MLB Player News

Mejia isn't in the starting lineup for Friday's game against the Giants.

Mejia will head to the bench after picking up a pair of base knocks Thursday night. Austin Hedges draws the start behind the dish and is set to bat eighth with Mejia out of the mix.

Narvaez isn't in the starting lineup for Friday's game against the Tigers, Shannon Drayer of 710 ESPN Seattle reports.

Narvaez will head to the bench after going 3-for-16 with two RBI over his last four contests. Tom Murphy is slated to handle the catching duties and bat fifth in Narvaez's absence.

Perez isn't in the starting lineup for Friday's game against the Royals.

Perez is in line for another day off, his second in the last three games. Kevin Plawecki is set to handle the catching duties and will bat eighth in Perez's absence.

Manager Dave Roberts told MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM on Friday that Smith will be the Dodgers' primary catcher moving forward.

The 24-year-old will be given a day to get acclimated -- he's out of the lineup Friday -- before taking over as the No. 1 backstop, after the Dodgers decided to move on from Austin Barnes as the primary option. Smith has hit 20 homers with a 130 wRC+ with Triple-A Oklahoma City this season, and he tacked on three additional homers during a prior stint with Los Angeles earlier this season. The rookie looks like a worthwhile add in virtually all two-catcher formats.

Smith is out of the lineup for Friday's game at Washington.

Smith was officially recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City earlier Friday but he'll have to wait another day before rejoining the starting nine.

Barnhart (oblique) was activated off the 10-day injured list Friday, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports. He is starting at catcher and batting eighth versus the Rockies.

Barnhart had his lone rehab game with Triple-A Louisville on Thursday, which was apparently enough to clear the way for his return from the injured list given the dire situation behind the plate for the Reds. The 28-year-old figures to see the bulk of the starting catching duties with Curt Casali (knee), Kyle Farmer (concussion) and Juan Graterol (concussion) all on the shelf.

Gomes is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Dodgers.

Gomes hasn't started consecutive games since July 16-17, with Kurt Suzuki receiving six of the past nine starts. Gomes has two hits in each of his last two starts, but prior to that he was 3-for-39 in his previous 14 games.

Garver is not in the lineup Friday against the White Sox.

Garver will retreat to the bench after starting the past two games and going 0-for-8 with a walk and a trio of strikeouts. In his place, Jason Castro is starting behind the dish and hitting eighth.

Smith was officially recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Friday.

Smith trades places with Austin Barnes and figures to see immediate starting chances with the Dodgers. Smith showcased himself well during his brief time in the majors this season with a .269/.345/.654 slash line and three homers in nine games.

Perez was recalled from Triple-A Durham on Friday, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

Perez is taking the roster spot of Blake Snell (elbow), who was placed on the 10-day injured list Thursday. The 26-year-old will provide the Rays will additional depth at catcher, as Travis d'Arnaud has seen playing time at first base as of late. Perez was slashing .256/.370/.385 in 46 plate appearances in the majors before being sent down June 10.