MLB Player News

Maldonado is not in the lineup Thursday against the Angels.

Yainer Diaz will catch for Ronel Blanco and bat ninth as the Astros open a four-game series versus the Halos. Maldonado is slashing just .203/.290/.309 in 140 plate appearances this year, though Diaz hasn't been much better.

Rutschman went 4-for-5 with one RBI and one run scored in Wednesday's 12-8 loss to the Guardians.

Rutschman posted three multi-hit efforts over his last five games in May, going 10-for-18 (.556) with three RBI and five runs scored in that span. He opened and closed the month with four-hit games, though there were some valleys in between those impressive peaks. The catcher is up to a .289/.411/.443 slash line with eight home runs, 28 RBI, 29 runs scored and seven doubles through 55 contests, and he should be in the lineup on a near-everyday basis.

Moreno is not in the lineup Thursday versus the Rockies.

This looks to be a routine day of rest for Moreno as the Diamondbacks and Rockies wrap up a four-game set at Chase Field. Jose Herrera will start behind the plate and bat ninth.

Sanchez is starting at designated hitter and batting seventh Thursday in Miami, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

After starting at catcher in his first two days with the club -- and homering Wednesday -- Sanchez remains in the lineup for the third contest at DH. Austin Nola will catch for starter Joe Musgrove.

Perez went 0-for-3 with an RBI groundout in a loss to Atlanta on Wednesday.

Making only his third start since May 21 for a resting Shea Langeliers, Perez was able to contribute one of two Athletics runs on the afternoon with his sixth-inning grounder. The veteran backstop has made relatively good use of his intermittent opportunities, producing a career-best .268/.337/.402 slash line over 92 plate appearances. With fellow veteran Manny Pina (wrist) on the 60-day injured list and out indefinitely, Perez's role as Langeliers' occasional fill-in appears secure.

Realmuto is absent from the lineup for Thursday's game against the Mets.

It's a day game after a night game, offering a chance to give Realmuto some rest. Garrett Stubbs will catch for Taijuan Walker.

Kirk is not in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Brewers.

Kirk had started the last three contests but will sit out Thursday with it being a day game after a night game. Tyler Heineman will catch for Kevin Gausman.

Garver (knee) started at catcher and went 1-for-2 with two walks for Triple-A Round Rock on Wednesday.

The Express played a doubleheader Wednesday, so games were only seven innings. Garver caught all seven innings of the afternoon affair, and it's unclear if the Rangers feel that's enough for him to be activated. Garver, who's made 25 plate appearances in six rehab games, played on consecutive days, including nine innings as a DH on Tuesday. Texas is off Thursday, so the organization may give the catcher/DH one more day in the minors before activating him ahead of Friday's series starter against Seattle.

Diaz went 1-for-2 with a solo home run Wednesday against the Twins.

Diaz entered the game in the eighth inning with Houston down eight runs and slugged his second career home run. He continues to get only sporadic playing time behind Martin Maldonado behind the plate, as he's tallied 68 plate appearances despite sticking in the majors for the entire season.

Alvarez is absent from the lineup for Wednesday's tilt versus the Phillies, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

Alvarez had started six straight but will get a breather Wednesday. Tomas Nido will step in behind the plate, catching for starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco.