MLB Player News

Maldonado went 1-for-2 with a solo home run in Tuesday's 4-2 loss to the Cardinals.

The 36-year-old backstop took Jordan Montgomery deep in the third inning, briefly giving the Astros a 2-1 lead. Maldonado's offensive output continues to dwindle -- he's hitting below .190 for the third straight season but has only five homers and 11 RBI in 58 games, and his .295 SLG would be his worst mark since 2015.

Ruiz went 2-for-5 with a solo home run in Tuesday's 7-4 extra-innings win over the Mariners.

Ruiz forced extra innings with his eighth-inning solo shot. The catcher has hit safely in both games versus the Mariners this week after going 0-for-13 versus the Padres over the weekend. He's homered twice over 18 games in June, and he's up to nine long balls, 28 RBI, 22 runs scored, 10 doubles and a .231/.287/.378 slash line through 65 contests overall.

Perez underwent an eye procedure Monday to help with his lingering vision issues, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

It's not as bad it sounds on the surface, as Perez has undergone a similar procedure before and could be available off the bench Tuesday night against the Guardians. Freddy Fermin is starting behind the plate for the Royals.

Heineman (side) is expected to be available off the bench Tuesday versus the Giants, Mitch Bannon of SI.com reports.

Heineman was removed from Sunday's series finale against the Athletics because of left side discomfort, but an MRI taken Monday turned up clean for any structural damage. He's healthy but probably at risk of losing his spot on the Blue Jays' major-league roster when Alejandro Kirk (hand) returns from the injured list later this week.

Kirk (hand) is trending toward a Thursday return from the 10-day injured list, Mitch Bannon of SI.com reports.

That is the first day that Kirk is eligible to be activated. He has been throwing, hitting and catching side sessions this week as he nears the end of his recovery from a laceration and bruise on his left hand.

Realmuto isn't in the Phillies' lineup Tuesday against the Cubs.

After slashing just .176/.300/.176 across his last five games, Realmuto will get a day off Tuesday to regroup. Garrett Stubbs will take Realmuto's place behind the dish and bat ninth.

Alvarez isn't in the Mets' lineup Tuesday against the Brewers, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Alvarez is 0-for-11 with five strikeouts across his last five games, so he'll take a seat Tuesday in order to regroup. Omar Narvaez will fill in behind the plate and bat ninth against his former squad.

Perez is not in the lineup Tuesday against the Guardians.

Freddy Fermin will start at catcher and Edward Olivares will take a turn in the DH role as the Royals open a three-game series versus Cleveland. Perez went 0-for-8 with three strikeouts and one walk in the final two games of Kansas City's weekend series at Tampa Bay.

Stephenson isn't in the Reds' lineup Tuesday against Baltimore.

After going 5-for-15 with two runs scored across his last four games, Stephenson will get a breather Tuesday. Luke Maile will start behind the plate and bat ninth.

Rogers went 2-for-3 with a walk and a two-run home run in Monday's win over the Rangers.

Rogers went deep in the sixth inning with a runner on for his 10th home run of the season, which matches his career total before this year. He was starting for the second straight day behind the plate and has seemingly edged ahead as Detroit's primary catcher, though Eric Haase played left field Monday, so both catching options saw the field.