson Contreras (foot) is still on the injured list, though he took batting practice Saturday. Caratini and Maldonado will continue to split duties behind the plate for however long Contreras remains out, with Caratini a favorite to receive an edge in playing time.

Realmuto is not in the lineup Sunday against the Pirates.

Realmuto will head to the bench with the team participating in a day game after a night game. Andrew Knapp will catch and bat eighth in his place.

Garver is not in Sunday's lineup against the A's.

Garver is hitting .333 with five home runs and 10 strikeouts in 10 games this month. Jason Castro will start behind the dish and hit ninth.

Jansen is not in Sunday's lineup against the Tigers.

He has rounded into form, hitting .296 with four home runs in 15 games this month. The only knock on Jansen's production over that time is the fact that he has walked just once in 54 at-bats. Luke Maile will start behind the dish, hitting ninth.