MLB Player News

Murphy went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in Saturday's 10-8 loss to Toronto.

The catcher went deep in the ninth inning, but Oakland's rally fell short despite his contribution. Murphy is up to 16 homers, 57 RBI, 41 runs scored and a .216/.309/.418 slash line across 404 plate appearances. His altogether unimpressive production has led to him losing playing time to Yan Gomes, who hasn't been all that much better with the bat.

Jansen went 3-for-4 with a solo home run and two doubles in Saturday's 10-8 win over Oakland.

Between a couple of hamstring injuries and general ineffectiveness at the plate, Jansen hadn't record a multi-hit effort since May 18. The catcher took Oakland starter Paul Blackburn deep in the third inning. Jansen is up to seven homers, 12 RBI, 18 runs scored and seven doubles through 146 plate appearances. He figures to work in a timeshare with Alejandro Kirk and Reese McGuire.

Gallagher was removed from Saturday's game against the White Sox with left knee inflammation, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports.

Gallagher started Saturday's game behind the dish and went 1-for-1 with a run and an RBI. He was replaced in the top of the fifth inning, and it's not yet clear whether he'll be available for Sunday's series finale against the White Sox.

Perez (neck) will remain in the lineup Saturday against the White Sox but will serve as the designated hitter rather than the catcher, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Perez exited Friday's contest with a neck contusion after getting struck by a foul boul. The Royals' initial lineup had him returning to his usual catcher position right away, but he'll spend at least one day as purely an offensive player. Cam Gallagher will enter the lineup as the catcher, with Edward Olivares getting scratched as the Royals shuffle positions around.

Heim will hit the bench Saturday against the Angels.

Heim has started two out of four games since returning from the COVID-19 injured list. He's gone 0-for-8 at the plate. Jose Trevino will catch Kolby Allard.

Stassi will sit Saturday against the Rangers.

Stassi sits for the first time in a week. He still owns a strong .818 OPS on the season, but he's hit just .175/.246/.302 over his last 18 games, striking out in 42 percent of his plate appearances. Kurt Suzuki will take over behind the plate.

Perez (neck) will start behind the plate and bat third Saturday against the White Sox.

Perez left Friday's game with a bruised neck after getting hit by a foul ball, but he's ready to go without missing a single start. That's great news for the Royals, as Perez has been particularly hot over his last 24 games, homering 11 times while hitting .287/.376/.678.

Wong was optioned to Triple-A Worcester following Friday night's game against Cleveland.

The Red Sox continue to shuffle the roster with several players on the COVID-19 IL. They swapped out Wong for Taylor Motter, who can cover more spots amidst the ongoing absences. Christian Vazquez and Kevin Plawecki will be left as the only catchers on the depth chart, though chances are Wong rejoins them later this month.

Perez left Friday's game versus the White Sox with a neck contusion.

Perez was struck by a ball while catching in the seventh inning, and it was enough for manager Mike Matheny to pull him from the game in favor of Cam Gallagher. It's unclear if Perez will be good to go for Saturday's game or if he'll need to sit out at least one contest.

Sanchez is not in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Orioles.

Kyle Higashioka takes over behind the plate to catch for starter Jordan Montgomery in the early afternoon contest after Sanchez caught Friday night's game. Sanchez is hitting .200/.238.300 with one home run and four RBI in 11 games since returning from the COVID-19 injured list.