MLB Player News

Manager Mike Matheny said following Saturday's loss to Cleveland that Perez exited the contest because of tightness in his back, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

The issue arose after the backstop dove for a bunt in the third inning. He was initially able to stay in the game, and wound up clubbing a two-run homer in his following at-bat before later departing. Matheny said that Perez will be further evaluated Sunday before his availability for the series finale is determined.

Murphy went 1-for-5 with a solo home run Saturday against the Rangers.

Murphy got the A's on the board in the second inning when he took Texas starter Mike Foltynewicz deep to center field. It was the 11th round-tripper of the year for Murphy, who had gone his previous 10 games without an extra-base hit. The 26-year-old catcher is slashing a disappointing .217/.311/.414 in 280 plate appearances this season, although the 11 homers have helped him drive in 42 runs, tied for second on the team.

Diaz will sit Saturday against the Padres, Daniel Guerrero of MLB.com reports.

Diaz is in the middle of a rare hot streak, slashing .400/.475/.886 over his last 11 games while homering five times. He'll rest Saturday, with Dom Nunez taking over behind the plate.

Smith will sit Saturday against the Diamondbacks, J.P. Hoornstra of the Los Angeles Daily News reports.

Smith's bat has gone cold over his last 12 games, as he's hit just .171/.279/.257 over that stretch. He'll sit in favor of Austin Barnes on Saturday.

Caratini (hand) is back in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against the Rockies.

Caratini left Thursday's game against the Nationals after being hit by a foul ball on his right hand. X-rays came back negative, but the backstop was still absent from Friday's lineup. He'll return to the starting nine as he bats eighth and catches Joe Musgrove on Saturday.

Sanchez is not in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Astros.

As usual, the 28-year-old is relegated to the bench with Gerrit Cole, who prefers throwing to backup Kyle Higashioka, on the mound. Sanchez has cooled down recently, going 1-for-23 with no RBI since the start of July.

Gomes was placed on the 10-day injured list Saturday with a left oblique strain, Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports.

Gomes exited Friday's game in San Francisco with the oblique injury will now be sidelined until after the All-Star break. It's unclear how long an absence he'll require, but Jakson Reetz was called up Saturday to handle backup catching duties for however long Gomes is out.

Stallings is not in the lineup for Game 1 of Saturday's doubleheader against the Mets.

Having not played since Wednesday, Stallings figures to be well-rested and ready to catch Saturday's nightcap. Stallings was behind the plate for Max Kranick's perfect, albeit abbreviated start June 27, so he'll likely be in the lineup for the righty's second outing of 2021. Michael Perez is catching and batting seventh for the afternoon game.

Manager Brian Snitker said d'Arnaud (thumb) has progressed to swinging a bat with both hands, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

It's encouraging news for the catcher, whose recovering thumb has limited him to one-handed swings until recently. D'Arnaud remains on track to return from the injured list sometime in August.

Bart was recalled by the Giants on Saturday, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

Bart will give the Giants an extra catcher for the final two days before the break after Buster Posey (thumb) hit the injured list Thursday. He's swung a hot bat in 35 games for Triple-A Sacramento, homering eight times while slashing .338/.400/.581. He'll head straight into the starting lineup, catching and batting seventh against the Nationals. Logan Webb was optioned in a corresponding move.