The Mets optioned Senger to Triple-A Syracuse on Friday.

Senger will lose his spot on the active roster Friday with Francisco Alvarez (finger) being activated from the 10-day injured list. Since being called up Aug. 19, Senger went 4-for-23 (.174) with four RBI and two runs scored.

The Reds optioned Banfield to Triple-A Louisville on Friday.

Banfield served as the backup catcher behind Jose Trevino while Tyler Stephenson (thumb) was shelved. With Stephenson back in the fold, Banfield will return to Louisville.

The Reds activated Stephenson (thumb) from the 10-day injured list Friday.

Stephenson fractured his left thumb three weeks ago but has made a quick recovery and rejoins the Reds' active roster as they push for a playoff spot. The 29-year-old backstop will serve as the club's primary catcher down the stretch, with Jose Trevino moving back to an active No. 2 catcher role.

Alvarez (finger) was activated from the 10-day injured list Friday.

As expected, Alvarez rejoins the active roster after being sidelined with a sprained right thumb and a fractured left index finger, the latter of which occurred in a rehab game. The Mets optioned Hayden Senger to Triple-A Syracuse in a corresponding move.

Ruiz (concussion) will remain on his rehab assignment through the weekend, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reported Friday.

Ruiz is working his way back from a concussion he sustained in early July and is nearing reinstatement from the IL. The catcher is slated to catch seven innings Friday, DH on Saturday and then catch a full nine innings Sunday. Given his progression, it wouldn't be surprising to see Ruiz back with the Nationals early next week.

Kelly is absent from the lineup for Friday's contest against the Nationals.

Kelly didn't start Wednesday's game versus Atlanta, either, prior to Thursday's team off day, so he's getting some extended rest. Reese McGuire will do the catching and bat ninth for the Cubs on Friday.

Stephenson (thumb) is a combined 2-for-5 with a home run, two RBI and an additional run scored in two games of a rehab assignment for Triple-A Louisville.

Stephenson, who is on the injured list with a fractured thumb, began the assignment Wednesday, when he caught seven innings and homered in his first plate appearance. He followed up as the designated hitter for six innings Thursday. The report indicates an expected return date of Friday, when the Reds begin a weekend series at home against the Mets.

Alvarez (finger) will be activated from the injured list Friday, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

Alvarez has been on a rehab assignment since Aug. 26 and was able to catch a full game Sunday. He's gone 4-for-19 across parts of five games and should take over as the Mets' primary catcher upon his return.

The Dodgers selected Rortvedt's contract from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Thursday.

Will Smith is undergoing a CT scan on his right hand and is expected to be out for at least a few days, so Rortvedt will be up to provide catching depth behind Dalton Rushing. Rortvedt was acquired from the Rays at the trade deadline.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Thursday that Smith (hand) is undergoing a CT scan, and it's "probably unlikely" the catcher will play this weekend against the Orioles, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Smith had to be removed from Wednesday's game in Pittsburgh after a foul tip caught him in the right hand. He's not in Thursday's lineup and could require a stint on the 10-day injured list, pending results of the CT scan. Ben Rortvedt will be added to the roster as a third catcher, and Dalton Rushing will handle the bulk of the starts behind the plate while Smith is out.