MLB Player News

Garver started at catcher and went 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBI in Thursday's 5-3 win over the White Sox.

Garver's fourth-inning home run traveled 457 feet at a rate of 111 mph, as the Rangers fought back after falling into a 3-0 hole in the first inning. It was the longest homer of his career and the longest blast by any Ranger this season, per Jose Sanchez Cordova of the Dallas Morning News. It was also the catcher's second long ball of the series -- he hit a tie-breaking homer Tuesday. Garver, who owns a modest five-game hit streak, has caught four of the six games since Jonah Heim (wrist) landed on the injured list.

Soderstrom went 1-for-3 with a solo home run Thursday in a loss to the Dodgers.

Though his eighth-inning solo shot didn't have much of an impact on the final score, it was certainly a big moment for Soderstrom since it was the first homer of his major-league career. In fact, it was the first extra-base hit of any sort for the rookie, who came into the contest with just eight singles over 47 plate appearances. Soderstrom has seen his playing time fluctuate but appears to be getting into a groove at the plate, as he's batting .300 (6-for-20) over his past six games.

Diaz is out of the lineup Thursday against the Yankees.

Martin Maldonado will start at catcher and bat ninth as the Astros open a big four-game series at Yankee Stadium. Diaz should start at least two of the games, whether behind the plate or as Houston's designated hitter.

Higashioka is not in the lineup Thursday versus the Astros.

Ben Rortvedt will get a second straight start at catcher for the Yankees after recording his first major-league hit since May 20 in Wednesday's win over the Rays. Higashioka should still be in line for the bulk of playing time down the stretch.

Murphy went 3-for-4 with a run scored in Wednesday's victory over the Red Sox.

Murphy has been red hot for the past week, going 10-for-22 (.455) with a pair of homers in his last six games. The 32-year-old backstop now has a 1.294 OPS since June 23 (17 games). Murphy's hot stretch has earned him a larger share of the workload behind the plate, with Cal Raleigh seeing more time at DH. Overall, Murphy's slash line is up to .300/.340/.577 with eight homers, 17 runs scored and 16 RBI across 141 plate appearances this season.

Jansen is not in the lineup Thursday against the Orioles.

Alejandro Kirk will start at catcher and hit sixth for the Blue Jays as they take on right-hander Jack Flaherty in his O's debut. Brandon Belt is serving as the Jays' designated hitter and batting second.

Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said Wednesday that Heim (wrist) could begin taking dry swings next week, Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reports.

Heim was placed on the injured list last Friday because of a torn tendon sheath in his left wrist. It's only a partial tear, though, and the 28-year-old catcher expressed optimism after a visit with hand specialist Dr. Don Sheridan that he could delay surgery until the offseason -- or even avoid it altogether. If everything goes smoothly once he resumes baseball activities, Heim might be able to return to the Rangers before the end of August.

Huff started at catcher and went 3-for-5 with a double and a run scored in Wednesday's 11-1 win over the White Sox.

Huff recorded hits in his first three plate appearances in what was his best game of the season. He's scuffled in multiple short stints in the majors this season, most recently going 1-for-11 over five games during his third tour. With Jonah Heim (wrist) landing on the injured list, Huff and Mitch Garver are splitting the catching chores. The Rangers have since added defensive specialist Austin Hedges, but according to Justice delos Santos and Kennedi Landry of MLB.com, the Garver/Huff duo will continue to get the bulk of playing time behind the plate, while Hedges gives manager Bruce Bochy roster and lineup flexibility until Heim returns.

Langeliers went 1-for-3 with a solo home run and a walk in Wednesday's 10-1 loss to the Dodgers.

Langeliers' third-inning blast helped the Athletics avoid getting shut out, but that was the only bright spot in the contest. The catcher snapped his 16-game homer drought with the blast, his 11th of the season. He's maintained a .203/.268/.373 slash line with 36 RBI, 36 runs scored, a stolen base, 14 doubles and three triples over 92 contests in his first full major-league season.

Raleigh went 1-for-4 with a two-run homer in Wednesday's 6-3 victory over the Red Sox.

Raleigh got Seattle's comeback effort started Wednesday with a two-run homer off John Schreiber in the sixth inning, cutting the deficit to 3-2. It's Raleigh's third home run in his last three games and his 17th of the year. The 26-year-old backstop has been swinging a hot bat of late -- he's now 12-for-37 (.324) with four long balls in his last 10 contests. Overall, Raleigh's now slashing .230/.308/.447 with 50 runs scored and 45 RBI across 354 plate appearances this season.