MLB Player News

Kirk's contract was selected by the Blue Jays on Friday.

Kirk is an interesting prospect, with an above-average arm and the potential to hit for high average, though he's making quite the jump, as he's yet to play above High-A. He produced a strong .288/.395/.446 slash line with more walks than strikeouts in 71 games at that level last season, though a significant regression should be expected given that he's skipping two levels. The Blue Jays have gotten very little at the plate from their catchers this season, however, with Danny Jansen producing a .603 OPS and Reese McGuire posting a .220 OPS, so he won't have to look all that good to earn playing time.

Stassi is not in the lineup Friday against Colorado.

Stassi went 0-for-2 with a sacrifice fly and a walk Thursday and will take a seat for Friday's contest. Anthony Bemboom will start behind the plate in the series opener.

Plawecki (hand) is batting fifth as the designated hitter Friday at Tampa Bay, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

The 29-year-old had X-rays on his right hand come back negative after being hit by a pitch last weekend, and he'll return to action against the Rays. Plawecki has a .354/.404/.500 slash line with one homer, four doubles and 11 RBI in 52 plate appearances this season.

Perez (eye) was activated from the 10-day injured list Friday and will start against the Pirates, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.

The veteran backstop has been sidelined since Aug. 17 while recovering from blurred vision in his left eye, but he's good to rejoin the Royals on Friday. Perez has a .307/.326/.511 slash line with four homers through 22 games and should reclaim the everyday role behind the plate now that he's healthy.

Narvaez is not starting Friday against the Cubs.

Narvaez sits for the second game in a row and the fourth time in the last six contests. Jacob Nottingham starts behind the plate in his absence.

Barnhart remains on the bench Friday in St. Louis.

Barnhart is hitting just .184/.271/.342 on the season, so he could sit fairly frequently down the stretch, especially as the Reds have three catchers on the active roster. Tyler Stephenson got the nod behind the plate Thursday, but it will be Curt Casali manning the position Friday.

Trevino (wrist) is not in the lineup Friday against the A's.

The 27-year-old sustained a left wrist sprain Wednesday and will be sidelined for the second consecutive contest. Sam Huff will start behind the plate and bat eighth in his major-league debut Friday.

Bart is out of the lineup Friday against the Padres, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Bart started the past four games and will take a seat after going 4-for-14 with three runs, one RBI and seven strikeouts during that stretch. Chadwick Tromp will serve as the catcher for Johnny Cueto for the third straight outing.

Grandal is not in the lineup Friday against the Tigers.

Grandal has a modest six-game hit streak and is 9-for-23 with two homers, two doubles, six runs ans seven RBI during that stretch, but he'll receive a breather Friday. James McCann will start behind the plate in the series opener versus Detroit.

Contreras went 4-for-4 with a pair of doubles, a walk, an RBI and two runs in a victory over the Reds on Thursday.

Contreras reached base five times in the win, tying his career high with four hits. The offensive display continued a strong month for the backstop, who is hitting .457 (16-for-35) with 10 runs scored and eight RBI in September.