MLB Player News

Grandal (knee) has been running up the baseline recently, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

Grandal had been limited to light activity at the end of July, but he's been able to test his knee more recently through his baserunning drills. The catcher remains without a timetable to return as he continues to recover from left knee surgery, but he's slightly increased his workload recently.

McGuire isn't starting the first game of Saturday's doubleheader against Boston.

McGuire was out of the lineup in Friday's series opener, and he'll remain on the bench in Saturday's matinee. Alejandro Kirk will start at catcher and bat seventh.

Wong was recalled by the Red Sox on Saturday, Bill Koch of The Providence Journal reports.

Wong reported to Triple-A Worcester at the end of July, but he'll rejoin the active roster after J.D. Martinez was placed on the COVID-19 injured list. The 25-year-old has gone 3-for-12 with a double, two runs and seven strikeouts in five major-league games this year.

Zavala isn't starting Saturday's game against the Cubs, Vinnie Duber of NBC Sports Chicago reports.

Zavala will get a breather after he went 2-for-4 with a run, an RBI and a strikeout in Friday's series opener. Zack Collins will start behind the dish and bat eighth.

Raleigh isn't starting Saturday's game against the Yankees.

Raleigh went 1-for-4 with a double Friday, but he'll retreat to the bench for the third time in the last four games. Tom Murphy will start behind the dish and bat fifth.

Higashioka isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against Seattle.

The 31-year-old had started the last three games while filling in for Gary Sanchez, who was placed on the COVID-19 injured list Friday. Higashioka will serve as the primary catcher in Sanchez's absence, but Rob Brantly will draw the start behind the dish and bat ninth Saturday.

Gallagher went 1-for-4 with a double in Friday's 4-2 loss to St. Louis.

Salvador Perez was scratched with an illness Friday, so Gallagher made a rare start behind the dish. Since he was activated from the injured list July 16, Gallagher has logged just 20 plate appearances, and his double Friday was his first hit in that span. The backup catcher could get another start Saturday if Perez isn't out from under the weather.

Garver went 1-for-5 with a solo home run in Friday's 5-4 extra-innings win over Houston.

The catcher sparked Minnesota's comeback with his fifth-inning solo shot off Houston starter Zack Greinke. Garver has just five hits in his last seven games, but three of those knocks have left the yard. He's up to 13 homers, 28 RBI, 24 runs scored and a .227/.331/.545 slash line across 178 plate appearances this year.

Perez was placed on the 10-day injured list Friday due to right shoulder inflammation, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

Perez was slated to miss a third straight game due to back spasms Friday, but he's also dealing with a shoulder issue that will require additional rest. Austin Hedges should serve as the primary catcher in Perez's absence, while Wilson Ramos' contract was selected Friday.

Perez's absence from the lineup for Friday's game against the Cardinals is due to illness, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Perez was initially in Friday's lineup before being scratched in favor of Cam Gallagher. He's tested negative for COVID-19 but will nonetheless be stuck at the team hotel Friday due to health and safety protocols.