MLB Player News

Stassi isn't starting Friday's game against the Dodgers, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Stassi started the last four games and went 3-for-16 with a homer, four runs, two RBI, a walk and five strikeouts. Kurt Suzuki is starting behind the dish and batting eighth.

Zavala is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Twins.

Zavala started the past three games and will take a seat for Friday's contest. Reese McGuire will work behind the plate Friday in Zavala's place.

Knizner isn't in the lineup Friday against the Reds, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Knizner is resting after he went 6-for-11 with a double, five runs, an RBI and a walk over the last four games. Austin Romine will start behind the dish and bat ninth.

Jeffers isn't starting Friday against the White Sox.

Jeffers went 2-for-7 with a run, a walk and a strikeout over the last two games and will retreat to the bench Friday. Gary Sanchez is starting behind the plate.

Perez was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis on Friday, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports.

Perez had alternated starts behind the dish in recent matchups but will head to the minors after Tyler Heineman was reinstated from the family medical emergency list Friday. Perez should see more consistent playing time in the minors after he slashed .193/.227/.325 with two homers, seven RBI, four runs and a stolen base over 26 major-league games.

Heineman (personal) was reinstated from the family medical emergency list Friday, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports.

Heineman has been away since July 5 but will rejoin the team ahead of Friday's game against the Rockies. Although he isn't starting Friday, the 31-year-old will likely have a chance to serve as the Pirates' primary catcher after Michael Perez was sent down.

Maldonado will hit the bench Friday against Oakland.

Maldonado is hitting just .167/.237/.324 on the year, but his 64 starts behind the plate rank third at the position. He'll sit here after starting eight of the last nine games, with Korey Lee set to catch for Jose Urquidy.

Jansen will be on the bench Friday against the Royals.

Jansen returned from a fractured hamate bone Tuesday. Since then, he and Alejandro Kirk have alternated starts behind the plate, with Kirk serving as the designated hitter when not asked to catch. Kirk starts behind the plate Friday, pushing Jansen to the bench.

Stephenson isn't in the lineup Friday against the Cardinals.

Stephenson started the last five games and hit .450 with a homer, a double, four RBI and three runs. Michael Papierski will take over behind the dish and bat ninth.

Trevino will sit Friday against the Red Sox.

Trevino will get a breather after he went 1-for-4 with a walk and a stolen base in Thursday's loss to the Reds. Kyle Higashioka will start at catcher and bat eighth in Friday's series opener.