MLB Player News

Kirk is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Red Sox.

Kirk was included in the lineup in each of the past four games, making two starts at designated hitter and two at catcher. Cavan Biggio's three-game absence due to a hand injury helped Kirk pick up some extra playing time, but the 22-year-old's path to an everyday role will ultimately hinge on the Blue Jays' comfort with him behind the dish. The Blue Jays' No. 1 catcher, Danny Jansen, is slashing .065/.147/.097 through 34 plate appearances this season, making it increasingly difficult for Toronto to trot him out on a regular basis.

Garver is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Athletics.

Garver will rest for the series finale after he played in both ends of Tuesday's doubleheader loss, making one start at catcher and one start at first base. Ryan Jeffers will check in for Garver behind the plate, while Willians Astudillo picks up a start at first.

Gomes isn't in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Cardinals.

Gomes went 1-for-10 with a double, two RBI, one run and three strikeouts in the last three games. Alex Avila will start behind the plate Wednesday, batting seventh.

Maldonado and the Astros agreed Wednesday on a one-year, $5 million contract extension, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports. According to Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle, the deal includes a $4 million team option or a $500,000 buyout for 2023, with option vesting to $5 million if Maldonado plays at least 90 games in 2022.

Though he only recently began the second season of the two-year, $7 million deal he signed in the 2019-20 offseason, Maldonado has made a strong enough of an impression as a game caller and defender behind the plate during his time in Houston for the club to give him some extra security. The 34-year-old has been less dependable on the offensive end -- he's gone 3-for-34 with 17 strikeouts to begin 2021 -- but the Astros are able to live with his shortcomings in that area if he can continue to coax good results out of the team's pitching staff.

Trevino isn't starting Wednesday's game against the Angels.

Trevino had started each of the last three games and went 1-for-11 with a double, one RBI and three strikeouts during that time. Jonah Heim will take over behind the plate Wednesday, batting seventh.

Realmuto isn't starting Wednesday's game against the Giants, Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Realmuto will get a breather for Wednesday's series finale after he went 2-for-12 with a run, one RBI and five strikeouts in the last four games. Andrew Knapp will take over behind the plate, batting sixth.

Wallach isn't in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Orioles, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Wallach could see the bulk of the playing time behind the dish in the near future after Jorge Alfaro (hamstring) was placed on the 10-day IL on Wednesday. However, Sandy Leon will start behind the dish Wednesday, batting eighth.

Leon's contract was selected by the Marlins on Wednesday.

Leon was in camp as a non-roster invitee this spring and went 5-for-15 with two doubles, five RBI and four runs in 12 games. Although he was unable to break camp with the club, he'll join the major-league roster and will likely serve as catching depth behind Chad Wallach after Jorge Alfaro (hamstring) was placed on the 10-day injured list Wednesday.

Maldonado went 0-for-1 with two walks in Tuesday's 6-2 loss to Colorado.

Maldonado returned to the lineup after missing the last four games while on the COVID-19 protocols list. He and three other Astros cleared health and safety protocols just before game time and were available to play.

Narvaez went 3-for-4 with two RBI in the 6-0 win over the Padres on Tuesday.

Narvaez has turned the tide from his struggles at the plate last year, lacing a team-high 17 hits and slashing .386/.451/.996 in 51 plate appearances. The Brewers signed him prior to last season in large part due to his offensive upside, and he is currently amongst the leaders in multiple batting categories for catchers.