MLB Player News

Barnhart went 2-for-3 with a walk, a double and a solo home run in Saturday's loss to the Royals.

Barnhart hit his first home run of the season in the fifth inning and added his eighth double for good measure. The catcher had just seven homers last year, so power wasn't really expected, though his OPS has also dropped from .685 to .547. As a result of Barnhart's offensive struggles, Eric Haase (abdomen) has overtaken him as the primary option behind the plate for the Tigers.

Jeffers (thumb) was transferred to the 60-day injured list Saturday.

The move should have no impact on Jeffers' eventual return date. He'll be eligible to return in mid-September, but he isn't expected to have a chance to return until the last few days of the month.

Maldonado isn't starting Saturday against the Angels, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Maldonado went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts Friday but will be out of the lineup for the third time in the last four games. Christian Vazquez is starting behind the plate and batting fifth.

Wallach was recalled from Triple-A Salt Lake on Saturday.

Wallach has been in the minors since late May but will rejoin the active roster after Kurt Suzuki was placed on the bereavement list Saturday. The Angels also have Max Stassi and Matt Thaiss available to start behind the dish, so Wallach should serve as additional depth at catcher until Suzuki rejoins the team.

Grandal isn't starting Friday against Minnesota.

Grandal was back in action over the last three games and went 3-for-10 with a home run, a double, three runs, two RBI, two walks and a strikeout. He'll get a chance to rest while Seby Zavala starts behind the dish and bats eighth.

Kirk isn't in the lineup Saturday against the Pirates.

Kirk drew starts in the last two games and went 1-for-7 with a three-run homer, two walks and a strikeout. George Springer will take over as the designated hitter and lead off Saturday.

Hedges isn't starting Saturday against the Mariners.

Hedges is getting a day off after he went 0-for-5 with a strikeout over his last two games. Luke Maile will start at catcher and bat eighth.

Perez (hand) isn't starting Saturday against Detroit.

Perez sustained a right hand contusion Friday against the Tigers, but he underwent X-rays after the game that came back negative. He'll be on the bench for at least one matchup while MJ Melendez starts behind the plate and leads off.

Haase (abdomen) isn't starting Saturday against the Royals.

Haase exited Friday's matchup in the bottom of the second inning due to a lower abdominal contusion, and he'll be held out of the lineup a day later. Tucker Barnhart is starting at catcher and batting eighth.

Heim isn't in the lineup Saturday against the Red Sox.

Heim has hit just .056 with a double, two runs, six walks and seven strikeouts over his last 13 games, and he'll take a seat for the third time in the last six games. Meibrys Viloria is starting behind the dish and batting eighth.