MLB Player News

Contreras (hamstring) avoided a "worst-case scenario" with his injury and should return this season, Jesse Rogers of ESPN Chicago reports.

Contreras exited Wednesday's game after pulling up holding his hamstring while running to first base, and he's expected to hit the 10-day DL. Recovery could take up to a month or more, but Contreras is expected back before the end of the regular season, though it sounds like it could come down to the wire. Alex Avila is expected to handle the bulk of the catching duties in the meantime.

Grandal is not in the lineup for Thursday's game against Arizona, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

Grandal will receive a standard day off after starting the first two games of this series, going 1-for-7 with a double during his time at the dish. In his place, Austin Barnes draws the start, batting seventh.

Perez (intercostal) played catch on the field Thursday for the first time since landing on the DL, Rustin Dodd of The Kansas City Star reports.

Perez continues to steadily work his way back from an intercostal strain, and Thursday marked another important step in his recovery. He'll continue to ramp up his baseball activities in the coming weeks as he keeps his eyes set on a return to action sometime during the second half of August. While he remains on the shelf, Drew Butera will continue to serve as the Royals' primary backstop.

Barnes (hand) is in the lineup for Thursday's series finale against the Diamondbacks, MLB.com's Steve Gilbert reports.

Barnes was on the receiving end of a foul ball that grazed his throwing hand during Sunday's game, causing him to miss the last few outings while Yasmani Grandal scooped up all the starts behind the plate. The catcher was able to come in as a pinch hitter during Wednesday's victory, and appears good to go moving forward as Grandal's backup.

Gosewisch cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Tacoma on Thursday, Bob Dutton of The Tacoma News Tribune reports.

Gosewisch slashed .071/.102/.071 through 11 games with the Mariners this season, and he owns a career .190 batting average across parts of four seasons, so the Mariners were able to pass him through waivers untouched. He'll continue to serve as organizational catching depth at Tacoma.

Realmuto is not in Thursday's lineup against the Nationals, MLB.com's Joe Frisaro reports.

Realmuto will retreat to the bench after nine straight starts, going just 6-for-33 (.182) during that span. Besides two multi-hit games, the 26-year-old has been scuffling at the plate as of late, and gets a day off to clear his head while A.J. Ellis sets up behind the dish.

Mesoraco is not in Thursday's lineup against the Padres, MLB.com's Mark Sheldon reports.

Mesoraco missed the last three games while on paternity leave, and the catcher will continue to sit on the bench for the finale of the San Diego series as Tucker Barnhart fills in behind the plate. The 29-year-old hasn't played much in the second half of this season; with knee issues, a shoulder injury and the birth of his child forcing Mesoraco to play in only 12 games since the All-Star break. During that span, he's hit just 4-for-26 (.154), but figures to slide back into his regular role of getting roughly four starts per week moving forward.

Hedges is not in Thursday's lineup for the series finale against the Reds, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Following four straight starts behind the plate, Hedges will get a day off for Thursday's matinee while Luis Torrens draws the start in his place. Since coming off the 7-day concussion disabled list July 29, Hedges is 8-for-29 with two home runs and three RBI.

Mesoraco was reinstated from the paternity list Thursday, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Mesoraco was placed on the paternity list Monday, and the Reds have started Tucker Barnhart twice and Stuart Turner once in his absence. Now back in the fold, look for Mesoraco to draw the regular starts in relief of Barnhart, provided his nagging knee issues from the last few weeks don't continue to pose a problem.

Perez went 1-for-2 with a pair of sacrifice bunts and one strikeout in Wednesday's extra-innings loss to Colorado.

Wednesday's effort isn't worth much in fantasy terms, but Perez had three successful at-bats on the day -- a noteworthy accomplishment considering his struggles this season. With Yan Gomes hitting a small slump, Perez has received a start in three of the Tribe's last five games. That said, his .179 average is in no way a danger to Gomes' starting gig.