MLB Player News

Kirk went 3-for-4 with a solo home run in Friday's 3-2 win over the Mariners.

The catcher became the first player this season to take Luis Castillo deep when he launched his second homer of the year in the second inning. Kirk has appeared in 20 of Toronto's 26 games so far while splitting his time between DH and catcher, posting a .263/.419/.386 slash line with seven runs and 10 RBI.

Raleigh went 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBI in Friday's 3-2 loss to the Blue Jays.

The catcher took Alek Manoah deep for a solo shot in the second inning before adding an RBI single in the third. Raleigh hasn't quite found his power stroke yet in 2023, producing a .205 ISO through 87 plate appearances after posting a .278 mark last season, but he's maintained a decent fantasy floor by batting .231 with three homers, 11 runs and 14 RBI in 22 games.

Perez went 3-for-4 with a home run and three RBI in Friday's loss to Minnesota.

Perez opened the scoring with a sacrifice fly in the first inning before knocking a 416-foot solo shot in the sixth. He later added an RBI base hit in the seventh. He's produced three straight multi-hit games, bumping his season slash line to .266/.307/.436 with 10 extra-base hits and 12 RBI through 101 plate appearances. Perez was back in the lineup Friday after missing the previous two games due to a back issue.

Smith (concussion) will be activated off the 7-day concussion list Friday and be in the lineup as the designated hitter against the Cardinals, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

Smith hasn't played since April 12 while dealing with a concussion, but the All-Star backstop is ready to roll for the series against the Cardinals. He should return to catching duties for the Dodgers within the next few days.

Bart (groin) ran on the field in Mexico on Friday, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

The Giants have a rare Friday off with the team playing a two-game series in Mexico starting Saturday against the Padres, but it's a positive sign that Bart was able to participate in some pregame activities. The backstop has been out of action with tightness in his right groin strain, and he has a chance to return to the lineup against San Diego over the weekend.

D'Arnaud (concussion) is traveling with Atlanta and taking regular batting practice, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

There remains no estimated timetable for his activation from the concussion IL, but d'Arnaud continues to take positive steps forward. He's been on the shelf since April 9 and figures to head out on a minor-league rehab assignment at some point because of the growing length of his absence.

Thaiss is out of the starting lineup against the Brewers on Saturday, Erica Weston of Bally Sports West reports.

Thaiss will sit against southpaw Wade Miley after starting the last two games and going 3-for-7. Chad Wallach will be the starting backstop for Los Angeles and hit eighth.

Trevino isn't in the Yankees' lineup for Friday's game against Texas.

After going 3-for-4 with a home run Thursday, Trevino bought himself a day off Friday. As a result, Kyle Higashioka will pick up a start behind the plate and bat ninth.

Barnhart is not in the starting lineup Friday against Miami.

Barnhart will take a seat as the Cubs face off against left-hander Jesus Luzardo, with Yan Gomes behind the plate and batting eighth. Barnhart has produced just two hits over his last 18 at-bats while striking out nine times, so it's possible that Gomes, who's batting .257 with two homers and seven RBI over 35 at-bats versus righties this year, sees his workload increase.

Grandal is not in the White Sox' lineup for Friday's game versus the Rays.

Grandal returned to action Thursday after missing one game with a back issue, although it's not clear whether his absence Friday is injury-related. Seby Zavala will catch Lucas Giolito.