MLB Player News

Raleigh isn't starting Saturday's game against the Yankees.

Raleigh went 1-for-4 with a double Friday, but he'll retreat to the bench for the third time in the last four games. Tom Murphy will start behind the dish and bat fifth.

Higashioka isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against Seattle.

The 31-year-old had started the last three games while filling in for Gary Sanchez, who was placed on the COVID-19 injured list Friday. Higashioka will serve as the primary catcher in Sanchez's absence, but Rob Brantly will draw the start behind the dish and bat ninth Saturday.

Barnhart went 1-for-4 with a three-run home run in Friday's 10-0 win over the Pirates.

He took JT Brubaker deep as part of a seven-run first inning for the Reds. Barnhart could remain behind the plate all weekend while Tyler Stephenson nurses a minor hamstring issue, but while the veteran catcher has gone yard in consecutive starts, his .214/.267/.357 slash line in 14 games since the All-Star break isn't very appealing from a fantasy standpoint.

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.