MLB Player News

Garver (right intercostal strain) has been getting at-bats and working behind the plate at Minnesota's alternative training site, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports. Manager Rocco Baldelli said Garver may be available at some point during next week's road trip, the Minneapolis Star Tribune adds.

Garver has been on the injured list since Aug. 19 and only recently started resuming baseball activities, so a return next week may be too optimistic. Still, it sounds like he has a chance to return before the end of the season and be ready for the playoffs.

Bemboom went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Friday's 8-4 loss to the Rockies.

Bemboom's ninth-inning blast off Rockies closer Daniel Bard gave the Angels a short-lived 4-3 lead. The 30-year-old Bemboom now has two homers, three RBI and eight runs scored across 46 plate appearances this season.

Higashioka went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run during a 6-0 win over the Orioles in the first game of Friday's doubleheader.

He took Alex Cobb deep in the second inning, giving Higashioka his first long ball and first RBI of the season. The 30-year-old has seen an uptick in playing time due to Gary Sanchez's struggles, starting five of the last 12 games, but as yet Higashioka hasn't been able to consistently take advantage of his opportunities.

Kirk's contract was selected by the Blue Jays on Friday.

Kirk is an interesting prospect, with an above-average arm and the potential to hit for high average, though he's making quite the jump, as he's yet to play above High-A. He produced a strong .288/.395/.446 slash line with more walks than strikeouts in 71 games at that level last season, though a significant regression should be expected given that he's skipping two levels. The Blue Jays have gotten very little at the plate from their catchers this season, however, with Danny Jansen producing a .603 OPS and Reese McGuire posting a .220 OPS, so he won't have to look all that good to earn playing time.

Stassi is not in the lineup Friday against Colorado.

Stassi went 0-for-2 with a sacrifice fly and a walk Thursday and will take a seat for Friday's contest. Anthony Bemboom will start behind the plate in the series opener.

Plawecki (hand) is batting fifth as the designated hitter Friday at Tampa Bay, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

The 29-year-old had X-rays on his right hand come back negative after being hit by a pitch last weekend, and he'll return to action against the Rays. Plawecki has a .354/.404/.500 slash line with one homer, four doubles and 11 RBI in 52 plate appearances this season.

Perez (eye) was activated from the 10-day injured list Friday and will start against the Pirates, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.

The veteran backstop has been sidelined since Aug. 17 while recovering from blurred vision in his left eye, but he's good to rejoin the Royals on Friday. Perez has a .307/.326/.511 slash line with four homers through 22 games and should reclaim the everyday role behind the plate now that he's healthy.

Narvaez is not starting Friday against the Cubs.

Narvaez sits for the second game in a row and the fourth time in the last six contests. Jacob Nottingham starts behind the plate in his absence.

Barnhart remains on the bench Friday in St. Louis.

Barnhart is hitting just .184/.271/.342 on the season, so he could sit fairly frequently down the stretch, especially as the Reds have three catchers on the active roster. Tyler Stephenson got the nod behind the plate Thursday, but it will be Curt Casali manning the position Friday.

Trevino (wrist) is not in the lineup Friday against the A's.

The 27-year-old sustained a left wrist sprain Wednesday and will be sidelined for the second consecutive contest. Sam Huff will start behind the plate and bat eighth in his major-league debut Friday.