MLB Player News

Perez went 1-for-4 with a solo home run Monday against the Dodgers.

Perez started behind the plate for the second consecutive day, even with lefty Julio Urias on the mound. Perez ended the southpaw's outing with his second home run of the season -- and second in as many days -- to lead off the seventh inning. He should continue to see significant playing time with Roberto Perez (hamstring) sidelined, though Andrew Knapp will also see plate appearances.

Heim batted cleanup and went 1-for-3 with a walk in Monday's 1-0 loss to the Yankees.

This marked the second time in three games Heim batted fourth, both times coming against left-handers. He's the team's surprising leader in slugging (.634), but It's unclear if this most recent placement in the order is permanent. It could be the result of a condensed three games in a 30-hour stretch, during which manager Chris Woodward gave others a breather. What is known is that Heim is 7-for-13 with a 1.077 slugging percentage against southpaws to start the season.

Contreras went 3-for-4 with a run scored in Monday's win over the Padres.

All three hits were singles, but fantasy managers aren't complaining about the recent hot stretch by Contreras. He's gone 9-for-21 over his last six games, which has raised his batting average for the year to .279. If that holds up, it would be the highest mark for the catcher since he batted .282 during his 2016 rookie season.

Narvaez went 2-for-4 with a solo home run and two runs in Monday's loss to the Pirates.

Narvaez took Luis Castillo deep to open the top of the fifth inning before notching a single and coming around to score in the next frame. The homer was his second of the season and first since April 14. He now has four multi-hit games this season and his year-long slash line sits at .238/.351/.365.

Stassi will sit Monday against the Rays, Sam Blum of The Athletic reports.

Stassi sits after starting five of the last six games, something he didn't do at any point in April. Chad Wallach will take over behind the plate.

McGuire will start at catcher and bat eighth in Monday's game against the Guardians, Vinnie Duber of AllCHGO.com reports.

Injuries to Andrew Vaughn (hand) and Eloy Jimenez (hamstring) have prompted White Sox manager Tony La Russa to deploy Yasmani Grandal as a designated hitter more frequently of late, and McGuire has been one of the primary beneficiaries. McGuire will be catching for the third time in four games and the sixth time in nine contests. Despite playing more frequently than the typical No. 2 catcher, McGuire's paltry .354 OPS on the season has made it tough to wring much fantasy value from him, even in AL-only leagues.

Smith will sit Monday against the Pirates, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

Smith's 115 wRC+, the product of a .231/.342/.369 slash line, is good for fourth among catchers with at least 70 plate appearances this season, but the Dodgers have avoided overworking him. His 18 starts behind the plate merely tie him for 11th among all backstops. He'll get a rest Monday, with Austin Barnes taking over behind the plate.

Murphy went 2-for-4 with a double and two runs in a loss to the Twins on Sunday.

The struggling backstop put an end to a brief 0-for-9 slump with the help of his first extra-base hit since April 29. Murphy's season average and on-base percentage stand at a lackluster .212 and .275, respectively, but he has a somewhat respectable .434 slugging percentage thanks to nine of his 13 hits thus far going for extra bases.

Perez went 1-for-2 with a two-run home run and a walk Sunday against the Reds.

Recalled the prior day, Perez took Tyler Mahle deep in the second inning to record his first homer of the season. While Andrew Knapp is likely to take over as the primary catcher in Pittsburgh, Perez should serve as the backup with Roberto Perez (hamstring) sidelined for a significant period.

Higashioka isn't starting Monday versus the Rangers.

Higashioka will be out of the lineup for the second straight game after sitting Game 2 of Sunday's doubleheader against the Rangers. The 32-year-old has struggled to a .146 batting average this season with just three extra-base hits over 48 at-bats. Jose Trevino will get the start behind the plate and bat ninth Monday.