MLB Player News

The Royals activated Gallagher from the COVID-19 injured list Sunday.

Fellow catcher Oscar Hernandez was designated for assignment in a corresponding move, clearing the way for Gallagher to take over as the No. 2 backstop behind Salvador Perez. While Perez will see the bulk of the work behind the dish, Gallagher will draw the start at catcher in the series finale Sunday with the White Sox while Perez receives a turn at first base, per Alec Lewis of The Athletic.

Leon is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Twins.

Leon's workload has picked up since starting catcher Roberto Perez (shoulder) was shut down Wednesday and placed on the injured list, but the former still looks to be stuck in an even timeshare with Beau Taylor, which limits the fantasy utility of both players. Taylor and Leon have now alternated starts behind the dish over the past six games.

Grandal went 2-for-5 with a double, two runs scored, two RBI and a walk during Saturday's 11-5 win over the Royals.

The 31-year-old has been off to a slow start as he was 2-for-17 with zero extra-base hits entering Saturday's contest, but he was able to double up his hit total in Kansas City. There's a chance Grandal gives way to James McCann behind the plate for Sunday's series finale since it's a day game following a night game.

Nola (knee) went 1-for-4 in a win over the Athletics on Friday.

Nola made his first appearance behind the dish since Tuesday, when he'd hurt his knee on a slide against the Angels. The 30-year-old has hit safely in three of his first four starts of the season and should continue logging consistent playing time with fellow backstop Tom Murphy (foot) still without a timetable for return.

Perez went 3-for-4 with an RBI in Friday's 3-2 loss to the White Sox.

It was his first multi-hit game of the year. Perez hasn't shown much rust at the plate after missing all of 2019 due to Tommy John surgery, going 8-for-32 (.250) with two homers and five RBI while starting all eight games so far for the Royals.

Nola (knee) is starting behind the plate and batting sixth Friday against the A's.

The 30-year-old missed the past three games with the knee soreness, but he'll rejoin the lineup for Friday's series opener. Nola is expected to see the bulk of the starts at catcher with Tom Murphy (foot) on the injured list with no timetable for his return.

Garver is not in the lineup for Friday's game versus Cleveland.

Garver is 2-for-13 with eight strikeouts to begin the season and will take a seat for the second game of the series. Alex Avila receives another start behind the plate for Minnesota.

Sanchez is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Red Sox.

Sanchez is 0-for-15 with 10 strikeouts through five games, so he'll receive the day off Friday to reset. Kyle Higashioka will take over behind the plate and bat ninth.

Stassi went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run in Thursday's 8-5 loss to the Mariners.

Stassi finally put the Angels on the board with his fifth-inning blast against Mariners starter Marco Gonzales. The catcher has now homered in each of his last two starts, accounting for all five of his RBI this season. Stassi will continue to split time with Jason Castro behind the dish.

Vazquez went 2-for-4 with two home runs, three RBI and two runs scored Thursday against the Mets.

Vazquez took Steven Matz deep twice, the first a solo shot in the second inning. He followed that up with a two-run home run that just got over the left-field fence in the fourth frame. Vazquez has quickly racked up four long balls on the campaign and has been steady at the dish overall by reaching base nine times in 20 plate appearances.