MLB Player News

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.

D'Arnaud (thumb) won't return during the team's weekend series against the Nationals, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

While the team was initially hoping d'Arnaud would be able to return this weekend, he'll appear in three more rehab games at Triple-A Gwinnett. The 32-year-old will catch Friday, serve as the designated hitter Saturday and catch nine innings Sunday. If all goes well, d'Arnaud will likely be in line to return for Tuesday's series opener against the Reds.

Smith is not starting Friday against the Angels, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

Smith will get two days to rest his legs with the club having an off day Thursday. Austin Barnes will catch David Price and bat eighth.

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.

Manager David Bell announced Friday that Stephenson (hamstring) won't need to go on the injured list, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Stephenson left Thursday's game with what was initially described as a hamstring cramp, and further evaluation confirmed that he didn't suffer any sort of more serious injury. Given Bell's update, Stephenson could have a chance of being available off the bench Friday, and the backstop should be ready to start behind the plate when next called upon.

Perez was scratched from the lineup for Friday's game against the Cardinals for undisclosed reasons.

Perez has been one of the most durable backstops in the league this season, with his 84 starts behind the plate ranking third at the position. It's not yet clear whether he's in line for an extended absence. Cam Gallagher will start in his place.

Perez (back) will sit Friday against the Tigers.

Perez was scratched from Wednesday's lineup due to back spasms and did not take part in Thursday's contest. He'll miss a third straight start Friday, with Austin Hedges again getting the nod behind the plate.

McCann is out of the lineup Friday against the Phillies, Deesha Thosar of the New York Daily News reports.

McCann is 1-for-14 in his past four contests and will take a seat for the second time in the past three games. Tomas Nido will catch for Marcus Stroman and bat eighth.