MLB Player News

Perez is not in Sunday's lineup against the Twins due to a right thumb injury, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Perez sustained the injury on a wild pitch that hit him in the thumb Friday. He'll end up sitting for the last two games of the series against Minnesota, but with an offday Monday, the veteran backstop could be back in action for Tuesday's series opener against Texas. Carter Jensen will start at catcher Sunday.

Cruz isn't in Pittsburgh's starting lineup for Sunday's matchup against Atlanta.

Cruz has started June in fine form, posting a .591 OBP with a homer, two stolen bases and seven walks through five games, but he'll get a breather Sunday. Jake Mangum is starting in center field for the Pirates.

Lowe (knee) isn't starting for the Pirates against Atlanta on Sunday.

Lowe fouled a ball off his right knee in the ninth inning Saturday and had to exit the game. He expressed worry about the incident after the game because he fractured his kneecap on a similar at-bat in September of 2023, per Jason Mackey of MLB.com, but a CT scan Saturday revealed that Lowe avoided a serious injury. Still, Lowe is set to miss at least one contest, and he'll have Monday's team off day to get more rest. Nick Gonzales is starting at second base for the Pirates on Sunday, and Marcell Ozuna is the team's DH.

Pittsburgh selected Wendzel's contract from Triple-A Indianapolis on Sunday.

Wendzel is a 29-year-old infielder whose lone big-league experience was a 27-game stint with Texas in 2024. He earned his chance with Pittsburgh with a good showing at Indianapolis, slashing .246/.360/.491 with nine homers, 34 RBI and two stolen bases over 211 plate appearances. Wendzel can play all over the infield and will likely fill a utility role while with the major-league team.

The Pirates optioned Garcia to Triple-A Indianapolis on Sunday.

Garcia struggled after getting called up May 19, posting a paltry .472 OPS with no homers or stolen bases and just two RBI while striking out at a 27.0 percent rate over 37 plate appearances. He started just twice over the past seven games and will now head back to the minors to get more regular work. Infielder Davis Wendzel was selected from Indianapolis to take Garcia's spot on the 26-man roster.

Caratini is not in Minnesota's starting lineup against Kansas City on Sunday.

Caratini will get a breather after going 1-for-2 with a double and a walk in Saturday's 3-2 loss to the Royals. Alex Jackson will handle catching duties and bat ninth in Sunday's series finale.

Buxton (shoulder) is not in the Twins' starting lineup against the Royals on Sunday.

Buxton will be out of the lineup for a second consecutive game due to a right shoulder injury that he sustained Friday after colliding with the outfield wall. With the Twins off Monday, Aaron Gleeman of AaronGleeman.com relays that Buxton has a good chance of being back in action for Tuesday's series opener against the Tigers. Ryan Kreidler will start in center field and bat ninth in Sunday's series finale.

Johnson (elbow) is expected to toss a bullpen session Tuesday, Charlie Goldsmith of Fox 19 Now Cincinnati reports.

Johnson last pitched May 26 before landing on the 15-day IL due to right elbow inflammation, retroactive to May 27. He's set to test out the elbow with mound work Tuesday, and a minimum-length stay on the injured list remains a possibility. Johnson could bypass a minor-league rehab assignment if Tuesday's throwing session goes well.

Perez is not in Kansas City's starting lineup against Minnesota on Sunday.

Perez will be on the bench for a second consecutive game. Carter Jensen will handle catching duties while Starling Marte serves as the Royals' designated hitter for Sunday's series finale.

Caglianone (shoulder) is not in the Royals' starting lineup against the Twins on Sunday.

Caglianone was removed from Saturday's game due to right shoulder soreness. He'll get a breather Sunday ahead of an off day Monday, and he could be back in the lineup for Tuesday's series opener against the Rangers. The Royals will start Isaac Collins, Lane Thomas and Tyler Tolbert in the outfield.