MLB Player News

Perez left Friday's game against Kansas City with a right shoulder strain, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

While the severity of Perez's injury and how long he might be sidelined remain unknown, it seems as though the backstop avoided what could have been a much worse fate. Blake Sabol will assume primary catching duties while Perez and Joey Bart (back) work their way back from injuries.

Perez left Friday's game against the Royals after throwing to second base in an attempt to catch Kyle Isbel stealing, Evan Webeck of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Perez immediately headed for the dugout after making the throw, seemingly in quite a bit of pain. The Giants will take a look at him and should provide an update relatively soon. If he's forced to remain out for an extended period of time, Blake Sabol would become the only active catcher on San Francisco's roster. Joey Bart (back) is set to begin a rehab assignment soon, but depending on the severity of Perez's injury, his return could be accelerated.

Barnes is catching and hitting ninth for Friday's game against the Diamondbacks, Kirsten Watson of SportsNet LA reports.

The 33-year-old will serve as Clayton Kershaw's personal backstop again. Barnes is hitless in his first five at-bats to begin the 2023 campaign.

Smith isn't in the Dodgers' lineup for Friday's contest with the Diamondbacks, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

Smith is off to a scorching-hot start to the season, slashing .391/.464/.913 through his first six games with at least one hit in each of them. He'll get a day off Friday, allowing Austin Barnes to start behind the dish and bat ninth.

D'Arnaud is out of the lineup Friday against the Padres.

It's the first day off this season for d'Arnaud, who had hit cleanup as the designated hitter in four consecutive games. Marcell Ozuna will DH and bat eighth Friday versus the Padres and right-hander Nick Martinez. Sean Murphy is catching and hitting fifth.

Bart (back) could begin a rehab assignment within the next few days, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Bart landed on the injured list shortly after Opening Day with a mid-back strain but has been progressing well. He is eligible for activation April 11 and could be ready around that time.

Heim is not in the starting lineup Friday versus the Cubs.

Heim will take a seat Friday as the Rangers travel to Chicago. Mitch Garver will replace him behind the plate and bat seventh in the series opener.

McCann (oblique) will begin a rehab assignment with High-A Aberdeen on Friday, Rich Dubroff of BaltimoreBaseball.com reports.

McCann won't be ready for activation from the injured list when first eligible as the O's had hoped, but he's not far off. A return at some point next week seems likely.

Gomes will sit Friday versus the Rangers.

Gomes will be on the bench for a second straight game as the Cubs launch their series against Texas on Friday following Thursday's postponement. Tucker Barnhart will draw another start behind the plate and bat ninth in the series opener.

Stallings is not in the starting lineup Friday versus the Mets.

Stallings will take a seat for a second straight game as the Marlins start their series against the Mets. Nick Fortes will draw the start behind the plate and bat eighth in the series opener.