MLB Player News

Higashioka went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run during a 6-0 win over the Orioles in the first game of Friday's doubleheader.

He took Alex Cobb deep in the second inning, giving Higashioka his first long ball and first RBI of the season. The 30-year-old has seen an uptick in playing time due to Gary Sanchez's struggles, starting five of the last 12 games, but as yet Higashioka hasn't been able to consistently take advantage of his opportunities.

Kirk's contract was selected by the Blue Jays on Friday.

Kirk is an interesting prospect, with an above-average arm and the potential to hit for high average, though he's making quite the jump, as he's yet to play above High-A. He produced a strong .288/.395/.446 slash line with more walks than strikeouts in 71 games at that level last season, though a significant regression should be expected given that he's skipping two levels. The Blue Jays have gotten very little at the plate from their catchers this season, however, with Danny Jansen producing a .603 OPS and Reese McGuire posting a .220 OPS, so he won't have to look all that good to earn playing time.

Stassi is not in the lineup Friday against Colorado.

Stassi went 0-for-2 with a sacrifice fly and a walk Thursday and will take a seat for Friday's contest. Anthony Bemboom will start behind the plate in the series opener.

Plawecki (hand) is batting fifth as the designated hitter Friday at Tampa Bay, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

The 29-year-old had X-rays on his right hand come back negative after being hit by a pitch last weekend, and he'll return to action against the Rays. Plawecki has a .354/.404/.500 slash line with one homer, four doubles and 11 RBI in 52 plate appearances this season.

Perez (eye) was activated from the 10-day injured list Friday and will start against the Pirates, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.

The veteran backstop has been sidelined since Aug. 17 while recovering from blurred vision in his left eye, but he's good to rejoin the Royals on Friday. Perez has a .307/.326/.511 slash line with four homers through 22 games and should reclaim the everyday role behind the plate now that he's healthy.

Trevino (wrist) is not in the lineup Friday against the A's.

The 27-year-old sustained a left wrist sprain Wednesday and will be sidelined for the second consecutive contest. Sam Huff will start behind the plate and bat eighth in his major-league debut Friday.

Grandal is not in the lineup Friday against the Tigers.

Grandal has a modest six-game hit streak and is 9-for-23 with two homers, two doubles, six runs ans seven RBI during that stretch, but he'll receive a breather Friday. James McCann will start behind the plate in the series opener versus Detroit.

Perez isn't in the lineup Thursday against the Royals.

Perez will take a seat Thursday for the fourth time in the past seven games. Cleveland currently has three catchers on the active roster, so Perez could continue to see inconsistent playing time going forward.

Perez is not in Thursday's lineup against the Red Sox.

Perez only starts against right-handed pitchers, so it stands that he would head to the bench with southpaw Mike Kickham starting for Boston. Kevan Smith will start behind the dish and bat eighth.

Thaiss will serve as the Angels' designated hitter and will bat second Thursday against the Rangers, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Thaiss will pick up his third straight start after assignments at second base Tuesday and in left field Wednesday. With David Fletcher (ankle) and Franklin Barreto (shoulder) on the shelf, the keystone likely represents Thaiss' most realistic path to consistent action in the short term. The lefty-hitting Thaiss could occupy the larger side of a platoon at the position with the switch-hitting Luis Rengifo.