MLB Player News

Smith (elbow) underwent X-rays that came back negative Sunday, Matthew Moreno of DodgerBlue.com reports.

Smith was hit by a pitch in the first inning of Sunday's game against the Reds and was later removed due to what was deemed a left elbow contusion. Further testing didn't reveal any structural damage, and he hopes to be available for Tuesday's matchup against the Athletics.

Smith was removed from Sunday's game against the Reds with a left elbow contusion.

Smith was hit by a pitch on the left elbow during the opening frame Sunday and was pulled from the contest before making another plate appearance. The 28-year-old should be considered day-to-day and will have Monday's team off day to aid in his recovery before Tuesday's matchup with Oakland.

Sanchez will start at catcher and bat eighth in Sunday's game against the Rangers.

The recent arrival of Brett Sullivan from Triple-A El Paso to provide the Friars with a third option behind the plate looks as though it'll be beneficial to both Sanchez and Luis Campusano. The two have now both been included in the lineup in five consecutive games, with one starting at catcher and the other starting at designated hitter. The Padres' remaining bench options beyond Sullivan (Matt Carpenter, Matthew Batten and Alfonso Rivas) haven't made compelling cases to see more work at DH, so Sanchez's playing time should be fairly secure while he's been able to stay productive at the plate. In 11 games since the All-Star break, Sanchez has slashed .235/.341/.559 with three home runs and 5:4 BB:K.

Campusano will start at designated hitter and bat seventh in Sunday's game against the Rangers.

After calling up Brett Sullivan from Triple-A El Paso on Saturday to provide the team with a third catcher, the Padres look set to include both Campusano and Gary Sanchez in the lineup simultaneously on a more frequent basis, with one starting at designated hitter and the other starting behind the plate. Campusano will pick up his sixth consecutive start Sunday, while Sanchez sticks in the lineup for a fifth straight game.

Bailey is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Red Sox.

Bailey will get a breather after he started behind the plate in each of the Giants' previous six games. Blake Sabol is catching for opening pitcher Scott Alexander in the series finale.

Wong is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Giants.

Wong will get a well-deserved breather after he started at catcher in each of Boston's previous five games. Jorge Alfaro will form a battery with starting pitcher Brennan Bernardino in Sunday's series finale.

Diaz is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Athletics, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Diaz is 6-for-12 with a double, a walk, an RBI and two runs in the past three games but will receive Sunday off for the series finale versus Oakland. Austin Wynns will step in behind the plate to catch and bat ninth.

Fermin will start at catcher and bat sixth in Sunday's game against the Twins.

With the Royals frequently deploying Salvador Perez at designated hitter of late and even handing him a start at first base Friday for the first time since 2020, Fermin has benefited with an uptick in opportunities behind the plate. The 28-year-old will pick up his third start at catcher in four games Sunday, and he's done his part thus far to justify the increased work. He'll take a five-game hitting streak into Sunday's contest and owns an .830 OPS over 134 plate appearances on the season.

Contreras is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Cubs, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Contreras has a .947 OPS in 11 games since the All-Star break and will take a seat for Sunday's series finale versus Chicago. Andrew Knizner will step in behind the plate to catch for Steven Matz.

Soderstrom went 2-for-4 with an RBI single, a walk and a run in a win over the Rockies on Saturday.

Soderstrom got in on some of the fun during the Athletics' 13-hit outburst, authoring the second multi-hit effort of his young career. The rookie is carrying a lackluster .200 average and .500 OPS thus far even after factoring in Saturday's success, but he's now hit safely in three straight games.