MLB Player News

Collins is not starting Sunday's series finale against the Orioles.

An 0-for-3 effort Saturday dropped Collins' average to .263 in 19 at-bats this month. Seby Zavala will bat ninth Sunday and catch Dylan Cease for the first time.

Heim went 2-for-5 with two RBI in Saturday's 8-4 extra-innings loss to the Athletics.

Heim's RBI single in the eighth propelled the game into extra innings, and his 10th-inning run-producing single forced the game into an 11th inning. Heim has hit well in the absence of Jose Trevino (forearm). The 26-year-old backstop is batting .297 (11-for-37) with four extra-base hits, seven RBI and three runs scored over the last 10 games. He's performed so well that he was recently promoted to the fifth in the order.

Manager Mike Matheny said following Saturday's loss to Cleveland that Perez exited the contest because of tightness in his back, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

The issue arose after the backstop dove for a bunt in the third inning. He was initially able to stay in the game, and wound up clubbing a two-run homer in his following at-bat before later departing. Matheny said that Perez will be further evaluated Sunday before his availability for the series finale is determined.

Murphy went 1-for-5 with a solo home run Saturday against the Rangers.

Murphy got the A's on the board in the second inning when he took Texas starter Mike Foltynewicz deep to center field. It was the 11th round-tripper of the year for Murphy, who had gone his previous 10 games without an extra-base hit. The 26-year-old catcher is slashing a disappointing .217/.311/.414 in 280 plate appearances this season, although the 11 homers have helped him drive in 42 runs, tied for second on the team.

Sanchez is not in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Astros.

As usual, the 28-year-old is relegated to the bench with Gerrit Cole, who prefers throwing to backup Kyle Higashioka, on the mound. Sanchez has cooled down recently, going 1-for-23 with no RBI since the start of July.

Rogers is not starting Saturday's game against the Twins, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

The 26-year-old went 0-for-2 with a walk Friday, dropping his average to .258 in his last nine games. Rogers has hit two homers and driven in four runs in that span. Eric Haase is starting behind the dish and batting cleanup Saturday.

McGuire is not starting Saturday's game against the Rays.

McGuire's bat has cooled off again, as he's gone 1-for-17 with no walks since the start of July. His offensive drop-off has coincided with Danny Jansen's return from the injured list July 3. McGuire was recently named the starting catcher over the light-hitting Jansen, but the latter is starting Saturday and may reclaim the role if he enjoys some success at the plate.

Garver (groin) could begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A St. Paul next week, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

Garver has been out since the start of June due to a groin injury which required surgery. He's been ramping up activities recently, catching a bullpen Thursday, but his exact return date remains unclear.

Maldonado is not starting Friday against the Yankees, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Maldonado went hitless across nine at-bats while starting all three games behind the plate during the recently completed series against Oakland. He'll get a rest Friday as Jason Castro bats eighth and catches Jake Odorizzi.

Perez will be on the bench for Friday's game against the Royals.

Perez will sit for the second time in three games despite homering Thursday. Austin Hedges takes over behind the plate in his absence.