MLB Player News

Perez (neck) will remain in the lineup Saturday against the White Sox but will serve as the designated hitter rather than the catcher, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Perez exited Friday's contest with a neck contusion after getting struck by a foul boul. The Royals' initial lineup had him returning to his usual catcher position right away, but he'll spend at least one day as purely an offensive player. Cam Gallagher will enter the lineup as the catcher, with Edward Olivares getting scratched as the Royals shuffle positions around.

Heim will hit the bench Saturday against the Angels.

Heim has started two out of four games since returning from the COVID-19 injured list. He's gone 0-for-8 at the plate. Jose Trevino will catch Kolby Allard.

Narvaez isn't starting Saturday's game against St. Louis.

Narvaez went 1-for-3 with a run Friday but will head to the bench for the second time in the last three games. Luke Maile will start behind the dish and bat eighth.

Stassi will sit Saturday against the Rangers.

Stassi sits for the first time in a week. He still owns a strong .818 OPS on the season, but he's hit just .175/.246/.302 over his last 18 games, striking out in 42 percent of his plate appearances. Kurt Suzuki will take over behind the plate.

Barnhart is not in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Tigers.

The Reds will stick with the exact same top eight for the third straight game (against a third straight lefty). Tyler Stephenson remains behind the plate and in the two hole against southpaw Matthew Boyd.

Perez (neck) will start behind the plate and bat third Saturday against the White Sox.

Perez left Friday's game with a bruised neck after getting hit by a foul ball, but he's ready to go without missing a single start. That's great news for the Royals, as Perez has been particularly hot over his last 24 games, homering 11 times while hitting .287/.376/.678.

Wong was optioned to Triple-A Worcester following Friday night's game against Cleveland.

The Red Sox continue to shuffle the roster with several players on the COVID-19 IL. They swapped out Wong for Taylor Motter, who can cover more spots amidst the ongoing absences. Christian Vazquez and Kevin Plawecki will be left as the only catchers on the depth chart, though chances are Wong rejoins them later this month.

Perez left Friday's game versus the White Sox with a neck contusion.

Perez was struck by a ball while catching in the seventh inning, and it was enough for manager Mike Matheny to pull him from the game in favor of Cam Gallagher. It's unclear if Perez will be good to go for Saturday's game or if he'll need to sit out at least one contest.

Contreras (knee) was reinstated from the 10-day injured list Saturday.

Contreras has been deemed good to go after completing a three-game rehab assignment with Triple-A Iowa, during which he went 2-for-11 with a pair of homers. He has been on the shelf since Aug. 11 with a right knee sprain. It's been a disappointing past couple seasons for Contreras, but he's a two-time All-Star and there are no questions about his role down the stretch. Next season will be his last before free agency.

McCann (back) was reinstated from the 10-day IL and will serve as the 29th man for Saturday's doubleheader against the Nationals, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

McCann will be back behind the plate for the second game of the twin bill after Patrick Mazeika catches for Marcus Stroman in the matinee. Year 1 of McCann's four-year, $40.6 million contract has been a disaster for the Mets, as he's slashing .240/.303/.357 with nine homers and 93 strikeouts through 337 plate appearances. He should still be the primary starter behind the plate over the remainder of the season assuming his lower back doesn't flare up again.