MLB Player News

Nola (knee) served as a designated hitter for Triple-A El Paso on Friday and went 1-for-5 with three strikeouts.

Nola has played in seven of the past eight days for El Paso, going 6-for-18 with a 2:4 BB:K thus far during his rehab assignment. He notably caught five innings Thursday, and the Padres could bring him back from the 10-day injured list once he catches a full nine-inning game for El Paso. Victor Caratini will continue to serve as the Padres' top backstop until Nola is reinstated.

Jeffers (knee) is not in the lineup for Game 1 of Saturday's doubleheader against the Tigers.

A left knee contusion forced the 24-year-old's exit from Sunday's contest against Detroit. It's unclear whether Jeffers is still dealing with the knee injury, or if he's just scheduled to catch the nightcap of Saturday's doubleheader. Ben Rortvedt is batting eight and catching the afternoon game.

Haase is starting in left field and batting third in the first game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Twins.

The Tigers continue to prefer Jake Rogers as the primary catcher, but Haase is still working his way into the lineup on a regular basis. It helps that he's supplied 13 home runs through 44 games so far. The team designated Nomar Mazara for assignment coming out of the break, so there should be even more playing time available in the outfield for Haase, and he'll also work in behind the plate when Rogers needs a break.

Perez went 1-for-4 with a solo home run and three strikeouts in a 5-4 loss to Oakland on Friday.

Perez got Cleveland on the board with his fifth-inning solo shot off Oakland starter Sean Manaea but failed to do anything productive in his other three at-bats. The backstop has now gone deep in each of his last three games and is slashing an improved .261/.261/.696 in six July games.

Gomes (oblique) doesn't have a timetable for his return, Jessica Camerato of MLB.com reports.

Gomes has been on the 10-day injured list since Saturday due to a left oblique strain, but he apparently wasn't able to participate in many activities across the last week. It appears likely that the 33-year-old will need to spend more than the minimum of 10 days on the injured list, and a better idea of his status could be revealed once he ramps up his workload.

Gallagher (shoulder) was activated off the injured list Friday.

Gallagher wound up missing a month with a right shoulder impingement. He'll return to his role as Salvador Perez's backup behind the plate, though that's not a role that comes with much playing time -- Perez has started 70 games at catcher this season, tied for second most in the league. Sebastian Rivero was optioned in a corresponding move.

Barrera is not in the lineup Friday against the Padres, Matt Weyrich of NBC Sports Washington reports.

Barrera has been seeing plenty of action with Yan Gomes (oblique) and Alex Avila (calf) sidelined, but he won't start the first game of the second half. Rene Rivera signed with the Nationals earlier in the day and will start Friday. Barrera and Rivera should split playing time behind the plate until Gomes or Avila is healthy.

Trevino (forearm) will begin a rehab assignment with Double-A Frisco on Friday.

The backstop has been on the injured list since late June with a right forearm contusion that he suffered slipping in the bathroom. He'll DH in his first appearance with Frisco on Friday, which indicates that he'll need at least another game or two to work behind the plate in the minors before being activated. Manager Chris Woodward previously said that the club is considering rostering three catchers when Trevino is ready to return, which means that the 28-year-old could be in line for somewhat of a reduced role.

Realmuto is not in the lineup for the first game of Friday's doubleheader against the Marlins.

Realmuto was never likely to start both games of the twin bill, so he'll be on the bench for the matinee. He should be back in the lineup for the nightcap, while Andrew Knapp starts behind the plate in his place.

Higashioka tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

Higashioka was placed in the COVID-19 protocols Thursday while awaiting the test results, and he's one of six Yankees who have tested positive for the virus. He'll be sidelined for at least the next 10 days. The Yankees will need to add another catcher to the roster to serve as the backup to Gary Sanchez behind the plate.