MLB Player News

Garver could see time in left field, Phil Miller of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

While he wasn't making any concrete lineup plans, manager Paul Monitor said he wouldn't hesitate to put Garver in left field if the situation arose. Garver does have some slight experience in the outfield, starting 14 games there this season with Triple-A Rochester despite never playing there in any lower levels.

Contreras (hamstring) was able to play catch Friday for the first time since landing on the disabled list, Carrie Muskat of MLB.com reports.

This step marks the beginning of a lengthy recovery for Contreras, who was officially shut down for two weeks when he landed on the DL on Aug. 11. Although it's only been a week without physical exertion thus far, it's expected that the catcher will go another week with minimal activity before beginning to ramp up his rehab efforts. The optimistic timeline for Contreras still seems to be a mid-September return, while Alex Avila continues to get a majority of the starts behind the plate in his stead.

Garver will be called up by the Twins from Triple-A Rochester on Friday, Brandon Warne of Zone Coverage reports.

The backstop's former collegiate coach congratulated him, and his family is traveling to watch his debut, so that's just as good a confirmation as any. He has smashed opposing pitching with a .291/.387/.541 line, 17 home runs and 45 RBI across 372 plate appearances for the Red Wings. Upon his arrival, Garver, 26, will be listed as the third catcher (assuming the Twins keep Chris Gimenez) but may have the inside track at regular playing time as the designated hitter, especially with Robbie Grossman (thumb) on the disabled list.

Manager Pete Mackanin said Rupp will catch Aaron Nola and Jerad Eickhoff exclusively while Andrew Knapp (hand) is sidelined, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Mackanin will mix in playing time for Rupp and rookie Jorge Alfaro when the Phillies' other three starters are pitching. Rupp has started four of the last seven games behind the dish. The catching rotation will become a little more complicated next month when Knapp is expected to return from the disabled list and Alfaro will be able to remain with the team due to roster expansion.

Nicholas went 2-for-3 with a home run, a walk and three RBI in Thursday's 9-8 win over the White Sox.

Nicholas hit a two-run shot in the first inning and forced in what turned out to be the winning run on a bases-loaded walk in the seventh. The catcher has now homered in each of his past two games played while driving in six runs over that span. Nicholas has already made six starts behind the plate this month and will take an even larger share of the work away from Robinson Chirinos if he continues to produce at the dish.

Sanchez went 2-for-5 with a home run during the Yankees' win against the Mets on Thursday.

Sanchez had Steven Matz's number in this one, taking him deep with two runners on in the first before forcing the Mets to take their pitcher out on a two-run single in the fourth. The home run makes it 22 on the year, which leads all big-league catchers.

Gomes is not in the lineup for Game 2 of Thursday's doubleheader against the Twins.

Gomes will head to the bench after going 3-for-3 with a homer and four RBI in Game 1. Roberto Perez will take over behind the dish in his stead, batting eighth.

Murphy, 22, is hitting .212/.275/.288 with two home runs and 17 RBI in 39 games since being promoted to Double-A Midland.

The question for Murphy is whether he can hit for average at the higher levels. He performed admirably at High-A Stockton prior to the promotion, slashing .297/.343/.527 with nine home runs and 26 RBI in 45 games. He has some power from the right side, but his plate discipline leaves something to be desired. The A's seem to like Bruce Maxwell behind the dish, so it remains to be seen where Murphy fits long-term.

Gomes went 3-for-3 with a two-run home run, four RBI and two runs scored during Thursday's win over Minnesota.

This was just the eighth homer of the season for Gomes, and the backstop's .226/.319/.374 slash line isn't moving the fantasy needle, either. Gomes is also splitting time behind the plate, so he's probably best left to the deepest fantasy settings at this stage of game.

D'Arnaud is making his first career start at third base and hitting fifth Wednesday against the Yankees.

This is a pretty shocking turn of events, but with Wilmer Flores and Jose Reyes each late scratches with sore ribs, the Mets were put in a tough spot. D'Arnaud doesn't even hit enough (75 wRC+) to be a solid offensive option at catcher, so at third base he carries almost no value with his bat or glove, so this doesn't really change things from a fantasy perspective.