MLB Player News

Manager Dave Roberts told MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM on Friday that Smith will be the Dodgers' primary catcher moving forward.

The 24-year-old will be given a day to get acclimated -- he's out of the lineup Friday -- before taking over as the No. 1 backstop, after the Dodgers decided to move on from Austin Barnes as the primary option. Smith has hit 20 homers with a 130 wRC+ with Triple-A Oklahoma City this season, and he tacked on three additional homers during a prior stint with Los Angeles earlier this season. The rookie looks like a worthwhile add in virtually all two-catcher formats.

Smith is out of the lineup for Friday's game at Washington.

Smith was officially recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City earlier Friday but he'll have to wait another day before rejoining the starting nine.

Barnhart (oblique) was activated off the 10-day injured list Friday, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports. He is starting at catcher and batting eighth versus the Rockies.

Barnhart had his lone rehab game with Triple-A Louisville on Thursday, which was apparently enough to clear the way for his return from the injured list given the dire situation behind the plate for the Reds. The 28-year-old figures to see the bulk of the starting catching duties with Curt Casali (knee), Kyle Farmer (concussion) and Juan Graterol (concussion) all on the shelf.

Gomes is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Dodgers.

Gomes hasn't started consecutive games since July 16-17, with Kurt Suzuki receiving six of the past nine starts. Gomes has two hits in each of his last two starts, but prior to that he was 3-for-39 in his previous 14 games.

Garver is not in the lineup Friday against the White Sox.

Garver will retreat to the bench after starting the past two games and going 0-for-8 with a walk and a trio of strikeouts. In his place, Jason Castro is starting behind the dish and hitting eighth.

Smith was officially recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Friday.

Smith trades places with Austin Barnes and figures to see immediate starting chances with the Dodgers. Smith showcased himself well during his brief time in the majors this season with a .269/.345/.654 slash line and three homers in nine games.

Perez was recalled from Triple-A Durham on Friday, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

Perez is taking the roster spot of Blake Snell (elbow), who was placed on the 10-day injured list Thursday. The 26-year-old will provide the Rays will additional depth at catcher, as Travis d'Arnaud has seen playing time at first base as of late. Perez was slashing .256/.370/.385 in 46 plate appearances in the majors before being sent down June 10.

Perez is expected to be recalled from Triple-A Durham prior to Friday's game against the Blue Jays, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

Perez will likely serve as the backup catcher behind Mike Zunino, especially with Travis d'Arnaud seeing more playing time at first base. Perez has put together a .231/.317/.481 slash line with seven homers and 27 RBI over 32 games at Triple-A this season.

Leon launched a two-run home run his only at-bat during Thursday's victory over the Yankees.

Pinch hitting for Mookie Betts, Leon launched his fourth homer of the season, this time a two-run blast off Austin Romine in the eighth inning. The 30-year-old, who serves as the backup catcher to Christian Vazquez, is hitting .207/.273/.328 with four home runs, 15 RBI and 10 runs scored over 116 limited plate appearances this season.

Higashioka went 1-for-3 with a home run in Thursday's loss to the Red Sox.

Higashioka hit his first homer of the season with a solo shot off Rick Porcello in the fifth inning. The 29-year-old was recalled prior to Wednesday's game and will be serving as Austin Romine's backup with Gary Sanchez on the injured list (groin). Through 18 plate appearances this season, Higashioka is batting .222/.211/.500.