MLB Player News

Stephenson went 3-for-4 with a triple, a double and an RBI in Saturday's 8-7 extra-innings win over the Diamondbacks.

Stephenson was a home run shy of the cycle in his first multi-hit effort since Aug. 1. He's hit a paltry .231 (12-for-52) across 18 games this month, slightly worse than his .247 average for the season. The catcher remains the Reds' top option behind the plate with a .700 OPS, 10 home runs, 44 RBI, 50 runs scored, 15 doubles and two triples through 116 contests. He's also been caught on his only attempt to steal a base this season.

Raleigh went 2-for-3 with a solo home run and an additional run scored in Saturday's 15-2 victory over Kansas City.

Raleigh reached base four times Saturday, including on a solo shot in the sixth inning to extend Seattle's lead to 12-1. Over his last 10 games, the 26-year-old backstop is hitting .371 (13-for-35) with five long balls, 13 RBI and seven runs. Raleigh has now reached 25 home runs for the second consecutive season -- he hit a career-high 27 last year.

Garver went 2-for-4 with a solo home run in Saturday's 6-2 win over the Twins.

Garver's home run was his third in his last four games, though they've all been solo shots and he has just one additional hit in that span. The 32-year-old is up to 12 home runs, 35 RBI, 27 runs scored and 10 doubles while slashing .278/.361/.515 through 57 contests this season. With Jonah Heim slumping since returning from a wrist injury, Garver could push for more time behind the dish -- he played there Saturday for the first time since Sunday. In any case, Garver's power production should at least keep him as the Rangers' top option for designated-hitter duties.

Moreno isn't in the Diamondbacks' lineup Saturday against the Reds.

Moreno will get a breather Saturday after logging seven hits and scoring five runs across his last three games. Jose Herrera will take over behind the plate and bat eighth while Moreno rests.

Heim remains on the bench for Saturday's game against the Twins.

Heim has gone just 2-for-24 at the plate since returning from a strained left wrist tendon. He now finds himself sitting for the second straight game, though whether that's an indication of a setback or merely an attempt to help him straighten things out is unclear. Mitch Garver will start behind the plate in his absence.

Sanchez isn't in the Padres' lineup Saturday against Milwaukee.

After belting his 17th homer of the season in Friday's loss, Sanchez will begin Saturday's contest in the dugout. Luis Campusano will take Sanchez's place behind the dish and bat sixth.

Gomes isn't in the Cubs' lineup Saturday against Pittsburgh, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

After having his five-game hitting streak snapped Friday, Gomes will get a breather for Saturday's contest. Miguel Amaya will fill in behind the plate and bat eighth.

Maldonado will not start Saturday against the Tigers.

Maldonado finds himself on the bench for the second time in three games. Yainer Diaz will take over behind the plate.

Bethancourt will be on the bench for Saturday's game against the Yankees, Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News reports.

Bethancourt's share of the playing time behind the plate hasn't meaningfully changed with the shift from Francisco Mejia to Rene Pinto as the team's second catcher. Bethancourt and Pinto have each started eight of the team's last 16 games.

Alvarez isn't in the Mets' lineup Saturday against the Angels.

Alvarez is 0-for-10 with five strikeouts across his last three starts, so he'll take a game off to regroup Saturday. Omar Narvaez will fill in behind the plate and bat seventh.