MLB Player News

Perez isn't starting Wednesday against the Cubs due to a right shoulder injury, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

The 31-year-old spent time on the injured list earlier in the season with a right shoulder strain, and he's apparently still dealing with some of the effects of that injury. The initial injury presented more of a hindrance on throws, but the current issue is presenting problems on swings. Temporary manager Sandy Alomar Jr. said Perez will need to find a way to work through the discomfort, or he'll end up receiving a couple days off to recover. The team hopes he'll be ready to rejoin the lineup Thursday in Detroit.

Narvaez is not in the lineup for Game 2 of Wednesday's doubleheader against the Cardinals.

Narvaez started behind the plate in Game 1 and went 0-for-1 with a walk. Jacob Nottingham receives the starting nod in Game 2, batting ninth.

Thaiss was optioned to the alternate training site Wednesday.

The 25-year-old received three straight starts after being recalled Sept. 8, but he didn't see the field in the past three contests. Thaiss is 3-for-21 with one home run, eight strikeouts and four walks in 25 plate appearances this year.

Perez is not in the lineup Wednesday against the Cubs.

Perez is 0-for-10 with seven strikeouts over his past four games and will take a seat in the series finale. Austin Hedges receives the start Wednesday behind the plate for Cleveland.

Realmuto (hip) could return by this weekend, Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Realmuto hasn't appeared since leaving Saturday's game against the Marlins with hip discomfort, though he hasn't been placed on the injured list. If he is indeed able to return over the weekend, that decision will look like the correct one. Andrew Knapp has been the team's primary catcher in his absence.

Caratini is not starting Wednesday against Cleveland.

Caratini has been in the lineup for the majority of the Cubs' games this season but doesn't have close to an everyday role, as he's started 31 out of 50 contests thus far. Willson Contreras will be the catcher Wednesday, with Kyle Schwarber serving as the designated hitter.

Narvaez will start at catcher and will bat ninth in the first game of Wednesday's doubleheader with the Cardinals.

Jacob Nottingham will presumably get the nod behind the plate in the nightcap, continuing what has been a timeshare at catcher between the two for much of September. Narvaez was the starter in Tuesday's 18-3 win, finishing 1-for-4 with a walk, two RBI and two runs in the blowout.

Stallings is not in the lineup Wednesday against the Reds.

Stallings has been the clear primary catcher for the Pirates this season, starting two-thirds of the team's 48 games thus far. His .267/.245/.386 slash line is perfectly adequate for a backstop. John Ryan Murphy starts in his place Wednesday.

Realmuto (hip) remains on the bench Wednesday against the Mets.

Realmuto still hasn't played since injuring his hip Saturday, though the fact that he's yet to be placed on the injured list in theory suggests that he won't be out for too much longer. Andrew Knapp starts behind the plate again Wednesday.

Mejia (thumb) was activated from the injured list Wednesday.

Mejia missed a month with a bruised left thumb. While he was out, the Padres acquired both Austin Nola and Jason Castro, so he could be buried down the depth chart for the stretch run. The fact that he was hitting .079/.146/.184 in 16 games prior to the injury certainly doesn't help his case for playing time, though he'll remain at least a bench option for now. Abraham Almonte was optioned in a corresponding move.