MLB Player News

Contreras went 3-for-4 with a two-run home run and two runs scored in Wednesday's 6-4 loss to the Braves.

Contreras hit a two-run shot in the sixth inning that put the Cubs up 3-2, though their bullpen would squander the lead a few innings later. The Chicago catcher had a disappointing 10 home runs and 54 RBI in 2018, but he's off to a solid start with a .429/.556/.786 line through five games in what could be a bounceback season.

Vazquez is not in Wednesday's lineup against the A's, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

After starting five of the first six games and entering the other game off the bench, Vazquez gets a well-deserved rest. Blake Swihart will catch and hit eighth in his place.

Barnes is back in the lineup, catching and hitting eighth for Wednesday's tilt against the Giants, Mike Giovanna of The Los Angeles Times reports.

Barnes yielded catching duties to Russell Martin on Tuesday, but he'll return the lineup for this contest. He's been splitting duties fairly evenly with Martin to start the season.

Pentecost has retired from professional baseball, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

The No. 11 overall pick in 2014, Pentecost's career was derailed by a number of injuries, and that lost developmental time resulted in poor performance in 2018 at Double-A. He is 26 years old and played in 260 minor-league games.

Diaz (illness) will begin a minor-league rehab assignment with High-A Bradenton on Thursday, Rob Biertempfel of The Athletic reports.

Diaz has been sidelined all season due to a viral illness, but he's finally ready to get back into game action. It's unclear how long the backstop will spend in the minors before being activated from the IL.

Sanchez is back in the lineup Wednesday, catching and hitting fourth against the Tigers.

Sanchez got his first day off of the season Tuesday, but he's back in action for this contest against Detroit. He'll be deployed in the cleanup role for the first time this year, as manager Aaron Boone will hope he can keep his power stroke going after going yard in his previous two starts.

Gallagher will sit out his fifth consecutive game with Martin Maldonado starting at catcher Wednesday.

Gallagher is yet to appear in a game as a starter or as a late-inning replacement with Maldonado spending the entire time behind the dish. Gallagher was initially expected to be the starter after veteran All-Star Salvador Perez underwent Tommy John surgery in March, but the Royals elected to go in a different direction after signing Maldonado at the end of spring training. For now, it looks like Gallagher's starts will be few and far between.

Jansen is not in the lineup Wednesday against the Orioles.

Jansen has started four of the Blue Jays' seven games so far this season. Luke Maile takes over behind the plate in his absence.

Gomes is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Phillies.

Gomes started the Nationals' previous two games behind the plate, so it's no surprise he'll get a reprieve in Wednesday's matinee contest. Kurt Suzuki checks into the lineup as Washington's starting catcher.

Casali is getting his first start of the season Wednesday against the Brewers, batting seventh in the lineup.

With the Reds carrying three catchers right now, it's been harder for Casali to get at-bats. He's 1-for-2 through the first four games so far.