MLB Player News

Mejia isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Astros, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.

Mejia will be out of the lineup for a second straight game as he continues to split time behind the dish. Mike Zunino will serve as the starting backstop and bat ninth.

Maldonado went 1-for-5 with a triple and a run scored in Friday's 9-2 win over Tampa Bay.

Maldonado's fourth-inning triple snapped an 0-for-10 skid and was just his sixth hit in 59 at-bats (.102). The Astros' potent offense can afford to carry a light-hitting catcher, so Maldonado will maintain his role as the team's primary catcher.

Murphy went 2-for-3 with a home run, a double, a walk and two total RBI in a victory over the Angels on Friday.

Murphy blasted a solo shot in the fourth inning to give Seattle a 4-3 lead, then capped the scoring for the Mariners with an RBI double in the eighth. The backstop is batting only .146 on the season, and Friday's performance snapped a nine-game skid during which he collected only one hit in 26 at-bats.

Murphy went 2-for-4 with a solo home run in the 3-2 loss Friday to the Orioles.

Murphy provided his third two-hit game of the season Friday. The catcher is slashing just .206/.324/.444 in 20 games. However, he has three home runs in his last four starts, flashing some of the power that he showed in the minor leagues. He hasn't played a full season in the majors yet, but he has 20-homer potential. Murphy's numbers in 2020 stretched over a full season gives him 19 home runs, 38 RBI and 57 runs scored.

Kirk went 2-for-4 with a walk, two home runs, three runs scored and four RBI in Friday's 13-5 win over Atlanta.

The rookie catcher isn't noted for his power, but he took Drew Smyly deep in the fourth inning and pounded an Edgar Santana offering over the fence in the fifth for the first multi-homer game of his young career. Kirk heads into May hitting only .231 with three home runs and eight RBI in 16 games, but if his bat continues to heat up, the starting job behind the plate is there for the taking in Toronto.

Stassi isn't starting Friday's game against the Mariners, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Stassi returned to the field Wednesday and went 0-for-3 with a pair of strikeouts. Kurt Suzuki will start behind the plate and bat ninth.

Jansen is not in the lineup Friday against the Braves.

The 26-year-old remains hitless in 33 at-bats over his past 12 appearances and will head to the bench Friday. Alejandro Kirk will start behind the plate and has hits in each of his past three games, so he could displace Jansen atop the depth chart.

Trevino will not start Friday against Boston.

The catcher receives an off day after homering in a solid performance Thursday. Trevino has recorded hits in consecutive games after going hitless in his previous five.

Garver is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Royals.

The 30-year-old will take a seat after starting the past two games with Ben Rortvedt called up to make his major-league debut Friday. Garver has a chance to secure his starting spot following the demotion of Ryan Jeffers, but Rortvedt should receive some opportunities if Garver's offensive struggles persist.

Rortvedt was recalled from the alternate training site Friday and is starting behind the plate against the Royals, Brandon Warne of Access Twins reports.

The 23-year-old will take the place of Ryan Jeffers, who was demoted to the alternate site after a slow start to the season. Despite starting Friday, Rortvedt should work as Minnesota's secondary catcher, but he could see some starts against right-handed pitching, especially if starter Mitch Garver continues to struggle at the plate.