MLB Player News

Haase isn't starting Thursday's game against the Twins.

Haase will get a breather after he went 5-for-13 with a double, two runs, two RBI and three strikeouts across the last three games. Dustin Garneau will start at catcher and bat eighth.

Jansen isn't starting Thursday's game against the Yankees.

Jansen went 1-for-7 with a three-run homer and two strikeouts across his last two appearances, but he'll be on the bench for a second straight game. Alejandro Kirk will start behind the plate and bat seventh.

Maldonado (shoulder) is starting Thursday's game against Tampa Bay, Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Maldonado exited Wednesday's game due to left shoulder soreness, but he'll be back in action Thursday. He's gone hitless with five strikeouts in his last 13 at-bats but will start at catcher and bat ninth.

Vazquez isn't starting Thursday's game against the Orioles, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

Vazquez has gone hitless with an RBI and a walk across his last 10 plate appearances, and he'll be out of the lineup for a second straight game. Kevin Plawecki will start behind the dish and bat eighth.

Perez (ankle) is starting Thursday's game against Cleveland.

Perez was removed from Wednesday's game against Cleveland due to a right ankle sprain, but he'll serve as the designated hitter and bat third a day later. He's recorded hits in each of his last four appearances and has gone 7-for-14 with two home runs, three doubles, six RBI and five runs during that time.

Rortvedt was placed on the injured list at Triple-A St. Paul due to a concussion Thursday, Brandon Warne of Access Twins reports.

The move was backdated to Sunday, so Rortvedt is technically eligible to return for the final day of the regular season, though that's seemingly unlikely. The 24-year-old appeared in 39 major-league games in his debut season this year but struggled to a .169/.229/.281 slash line.

Thaiss was recalled by the Angels on Thursday, Sam Blum of The Athletic reports.

Thaiss filled in as an infielder during a brief major-league stint earlier in the year, but manager Joe Maddon said Thursday that the 26-year-old is now a full-time catcher. He should mainly serve in a depth role during the final few games of the regular season.

Maldonado was removed from Wednesday's game against the Rays with left shoulder soreness, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Maldonado may have picked up the injury during the fourth inning when he appeared to land on his left shoulder while making a diving catch on a bunt attempt. The 35-year-old struck out in his lone plate appearance before exiting the contest. Jason Castro is poised to see increased work should Maldonado be forced to miss any time.

Perez was diagnosed with a right ankle sprain after leaving Wednesday's game against Cleveland, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Perez appeared to suffer the injury when he slipped on the dugout steps, and it's unclear how the issue will affect his availability for the final four games of the season. The 31-year-old went 1-for-2 with a three-run homer -- his MLB-leading and franchise-record-tying 48th long ball of the season -- before leaving Wednesday's contest.

Perez went 1-for-2 with a three-run home run before leaving Wednesday's game against Cleveland with an apparent injury, Joel Goldberg of Bally Sports Kansas City reports.

Perez clubbed his 48th homer of the season -- tying a Royals season record -- with a three-run shot during the first inning, but he appeared to slip on the dugout steps after the top of the second inning. The 31-year-old immediately received some assistance yet still batted in the bottom of the frame, though he struck out and was subsequently replaced in the field.