MLB Player News

Diaz went 3-for-4 with a double and a run scored in Tuesday's 5-4 win over the Marlins.

This was Diaz's fourth multi-hit effort in his last five games, a span in which he's hitting .450 (9-for-20) with four extra-base hits and six RBI. The catcher has been one of the best at his position this season, leading all qualified backstops with a .345 batting average through 42 contests. He's added a .904 OPS, four home runs, 24 RBI, 18 runs scored and 10 doubles.

Jansen went 3-for-6 with two doubles, a homer, three RBI and three runs scored in Tuesday's win over the Rays.

Jansen extended Toronto's lead to 3-0 with an RBI double off Taj Bradley in the fourth inning before capping a nine-run ninth with a two-run homer off catcher-turned-pitcher Christian Bethancourt. It's Jansen's third homer in his last seven games. The 28-year-old catcher is still slashing just .210/.277/.420 with six home runs and 26 RBI through 130 at-bats while splitting duties behind the plate with Alejandro Kirk.

Moreno went 1-for-2 with two walks and a two-run home run in Tuesday's 4-3 win over the Phillies.

The 23-year-old catcher gave Arizona an early lead by taking Matt Strahm deep in the second inning. Moreno hasn't displayed a lot of power yet -- the homer was only his second in 39 games this season -- but he's still posting a strong .304/.341/.400 slash line with two steals, nine runs and 19 RBI.

Smith is in the Dodgers' lineup Tuesday versus Atlanta, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Smith took a Marcell Ozuna backswing to the head in Monday's series opener, but he played the entire game and ultimately checked out fine afterward. The star catcher is slashing .297/.399/.541 with seven home runs and 24 RBI in 31 games (138 plate appearances) this season for Los Angeles.

Contreras is not in the lineup Tuesday against the Astros.

Victor Caratini will catch and bat eighth versus the Astros and right-hander J.P. France. Contreras has an .873 OPS this year against lefties compared to a .675 OPS against righties.

Maldonado isn't starting Tuesday against the Brewers.

Maldonado went 2-for-3 with a home run and two runs scored against his former club Monday, earning himself a day off. Yainer Diaz will take over behind the plate Tuesday and bat seventh.

Pineda (finger) was cleared Tuesday to begin a rehab assignment with High-A Wilmington, Bobby Blanco of MASNSports.com reports.

Pineda was placed on the major-league injured list just before Opening Day after suffering a fractured finger on his right hand during spring training. He'll probably be stationed at Triple-A Rochester whenever he's deemed fully healthy, with Keibert Ruiz and Riley Adams remaining up as the catching tandem in Washington.

Alvarez is not in the lineup Tuesday against the Cubs.

Gary Sanchez will get the start at catcher and bat ninth versus the Cubs and left-hander Drew Smyly. Mark Vientos is serving as the designated hitter and batting fifth.

Perez went 1-for-5 with a solo home run in Monday's 8-5 extra-inning loss to the Tigers.

Perez's blast tied the game at 3-3 in the first inning, though the scoring simmered down after that. While the catcher has gone yard twice in the last three games, he's hitting just .172 (5-for-29) over his last seven contests. He's still been one of the Royals' most productive hitters with 11 homers, 27 RBI, 24 runs scored, 11 doubles and a .279/.319/.535 slash line through 44 games this season.

Maldonado went 2-for-3 with a solo home run, a walk and an additional run scored Monday against the Brewers.

Maldonado took Corbin Burnes deep in the second inning to tally his third homer of the season. While he's not known for his bat, he does have at least one hit in 12 of his last 15 games, a span in which he's maintained a .319 average with five RBI and six runs scored. Maldonado's track record suggests that level of success at the plate will not continue, though he should continue to be a regular in the lineup thanks to his strong defense.