MLB Player News

Maldonado was removed from Wednesday's game against the Rays with left shoulder soreness, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Maldonado may have picked up the injury during the fourth inning when he appeared to land on his left shoulder while making a diving catch on a bunt attempt. The 35-year-old struck out in his lone plate appearance before exiting the contest. Jason Castro is poised to see increased work should Maldonado be forced to miss any time.

Perez was diagnosed with a right ankle sprain after leaving Wednesday's game against Cleveland, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Perez appeared to suffer the injury when he slipped on the dugout steps, and it's unclear how the issue will affect his availability for the final four games of the season. The 31-year-old went 1-for-2 with a three-run homer -- his MLB-leading and franchise-record-tying 48th long ball of the season -- before leaving Wednesday's contest.

Perez went 1-for-2 with a three-run home run before leaving Wednesday's game against Cleveland with an apparent injury, Joel Goldberg of Bally Sports Kansas City reports.

Perez clubbed his 48th homer of the season -- tying a Royals season record -- with a three-run shot during the first inning, but he appeared to slip on the dugout steps after the top of the second inning. The 31-year-old immediately received some assistance yet still batted in the bottom of the frame, though he struck out and was subsequently replaced in the field.

Murphy isn't in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Athletics.

Murphy had started each of the last three games, and he went 1-for-9 with two runs, an RBI and a walk. Cal Raleigh will start behind the dish and bat ninth.

Mejia will start at catcher and bat ninth Wednesday against the Astros.

With the Rays having secured the best record in the American League, manager Kevin Cash is expected to rest several regulars over the final week of the season, including No. 1 catcher Mike Zunino. As a result of Zunino getting more frequent days off of late, Mejia has picked up more work. He'll pick up his fourth start in six games after going 4-for-10 with two doubles, a walk, two RBI and two runs in his previous three starts.

Perez isn't starting Wednesday's game against the Royals.

Perez went 1-for-3 with a walk and a strikeout Tuesday, but he'll head back to the bench as he continues to alternate starts behind the dish. Austin Hedges will start at catcher and bat eighth.

Stassi isn't in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Rangers.

Stassi went 1-for-3 with a two-run homer and a strikeout in Tuesday's series opener, but he'll retreat to the bench for the second time in the last three games. Kurt Suzuki will start behind the dish and bat cleanup.

Sanchez isn't starting Wednesday's game against the Blue Jays.

Sanchez started each of the last three games and went 2-for-11 with a run, a walk and five strikeouts. Kyle Higashioka will take his place behind the dish and bat ninth.

Heim isn't starting Wednesday's game against the Angels.

Heim went 2-for-4 with a double, a run and an RBI on Tuesday, but he'll head to the bench for the third time in the last four games. Jose Trevino will start at catcher and bat sixth.

Jansen is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Yankees.

Though he'll be on the bench Wednesday, Jansen caught both of the Blue Jays' previous two games and appears to have at least temporarily inched ahead of Alejandro Kirk. Neither Jansen nor Kirk will be behind the plate Wednesday, however, as manager Charlie Montoyo wants to give No. 3 backstop Reese McGuire another opportunity to catch for starting pitcher Jose Berrios after the two worked well together in Berrios' last start.