MLB Player News

O'Hoppe went 1-for-4 with a three-run homer Friday's 5-1 victory over the Rangers.

The Angels backstop stretched the team's lead to 5-0 with a 410-foot, three-run homer off Jose Urena in the sixth inning. After batting an abominable .099 (9-for-91) with just two homers in August, O'Hoppe has already slugged two long balls in September as he breaks out of his slump. Overall, the 24-year-old is slashing .242/.299/.413 with 19 homers, 55 runs scored and 54 RBI in 463 plate appearances across 120 games.

Herrera exited Friday's game against Houston after being hit on the top of his mask by a backswing, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Kyle Tucker accidentally connected with Herrera's mask in the fifth inning. The catcher exited the game after being assessed by trainers on the field and was replaced by Adrian Del Castillo.

Realmuto (knee) exited Friday's game against the Marlins, Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Realmuto remained in the game briefly after fouling a ball off his left knee in the second inning. However, he was lifted in favor of Garrett Stubbs in the fourth frame. The severity of the issue is unclear, but the Phillies will likely be cautious with the 33-year-old catcher given their big lead in the NL East.

Jeffers is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Royals.

Jeffers will get what looks like a routine breather after three straight starts, including two starts behind the plate in the past three days. Christian Vazquez will catch for starting pitcher Zebby Matthews.

Del Castillo is not in the starting lineup for Friday's game against the Astros.

The lefty-hitting Del Castillo will begin Friday's contest in the dugout with Houston sending southpaw Framber Valdez to the mound. Since being called up to the big club Aug. 6, Del Castillo is slashing .277/.347/.446 with three home runs and 14 RBI across 72 plate appearances. Jose Herrera will start behind home plate and bat ninth.

Lee was scratched from the lineup for Friday's game against the Red Sox with back tightness, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Chuckie Robinson is now slated to do the catching for starting pitcher Davis Martin. Lee ended August on a 2-for-21 slide and is just 1-for-7 to open September.

Fortes is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Phillies, Kevin Barral of FishonFirst.com reports.

Fortes started the previous four games but will take a seat after going 7-for-14 with two doubles, two RBI and three runs during that stretch. Jhonny Pereda will step in behind the plate to catch for Edward Cabrera.

Bart was activated from the 10-day injured list ahead of Friday's game against the Nationals.

Bart returns in the minimum time from a left hamstring strain. He's had a post-hype breakout this year, slashing .272/.347/.497 with 12 homers in 63 games for the Pirates.

Tait is slashing .272/.313/.466 with five home runs in 27 games since getting promoted to Single-A Clearwater.

Tait's numbers are fantastic, but they are even more impressive when factoring in his age -- he turned 18 on Aug. 27. The lefty-hitting backstop slashed .321/.377/.500 with six homers and five steals in the Florida Complex League before getting promoted, and he has a chance to shoot up prospect lists, especially real-life rankings, in the coming years.

Romo is not in Friday's lineup against the Brewers.

Romo started four straight games to start the month, but he'll head to the bench for the second game in a row Friday. Both of his absences have come against righties, with Jacob Stallings getting the nod Friday and Hunter Goodman starting Thursday behind the dish.