MLB Player News

Perez (shoulder) was activated from the injured list as expected Tuesday and will bat eighth and start behind the plate against the Pirates.

Perez lasted just three games this season before being sidelined with a shoulder strain. He'll be Cleveland's primary catcher going forward, especially with Sandy Leon heading to the family medical emergency list in a corresponding move.

Garver is not starting Tuesday against the Brewers.

Garver and Alex Avila have alternated starts for the Twins' last six games. Avila will take his turn behind the plate Tuesday. It's hard to say Garver deserves more at-bats than he's gotten lately, as he's followed up his .995 OPS from last season with a .463 mark through 58 plate appearances this year.

Vazquez (heel) will sit Tuesday against the Phillies, Julian McWilliams of The Boston Globe reports.

Vazquez left Monday's game against the Yankees early due to heel soreness, so it's no surprise to see him sit for at least one game. Whether or not his absence will extend to multiple games remains to be seen. Kevin Plawecki takes over behind the plate Tuesday.

Grandal (back) will sit Tuesday against the Tigers.

Grandal left Monday's game with lower-back stiffness, so it's no surprise to see him sit for at least one game. James McCann starts behind the plate in his absence.

Murphy (foot) is still having trouble catching and running, and manager Scott Servais confirmed there have not been any discussions about activating him to exclusively serve as a designated hitter, the Associated Press reports.

Murphy was described as making some modest progress by Servais on Sunday, but the skipper's latest comments underscore how far Murphy still appears to be from having a realistic shot at game action. Fortunately for the Mariners, Austin Nola has proven adept at handling primary backstop duties, and his .283/.348/.500 line that includes eight extra-base hits (five doubles, one triple, two home runs) and nine RBI is arguably at least on par, if not superior, to what Murphy would be providing with his bat.

Plawecki entered Monday's game after Christian Vazquez was removed with a heel injury. He went 0-for-1 in a 6-3 loss to the Yankees.

Boston manager Ron Roenicke said Vazquez's right heel has been bothering him, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports, and the team didn't want the injury flaring up to the point where he would miss significant time. It's uncertain if Vazquez will be ready to catch Tuesday, so Plawecki could draw the start against the Phillies. The backup catcher is batting .375 (9-for-24) with two doubles and six RBI over eight games.

McCann entered Monday's game after Yasmani Grandal was removed due to back stiffness. He went 0-for-1 in a 7-2 win over Detroit.

Grandal is listed as day-to-day, and McCann will be the primary replacement until Grandal is ready to return. Zack Collins is also in the mix for starts behind the plate.

Perez was removed from Monday's game against the Reds after struggling to see the ball at the plate, Lynn Worthy of The Kansas City Star reports.

Perez was unable to take the field Sunday against Minnesota after experiencing blurry vision in his left eye, and it appears the issue is still bothering the veteran backstop. He should be considered day-to-day for the time being, with an update from the team likely coming Tuesday morning after he's re-evaluated.

Vazquez went 2-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored Monday against the Yankees. He was removed early due to a sore heel, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Vazquez drove home a run in the fourth inning with a single to left center, but he was unable to finish out the game after experiencing heel soreness. He'll be considered day-to-day moving forward and will likely be re-evaluated Tuesday morning to determine his availability for the series opener against the Phillies.

Grandal left Monday's game against the Tigers with lower back stiffness and will be considered day-to-day.

Grandal will likely be re-evaluated Tuesday morning to determine his status for his team's next matchup with Detroit. James McCann figures to draw the start behind the dish if Grandal can't go.