MLB Player News

Mesoraco went 2-for-3 with a walk and a run scored in Friday's win over the Rays.

He missed Wednesday's game after getting smacked in the head by a backswing Tuesday, but Thursday's off day gave Mesoraco enough time to recover and jump right back in the lineup. He's enjoying a strong run at the plate heading into the All-Star break, slashing .308/.413/.513 over his last 13 games with two homers and eight RBI while seeing roughly two-thirds of the playing time at catcher. Kevin Plawecki's also been hitting well, however, so Mesoraco will need to stay hot to continue getting a majority of the starts.

McCann went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run in Friday's 3-1 win over the Rangers.

His second-inning shot gave the Tigers a lead they wouldn't relinquish. McCann went the entire month of June without leaving the yard -- his last homer came on May 28 -- and his five home runs and .594 OPS on the year are a disappointment after his solid 2017 performance.

Murphy was scratched from Friday's lineup against the Mariners to be with his wife for the birth of their child, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Tony Wolters figures to replace Murphy until he returns to the team. He'll be placed on the paternity list and should return for Tuesday's series opener against Arizona.

Maldonado is out of Friday's lineup against the Dodgers, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

He had started five of the previous six games. Jose Briceno will start behind the dish and hit ninth.

Murphy was a late scratch from Friday's lineup against the Mariners, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

It is unclear why Murphy was scratched. Tony Wolters will slot in behind the dish, hitting ninth.

Contreras went 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored in Friday's loss to the Reds.

The Cubs had just eight hits and two runs, but Contreras was still productive from the No. 7 spot in the lineup. The 26-year-old catcher has been locked in lately, going 16-for-34 over his last 10 games with two home runs and 10 RBI. Chicago has a number of strong options in its lineup, but Contreras could move himself up in the order if he keeps hitting like this. He's now batting .287 this season with an .840 OPS.

Mesoraco (head) will catch and bat seventh against Tampa Bay on Friday.

Mesoraco didn't play Wednesday after taking a couple shots to the head during Tuesday's game, but he will be back in action following a scheduled off day. Across 54 games this year, he's hitting .225 with a .736 OPS.

Barnhart is not in the lineup against the Cubs on Friday, Bobby Nightengale of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Barnhart will receive a day off after going 0-for-5 during Wednesday's series finale versus the White Sox. In his place, Curt Casali will handle the catching duties and bat seventh.

Hedges went 2-for-4 with a solo home run Thursday against the Diamondbacks.

Hedges drove an offering from Shelby Miller deep over the left field wall for his third home run of the season. It was his first since coming off the disabled list June 24, one of the few positive signs since his return. In 23 at-bats since getting back on the field, Hedges has managed six hits but struck out nine times.

Stassi (forearm) is back in the lineup against the White Sox on Thursday.

Stassi will handle the catching duties and bat eighth in the order. He was forced to miss Wednesday's game after getting struck by a pitch on his right forearm Tuesday. Over 49 games this year, he's hit .255/.340/.482 with seven home runs and 22 RBI.