Stephenson (thumb) is a combined 2-for-5 with a home run, two RBI and an additional run scored in two games of a rehab assignment for Triple-A Louisville.

Stephenson, who is on the injured list with a fractured thumb, began the assignment Wednesday, when he caught seven innings and homered in his first plate appearance. He followed up as the designated hitter for six innings Thursday. The report indicates an expected return date of Friday, when the Reds begin a weekend series at home against the Mets.

Quero went 3-for-5 with a double and two runs scored in Thursday's 11-8 win over the Twins.

Quero batted leadoff for the first time in his career -- over 93 games this season, he's batted out of every spot in the order. He's most frequently featured third, fourth or sixth in the lineup, but he's been hitting well lately, going 23-for-65 (.354) over his last 20 games. The switch hitter is up to a .289/.351/.395 slash line with five home runs, 36 RBI, 28 runs scored, 17 doubles and no stolen bases across 333 plate appearances. Quero hasn't provided much power and has lackluster speed -- ranking in the fifth percentile -- so he doesn't seem like a logical fit for the leadoff spot in the long run despite a promising showing at getting on base.

Teel went 3-for-5 with a three-run home run, an additional RBI, a stolen base and three total runs scored in Thursday's 11-8 win over the Twins.

Teel has seven multi-hit efforts over his last 15 games, going 22-for-55 (.400) with four homers and 14 RBI in that span. Through the first five games of September, the 23-year-old catcher has gone 5-for-14 with four walks, two doubles, two homers, five RBI and five runs. On the year, he's up to a .293/.390/.440 slash line with six homers, 27 RBI, 30 runs scored and three stolen bases over his first 60 major-league contests.

Escarra was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Thursday.

Escarra has bounced between the majors and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre all season. He was most recently recalled Monday and did not log a plate appearance before being optioned.

Jeffers was removed from Thursday's game against the White Sox due to a head injury, Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic reports.

Jeffers took a foul ball off his mask during the game and was ultimately removed. He will likely undergo testing for a concussion and should be considered day-to-day until more information is available.

Perez went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Thursday's 4-3 win over the Angels.

Perez helped the Royals finish erasing the early 3-0 deficit they faced, as he went yard in the seventh inning to tie the game. The catcher has gone just 4-for-32 (.125) over his last nine games, though all four of his hits in that span have gone for extra bases. He's up to 24 homers, 78 RBI, 47 runs scored and 33 doubles while slashing .240/.284/.444 through 133 contests. Perez has remained the Royals' primary catcher even with prospect Carter Jensen getting a September call-up, as Jensen just made his first start at designated hitter in Thursday's contest. This may continue to be a trend as long as the Royals are within striking distance in the wild-card race, but don't be surprised to see Perez get more rest if they fall too far behind.

Alvarez (finger) will be activated from the injured list Friday, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

Alvarez has been on a rehab assignment since Aug. 26 and was able to catch a full game Sunday. He's gone 4-for-19 across parts of five games and should take over as the Mets' primary catcher upon his return.

The Dodgers selected Rortvedt's contract from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Thursday.

Will Smith is undergoing a CT scan on his right hand and is expected to be out for at least a few days, so Rortvedt will be up to provide catching depth behind Dalton Rushing. Rortvedt was acquired from the Rays at the trade deadline.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Thursday that Smith (hand) is undergoing a CT scan, and it's "probably unlikely" the catcher will play this weekend against the Orioles, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Smith had to be removed from Wednesday's game in Pittsburgh after a foul tip caught him in the right hand. He's not in Thursday's lineup and could require a stint on the 10-day injured list, pending results of the CT scan. Ben Rortvedt will be added to the roster as a third catcher, and Dalton Rushing will handle the bulk of the starts behind the plate while Smith is out.

Rodriguez was promoted from Single-A Palm Beach to High-A Peoria on Thursday.

Rodriguez has demolished Florida Complex League and Florida State League pitching thus far, slashing .275/.405/.567 with 20 home runs and a 63:54 K:BB over 80 games covering the two stops. The 18-year-old will now get his feet wet in the Midwest League before Peoria's season concludes Sunday. Rodriguez has established himself as one of the best young power-hitting prospects in baseball.