MLB Player News

Perez (oblique) was reinstated from the 10-day DL prior to Tuesday's game against the Rockies.

He only ended up missing 16 games with the intercostal strain, which is pretty impressive for a catcher. Perez was in the midst of his best offensive season since 2013, hitting .278/.308/.510 with 21 home runs in 391 plate appearances. Look for him to play almost every day as long as the Royals remain in the hunt for a playoff spot.

Mejia, 21, is batting .307/.358/.509 with 13 home runs, 49 RBI and seven steals through 84 games at Double-A Akron.

Mejia has had two short stints on the disabled list in 2017, but otherwise it has been another successful season for arguably the top catching prospect in baseball. Yan Gomes has been disappointing with the bat this season, but he is under contract through 2019, so the Indians may look at other ways to get Mejia in the starting lineup next season.

Jansen attributes his breakout campaign in the farm system to a new approach at the plate, and better vision since getting eye glasses in the offseason, Kristina Rutherford of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Jansen began 2017 at High-A Dunedin, but as September nears, the 22-year-old sits one step away from the big leagues. The backstop suggested his current campaign is not a flash in the pan, as tangible changes have made a positive impact that can last. "The last two years I was trying to be something I'm not," he said. Jansen's new approach has propelled him to a .341/.418/.516 slash line over 95 minor-league games this season.

Garver will start at first base and bat seventh in the first game of Monday's doubleheader with the White Sox, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

The Twins have a couple openings in their lineup following the recent placements of Robbie Grossman (thumb) and Miguel Sano (shin) on the disabled list, and it looks as though Garver may receive the first crack at filling one of the voids. Garver, who posted a .928 OPS at Triple-A Rochester this season prior to being called up Friday, will receive his second straight start at first base while Joe Mauer assumes DH duties.

Narvaez will start at catcher and bat eighth in the first game of the White Sox's doubleheader Monday against the Twins, Dan Hayes of CSN Chicago reports.

The White Sox's timeshare behind the plate has swung in favor of Narvaez lately, with the backstop picking up his fifth start in six games for the front end of the twin bill. Kevan Smith will likely catch the nightcap Monday, but Narvaez looks like he'll dominate the playing time at the position while he keeps getting on base -- he owns a .417 OBP in the second half.

Gallagher is starting at catcher and batting ninth Sunday against Cleveland.

Gallagher slides into the starting lineup, giving Drew Butera a rest, for the fourth time since being called up Aug. 6 when Salvador Perez (oblique) landed on the disabled list. However, the latter is scheduled to return early next week, meaning Sunday could be Gallagher's final MLB appearance for quite a while.

Perez (oblique) will be activated either Tuesday or Wednesday before Kansas City's home game against Colorado, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.

Perez is eligible to return now, but manager Ned Yost plans to take advantage of Monday's off day before bringing back the catcher. Drew Butera will continue starting, with Cameron Gallagher backing him up, until Perez is activated.

Maldonado is not in the lineup Sunday against the Orioles, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Maldonado is 0-for-11 over his last three starts, so he'll get the day off to gather himself after starting seven of the last eight games at backstop. Juan Graterol will fill in for him behind the dish for the contest.

Vazquez is not in the lineup Sunday against the Yankees, Scott Lauber of ESPN.com reports.

Vazquez will head to the bench for a second straight contest after starting three of the previous four games behind the dish. Sandy Leon will again draw the start in his place, batting eighth.

McCann is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Dodgers.

McCann will head to the bench for a breather after starting eight of the last nine games behind the dish, a stretch over which he's gone 10-for-32 (.313). John Hicks will take over for him at backstop, batting seventh.