MLB Player News

Kirk will sit Tuesday against the Red Sox.

Kirk has broken out this season to the tune of a .322/.411/.525 slash line, with his 9.7 percent strikeout rate and 10.5 percent barrel rate representing a rare combination of contact and power. That's earned him frequent opportunities as a designated hitter whenever he isn't needed behind the plate, but he won't start at either spot this time around. Gabriel Moreno will catch for Ross Stripling while George Springer rests his legs in the designated hitter spot.

Mejia is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Brewers, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Mejia was behind the plate for four of the Rays' last five games, so he's likely just getting a maintenance day Tuesday. Rene Pinto will catch for starting pitcher Shane Baz in the series opener with Milwaukee.

Contreras is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Phillies, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

Even though Ronald Acuna (foot) will miss his second straight game, Contreras will take a seat for the series opener in Philadelphia while manager Brian Snitker hands Mike Ford his first start as a member of Atlanta. While serving as a designated hitter or catcher in four of the past five games, Contreras went 1-for-14 with three walks, a stolen base, one RBI and one run.

Knizner remains out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Marlins, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Knizner is on the bench for the third game in a row and looks as though he'll serve as the Cardinals' No. 2 catcher even while top backstop Yadier Molina (knee) faces an uncertain timeline to return from the 10-day injured list. Per Jones, manager Oliver Marmol said he intended to give Ivan Herrera a trial as the Cardinals' primary catcher, so Knizner may be asked to make only a start or two per week if Herrera performs well enough to hang on to the No. 1 role.

Rutschman went 2-for-5 with a solo home run and an additional RBI in Monday's 9-2 win against the Mariners.

Rutschman got the scoring started for Baltimore in the contest, plating a run with a first-inning single. He also kicked off a homer barrage against Seattle starter George Kirby, launching a solo shot in the third frame that was the first of four long balls the team hit over the third and fourth innings. Rutschman has collected at least one hit in nine of his past 10 games and is slashing .351/.385/.784 with three homers, seven doubles and nine RBI over that span.

Raleigh went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Monday's loss to the Orioles.

Baltimore starter Tyler Wells had a perfect game going for 4.2 innings Monday before Raleigh broke it up with his solo shot to right field. The homer was his 10th of the season, which is tied for second most among American League catchers. Raleigh's .199 average and 30.3 percent strikeout rate aren't ideal, but he's gained fantasy relevance thanks to his power stroke.

Grandal (back) is taking swings off a tee but has yet to start running, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Grandal still has no timetable as he is experiencing at least some discomfort in his back. He'll likely be able to begin a rehab assignment shortly after he is cleared to run, but it remains unclear when that may occur. As a result, Grandal's absence could stretch into mid-July.

Maile is out of the lineup for the first game of Tuesday's doubleheader with the Twins.

Though Sandy Leon will be behind the plate for the front end of the twin bill, Maile looks poised to operate as Cleveland's No. 1 catcher this week after Austin Hedges (concussion) was placed on the 7-day injured list Tuesday. Maile had already started both of the Guardians' last two games, going hitless in both contests.

Leon was sent from the Reds to the Guardians on Tuesday in exchange for cash considerations, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

Leon will make the short trip across Ohio to play for the team he hit .136/.296/.242 for in 25 games in 2020. He's yet to appear in a major-league game this season, though that will change Tuesday, as he'll bat eighth and start behind the plate in the first half of the doubleheader against the Twins.

The Guardians placed Hedges on the 7-day concussion injured list Tuesday, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

The head injury likely explains why Hedges was withheld from the lineup for back-to-back games Sunday and Monday, even though he's operated as the Guardians' No. 1 backstop throughout the season. Cleveland acquired Sandy Leon from Cincinnati on Tuesday to add some depth behind the plate while Hedges is sidelined, but Luke Maile will likely serve as the Guardians' primary backstop in the short term.