MLB Player News

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.

Sanchez (abdomen) is starting Friday against the Rays.

Sanchez missed seven consecutive games with an abdominal injury, but he'll start at catcher and bat eighth in Friday's series opener against Tampa Bay. Prior to his absence, he'd hit .216 with a home run, eight RBI, two runs and a steal.

Kirk went 2-for-4 with an RBI during Thursday's 1-0 win over the Red Sox.

The game's only run came in the third inning on Kirk's two-out single, which drove in Lourdes Gurriel. Although Kirk has only provided two RBI this season, he continues to make consistent contact and has a current streak of 41 straight plate appearances without a strikeout.

Hedges went 2-for-3 with a solo home run Thursday in a loss to the Angels.

Cleveland managed only four hits in the contest, with Hedges notching half of them. He also produced the team's only run with a solo homer off Reid Detmers in the fifth inning. Hedges has struggled with a .163/.234/.302 slash line this season, though two of his seven hits have left the yard.

Stassi isn't starting Thursday against Cleveland, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Stassi went 2-for-6 with two runs, a walk and three strikeouts in his last two appearances, and he'll be out of the lineup for the third time in the last five games. Kurt Suzuki will start behind the plate and bat seventh.