MLB Player News

Smith (concussion) is expected to be activated from the injured list ahead of the Dodgers' game against the Cardinals on Friday, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

Manager Dave Roberts had said earlier this week that the catcher probably wouldn't be back until at least Saturday, but now the skipper says Smith will be in Friday's lineup at designated hitter as long as he is cleared and gets through live batting practice with no issues. Part of the reasoning for bringing him back a day earlier is that J.D. Martinez (back) is still banged up. Smith hasn't played since April 12 due to a concussion but has been symptom free for about a week.

Barnes went 1-for-3 with a stolen base in Thursday's loss against the Pirates.

Barnes led off the fifth inning with a base hit before swiping his second bag of the year, matching his total from all of last season. The 33-year-old catcher has been the Dodgers' primary option behind the plate with Will Smith (concussion) sidelined. While Barnes can run a bit better than a typical catcher, he hasn't offered much with the bat, going just 3-for-38 with no extra-base hits to start the year.

Trevino went 3-for-4 with a solo home run in Thursday's 4-2 victory over the Rangers.

Trevino pulled a homer to left in the ninth inning, giving the Yankees an insurance run before Michael King closed out the game. The former Ranger is slashing .250/.276/.393 through 16 games played so far this year as the team's primary catcher, while Thursday was his second multi-hit output of the season.

Langeliers went 2-for-5 with a two-run home run and an additional run scored in a loss to the Angels on Thursday.

Langeliers hit one of two Oakland homers in the fourth inning, taking Shohei Ohtani deep with a 414-foot, two-run shot to center field. The long ball was the third in five games for the backstop, and he's knocked in five runs over that span. Langeliers' hot stretch has moved him into a tie for first in the majors among catchers with six homers on the season.

Haase went 2-for-3 with two walks, two RBI and a run scored in Thursday's loss to the Orioles.

Haase had a good night and snapped a small slump, as he entered the night batting .188 over his last seven games with no multi-hit efforts during the stretch. The Detroit catcher is now batting a solid .271, and while Jake Rogers will continue to see playing time, Haase is the primary option behind the plate. He also has the versatility to play the outfield, which further cements his regular spot in the lineup.

Alvarez exited Thursday's game against the Nationals after being hit in the head by two swings, Tim Britton of The Athletic reports.

Alvarez exited the game in the ninth inning, though manager Buck Showalter said he checked out okay after the game. Alvarez's availability for Friday's game against Atlanta is currently unclear. Prior to departing, he went 1-for-3 with a walk and a run scored.

Perez (back) said he expects to return to the Royals' lineup Friday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Perez sat out Wednesday and is absent again Thursday after taking a 95 mph fastball off his back in Tuesday's win over the Diamondbacks, but there doesn't seem to be a ton of concern. He is planning to take pregame batting practice Thursday to see if he might be an option off the bench in the Royals' series opener against the Twins.

Grandal (back) is starting behind the plate for the White Sox in Thursday's game against the Rays.

Grandal missed Wednesday's game with back spasms, but it wound up being just a one-day absence. The veteran catcher will bat fifth against Rays southpaw Shane McClanahan.

Perez is not in the Royals' lineup for Thursday's game in Minnesota.

Perez was also on the bench Wednesday, although there's no indication to this point that he's dealing with an injury. Perhaps the Royals will offer an explanation prior to first pitch. MJ Melendez will do the catching Thursday.

Alvarez is starting at catcher and batting ninth Thursday against the Nationals.

Alvarez is just 5-for-31 (.161) with one home run in 31 plate appearances since his April 7 promotion from Triple-A Syracuse, but he is at least drawing more starts now over Tomas Nido. The 21-year-old has been in the Mets' lineup three of the last four games, including Thursday night's series finale versus Washington.