MLB Player News

Haase went 2-for-3 with two walks, two RBI and a run scored in Thursday's loss to the Orioles.

Haase had a good night and snapped a small slump, as he entered the night batting .188 over his last seven games with no multi-hit efforts during the stretch. The Detroit catcher is now batting a solid .271, and while Jake Rogers will continue to see playing time, Haase is the primary option behind the plate. He also has the versatility to play the outfield, which further cements his regular spot in the lineup.

Alvarez exited Thursday's game against the Nationals after being hit in the head by two swings, Tim Britton of The Athletic reports.

Alvarez exited the game in the ninth inning, though manager Buck Showalter said he checked out okay after the game. Alvarez's availability for Friday's game against Atlanta is currently unclear. Prior to departing, he went 1-for-3 with a walk and a run scored.

Perez (back) said he expects to return to the Royals' lineup Friday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Perez sat out Wednesday and is absent again Thursday after taking a 95 mph fastball off his back in Tuesday's win over the Diamondbacks, but there doesn't seem to be a ton of concern. He is planning to take pregame batting practice Thursday to see if he might be an option off the bench in the Royals' series opener against the Twins.

Grandal (back) is starting behind the plate for the White Sox in Thursday's game against the Rays.

Grandal missed Wednesday's game with back spasms, but it wound up being just a one-day absence. The veteran catcher will bat fifth against Rays southpaw Shane McClanahan.

Perez is not in the Royals' lineup for Thursday's game in Minnesota.

Perez was also on the bench Wednesday, although there's no indication to this point that he's dealing with an injury. Perhaps the Royals will offer an explanation prior to first pitch. MJ Melendez will do the catching Thursday.

Alvarez is starting at catcher and batting ninth Thursday against the Nationals.

Alvarez is just 5-for-31 (.161) with one home run in 31 plate appearances since his April 7 promotion from Triple-A Syracuse, but he is at least drawing more starts now over Tomas Nido. The 21-year-old has been in the Mets' lineup three of the last four games, including Thursday night's series finale versus Washington.

Contreras is not in the starting lineup Thursday at San Francisco.

This would appear to be a routine breather for Contreras as the Cardinals wrap up a four-game set at Oracle Park. He started the previous 10 games, with eight of those starts coming behind the plate. Andrew Knizner is catching and batting eighth Thursday. Nolan Gorman is serving as the designated hitter and hitting third.

Bart (groin) remains out of the lineup Thursday against the Cardinals.

It's the third straight absence for Bart as he works through a bout of right groin tightness. Blake Sabol is catching and batting seventh for the Giants on Thursday afternoon.

Rodriguez (forearm) is expected to return at designated hitter for Triple-A Indianapolis within the next week, Alex Stumpf of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.

Rodriguez landed on the minor-league injured list last Friday after being diagnosed with a right forearm strain, but it thankfully seems to be a relatively minor injury. The 22-year-old catcher ranks as one of the top prospects at his position and could make his MLB debut later this season if his health cooperates.

O'Hoppe (shoulder) underwent surgery Tuesday and said he hopes to be able to return on the early end of his 4-to-6-month timeframe, Sam Blum of The Athletic reports.

O'Hoppe was diagnosed with a torn labrum in his left shoulder last week. The rookie catcher was off to a strong start before the injury, slashing .283/.339/.547 with four homers and 13 RBI over 59 plate appearances. O'Hoppe has a chance to return late this season, but he's a tough hold in redraft leagues given his lengthy recovery period.