MLB Player News

Perez (oblique) is expected to have his minor-league rehab assignment set by the end of the weekend, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Perez has been making deliberate but steady progress since first getting sidelined in early May. The backstop may only need a handful of minor-league games before being deemed ready for activation. Perez figures to slot back into the left-handed side of a platoon behind the dish alongside Mike Zunino, who just returned to action from a quadriceps injury Friday.

Zavala was optioned to Triple-A Charlotte following Friday's game against the Indians, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Zavala made his major-league debut Sunday, and despite taking the collar (0-for-4), he was finally able to nab his first hit Friday night. This move opens up a roster spot for Welington Castillo, who's eligible to come off the 7-day injured list Saturday.

Casali went 3-for-4 with a home run, a double, four RBI and two runs scored Friday against the Nationals.

Casili didn't waste much time in this one, giving the Reds an early five-run lead in the first inning with the help of a three-run blast to left. He would later double home a run in the fourth inning. The 30-year-old backstop has seen an uptick in playing time of late, likely due to his recent hot hitting. Casili has now reached safely in four of his last five contests.

Narvaez isn't in the starting lineup Friday against the Angels, Shannon Drayer of 710 ESPN Seattle reports.

Narvaez will get a day off after making just one start. Tom Murphy is set to handle the catching duties and hit eighth with Narvaez riding the pine.

Jansen isn't in the starting lineup for Friday's game against Colorado.

Jansen will take a seat after starting each of his team's last three contests behind the dish. He went 0-for-11 at the plate over that brief stretch. Luke Maile will take over the catching duties and bat eighth in Jansen's stead.

Knizner's contract was purchased from Triple-A Memphis on Friday.

He should spend at least a brief period on the big-league roster while Yadier Molina is out with a thumb injury. Knizner projects as the Cardinals' future starter behind the plate and owns a solid .286/.355/.450 line for Memphis this season, though he may not be able to unseat Matt Wieters for a temporary starting role.

Contreras is not in the lineup Friday against the Cardinals.

Contreras is hitless in his last three games, though his season line remains an excellent .296/.402/.568. Victor Caratini will start behind the plate.

McCann is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Indians.

McCann started the last four contests and went 8-for-15 with five runs, two doubles and a walk. Seby Zavala will start behind the plate and bat ninth in his stead.

Vazquez is out of the lineup for Friday's game agianst the Yankees, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports.

The Red Sox will roll out the same lineup they had for Thursday's postponed contest, keeping Vazquez on the bench. Sandy Leon will bat ninth and do the catching for starter Chris Sale.

Diaz is not starting Friday against the Brewers.

Diaz has become the clear starter behind the plate in Pittsburgh, starting 12 of 15 games prior to Friday. He owns a solid .276 batting average, but singles make up the bulk of his production, giving him an unimpressive .614 OPS. Jacob Stallings gets the start behind the plate in his absence.