MLB Player News

Kirk went 2-for-4 with a double, an RBI, a walk and four runs scored in Sunday's 11-10 win over the Angels.

Kirk has scored eight runs in his last five games, a span in which he's gone 8-for-17 with three doubles. The catcher has played well for much of the season, but his recent uptick in offense has lifted his slash line to .289/.371/.372 with a home run, nine RBI, 15 runs scored and seven doubles in 140 plate appearances. If Danny Jansen (hip) is forced to miss any more time, Kirk would logically pick up the slack behind the dish.

Jansen wasn't in Sunday's lineup against the Angels due to a minor hip injury, Gregor Chisholm of the Toronto Star reports.

The 27-year-old had started in three of the last four games prior to Sunday's matchup, and manager Charlie Montoyo didn't sound too concerned about Jansen's injury following the win. The backstop should tentatively be considered day-to-day prior to Tuesday's series opener against the White Sox.

Kirk will start at catcher and bat cleanup in Sunday's game against the Angels.

Kirk will get a turn behind the plate in the series finale while fellow backstop Danny Jansen takes a seat. Though he's been swinging a hot bat of late by going 6-for-13 with two doubles, a walk, four runs and an RBI over his last four games, Kirk has faded into more of a part-time role following Jansen's return from the injured list earlier this month. Kirk is starting Sunday for just the fifth time in nine games.

Bethancourt went 2-for-4 with a run in a loss to the Rangers on Saturday.

The reserve backstop reached safely for the fourth time in five games and generated his second multi-hit effort in that span. Bethancourt continues to be an occasional contributor at the plate, but it remains to be seen how much longer his stint on the big-league roster will last with Stephen Vogt (knee) kicking off his rehab assignment Saturday and therefore likely to return to action relatively soon.

Jansen is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Angels.

Jansen started three of the past four games and will take a seat after going 4-for-14 with three home runs, five RBI and four runs during that stretch. Alejandro Kirk will work behind the plate in Sunday's series finale.

Raleigh is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Astros, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

Raleigh started the first two games against Houston and will head to the bench for the series finale after going 1-for-8 with a double, a run and four strikeouts. Luis Torrens will work behind the plate Sunday.

Garver is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the A's.

The 31-year-old has sat out the past two days due to left knee soreness, and he'll remain on the bench again Sunday. Manager Chris Woodward previously said he expected Garver back in the lineup by Monday. Kole Calhoun will serve as the designated hitter while Eli White takes his place in the outfield.

Sanchez (illness) is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Royals.

Sanchez was pulled from Saturday's contest due to a heat-related illness and will be sidelined for at least one additional contest. Byron Buxton will rest his legs as Minnesota's designated hitter Sunday while Royce Lewis will start in center field.

Trevino is not in the lineup for Sunday's game at Tampa Bay.

Trevino and Kyle Higashioka have alternated starts over the past five games, and that trend will continue Sunday after Trevino went 0-for-2 with a strikeout during Saturday's contest.

Hedges is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Tigers, Andre Knott of Bally Sports Ohio reports.

Hedges is 2-for-22 over his last eight appearances and will step out of the lineup for Sunday's series finale in Detroit. Luke Maile will take over behind the plate and bat eighth.