MLB Player News

Murphy isn't starting Saturday's game against the Guardians.

Murphy had started every game this season, but he'll get a breather after he hit .100 with a homer, three RBI, two runs and a walk over his last five appearances. Austin Allen will start behind the dish and bat sixth.

Stassi will sit Saturday against the White Sox, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Stassi remains the No. 1 catcher in Anaheim, though not by a particularly wide margin. He's made 13 starts behind the plate this season, while Saturday's starter, Kurt Suzuki, has made nine.

Jansen (oblique) caught a live BP session and ran the bases Saturday, Kaitlyn McGrath of The Athletic reports.

Jansen has been on the 10-day injured list since April 11 due to a left oblique strain, and he doesn't yet have a timetable to return to game action. However, he began tee work early this week and continued to make progress Saturday. The 27-year-old will likely require a rehab assignment before rejoining the major-league club, but the Blue Jays haven't yet revealed when that might occur.

Maldonado isn't starting Saturday's game against the Blue Jays, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Maldonado started the last two games and went 1-for-7 with a run, a walk and four strikeouts. Jason Castro will take over behind the dish and bat eighth.

Barnhart went 2-for-3 with a run scored in Friday's 5-1 loss to the Dodgers.

Barnhart isn't really driving the ball, as he only has one double and no home runs so far this season. However, the catcher is finding ways to reach base, as he's batting .278 to go along with a .366 on-base percentage. Singles and walks aren't the most exciting, but Barnhart is at least providing some fantasy value, especially because he's locked into a regular role with the Tigers.

HIgashioka went 1-for-3 with a walk, a double and three RBI in Friday's 12-2 win over Kansas City.

Higashioka's lone hit of the game was a big one, as it cleared the bases and gave New York a 10-run lead. The double was a much-needed knock for the backstop, who had previously registered only one extra-base hit and one RBI all season. Higashioka had a great spring but is slashing just .143/.213/.190 through 48 regular-season plate appearances.

Murphy went 1-for-5 with a three-run home run in a 9-8 loss to Cleveland on Friday.

Murphy took Cleveland starter Aaron Civale deep to center in the first inning but remained quiet in his other four at-bats. Despite the long ball, Murphy has been mired in a 3-for-24 skid over his last six games with his overall .218/.262/.487 slash line being propped up by 12 of 17 hits going for extra bases.

Trevino is out of the lineup Friday at Kansas City.

Trevino started Wednesday in Baltimore for the fourth time in six games, but he'll take a seat Friday for the second consecutive contest. Kyle Higashioka will receive another start behind the plate as the Yankees continue to use a committee approach at catcher.

Murphy will sit Friday against the Marlins.

Murphy seemed like he could be in line for a larger share of catching duties after Cal Raleigh was optioned Thursday. That hasn't been the case thus far, however, as it's been Luis Torrens who's gotten the start in two straight games.

Kirk is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Astros.

Kirk leads Toronto's catchers in playing time with 12 starts through 20 games, but he'll take a seat Friday for the third time in the past four contests. Tyler Heineman will work behind the plate in his place.