MLB Player News

Moreno (oblique) was spotted taking part in catching drills and playing catch on the field prior to Sunday's 10-4 loss to the Blue Jays, Alex Weiner of ArizonaSports.com reports.

Arizona placed Moreno on the 10-day injured list Tuesday due to a left oblique strain, but the team is optimistic that the catcher will avoid a long-term absence and return to action in about two weeks, per MLB.com. Moreno's involvement in drills just a few days after landing on the shelf would seem to be a sign that he's trending in the right direction, but he still may need to complete a minor-league rehab assignment prior to being activated. In the meantime, the Diamondbacks will lean primarily on Adrian Del Castillo and James McCann to handle catching duties.

Perez (2-1) earned the win Sunday against the Brewers, allowing one unearned run on three hits and one walk while striking out seven over six innings.

Perez turned in a strong performance, cruising through five scoreless innings, including striking out the side in the second, before running into minor trouble in the sixth. After issuing a leadoff walk to David Hamilton, a throwing error by catcher Liam Hicks allowed the latter to reach third, and he later scored on a groundout. The outing was a much-needed correction after Perez allowed 15 runs over his first 20 innings of the season. The right-hander now owns a 4.15 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and a 27:12 K:BB across 26 innings, and he will look to build on this performance in his next scheduled start against a Giants lineup that has struggled offensively this year.

Realmuto (back) is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against Atlanta.

Realmuto's absence from the lineup for the series finale comes as little surprise after he was lifted from Saturday's 3-1 loss due to an aggravation of a back injury that initially cropped up Friday. According to Ty Daubert of PhilliesNation.com, manager Rob Thomson said that the Phillies are still evaluating Realmuto's injury, and the veteran backstop will be available off the bench Sunday only in an emergency. Rafael Marchan will draw the start behind the dish in place of Realmuto.

Murphy (hip) is slated to move his rehab assignment from High-A Rome to Triple-A Gwinnett on Tuesday, Chad Bishop of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Murphy went 0-for-9 with a walk and two strikeouts during his time at Rome, but more important than his results at the plate was the fact that his surgically repaired right hip held up fine while he made three starts at catcher and one at designated hitter. The veteran backstop could be reinstated from the 10-day injured list when Atlanta kicks off a homestand Friday, but the club may want to give Murphy some more time in minors to knock off rust and catch full games on back-to-back days before activating him.

Heineman is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Diamondbacks.

After a recent bout with back spasms, Heineman returned to the lineup Thursday and started three straight games, going 1-for-9 with an RBI and a run scored. Though Brandon Valenzuela will get the nod behind the plate Sunday, Heineman could be the Blue Jays' preferred option at catcher until Alejandro Kirk (thumb) is ready to return from the injured list.

Fermin is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Angels.

After taking a foul tip off his catcher's mask and being forced out of Wednesday's 7-6 win over the Mariners, Fermin didn't appear in the Padres' subsequent two games. He returned to the lineup Saturday and caught all nine innings of the Padres' 4-1 win, going 1-for-2 with two walks and two runs. Fermin didn't experience any reported setbacks coming out of that contest, so he's presumably just getting some rest for a day game after a night game.

Alvarez is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Cubs.

Luis Torrens will receive a turn behind the plate while Alvarez rests after going hitless in four at-bats Saturday night. Alvarez has been largely exempt from the Mets' recent struggles, going 7-for-28 with more walks (five) than strikeouts (four) during the team's 10-game losing streak.

Jeffers is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Reds.

Jeffers appears to be receiving a routine breather for Sunday's matinee contest after starting in each of the Twins' previous three games. Victor Caratini is slated to handle catching duties for Minnesota in the series finale with the Reds.

Hernandez is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Marlins.

Hernandez patrolled left field in 13 of the Marlins' first 21 games this season, but with Kyle Stowers (hamstring) making his return from the injured list Sunday, that path to playing time will close. Hernandez looks as though he may have to settle for a short-side platoon role in right field or at designated hitter after slashing a meager .137/.267/.176 through 60 plate appearances.

Contreras is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Marlins.

Contreras will take a seat for just the third time in the Brewers' first 21 games of the season, clearing the way for Gary Sanchez to start behind the plate and Garrett Mitchell to serve as Milwaukee's designated hitter. Unless he's used off the bench Sunday, Contreras will put a 13-game hitting streak on hold until Tuesday's series opener in Detroit.