MLB Player News

Smith is not starting Friday against the Angels, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

Smith will get two days to rest his legs with the club having an off day Thursday. Austin Barnes will catch David Price and bat eighth.

Perez was placed on the 10-day injured list Friday due to right shoulder inflammation, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

Perez was slated to miss a third straight game due to back spasms Friday, but he's also dealing with a shoulder issue that will require additional rest. Austin Hedges should serve as the primary catcher in Perez's absence, while Wilson Ramos' contract was selected Friday.

Perez's absence from the lineup for Friday's game against the Cardinals is due to illness, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Perez was initially in Friday's lineup before being scratched in favor of Cam Gallagher. He's tested negative for COVID-19 but will nonetheless be stuck at the team hotel Friday due to health and safety protocols.

Manager David Bell announced Friday that Stephenson (hamstring) won't need to go on the injured list, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Stephenson left Thursday's game with what was initially described as a hamstring cramp, and further evaluation confirmed that he didn't suffer any sort of more serious injury. Given Bell's update, Stephenson could have a chance of being available off the bench Friday, and the backstop should be ready to start behind the plate when next called upon.

Perez was scratched from the lineup for Friday's game against the Cardinals for undisclosed reasons.

Perez has been one of the most durable backstops in the league this season, with his 84 starts behind the plate ranking third at the position. It's not yet clear whether he's in line for an extended absence. Cam Gallagher will start in his place.

Perez (back) will sit Friday against the Tigers.

Perez was scratched from Wednesday's lineup due to back spasms and did not take part in Thursday's contest. He'll miss a third straight start Friday, with Austin Hedges again getting the nod behind the plate.

McCann is out of the lineup Friday against the Phillies, Deesha Thosar of the New York Daily News reports.

McCann is 1-for-14 in his past four contests and will take a seat for the second time in the past three games. Tomas Nido will catch for Marcus Stroman and bat eighth.

McGuire is not in the lineup Friday against the Red Sox.

McGuire started the past three games and appears to have taken over the starting job at catcher, but he'll receive Friday off. Alejandro Kirk will work behind the plate in his place.

Contreras is not in the lineup Friday against the White Sox.

Contreras started the past three games and will receive a day off after going 3-for-12 with a double, a walk, three RBI, three runs and five strikeouts. Robinson Chirinos will work behind the plate in his place.

Knizner went 1-for-3 with a solo home run and a walk in an 8-4 loss to Atlanta on Thursday.

Knizner got St. Louis on the board with his third-inning solo shot, his first homer of the year, and later walked in the ninth. The long ball was the backstop's third in 67 career games and a recent hot stretch has raised Knizner's OPS from .490 on July 7 to .601.