MLB Player News

Perez (hamstring) expects to be able to return before the end of the season, Steve Carney of Sports Radio 620 WDAE reports.

Perez has been out since late August with a left hamstring strain. In his absence, Nick Ciuffo has claimed the Rays' starting catcher role. A clear return date for Perez has not yet been established, but according to J. Scott Butherus of MLB.com, the rookie still feels some pain when he squats in a catching position, lending further credence that he's still a few days away from activation.

Sanchez is out of the lineup for Saturday's game against the Mariners, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

Sanchez will head to the bench after starting the previous six games since coming off the disabled list last Saturday, and going 3-for-22 with a home run in 25 plate appearances over that span. Austin Romine will start behind the plate and bat eighth for the Yankees.

Grandal is not in the lineup Saturday against the Rockies.

Grandal has just one hit in his last eight games. Austin Barnes will start behind the plate in his place.

Narvaez is not in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Angels.

Narvaez heads to the bench Saturday and has started only one of the last four games. Kevan Smith will start behind the plate and Welington Castillo will be the designated hitter, as the White Sox continue to heavily rotate their catchers since Castillo returned from the disabled list last weekend.

Plawecki is not starting Saturday against the Phillies.

Plawecki took a pitch off his ribs in Wednesday's game and was forced to exit, but he was able to start Friday. There's no indication that Saturday's day off is anything other than a routine one. Tomas Nido will get the start behind the plate.

McCann is on the bench Saturday against the Cardinals, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

The Tigers have followed a pattern of one Grayson Greiner start followed by two McCann starts for the past 12 games. The pattern continues Saturday, with Greiner getting his turn behind the plate.

Gomes is not in the starting lineup against Toronto on Saturday, Hazel Mae of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Gomes will take a seat after starting the last three games, including a three-hit performance Friday. Roberto Perez will give him a spell behind the plate.

Barnhart is out of the starting nine versus San Diego on Saturday, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Barnhart will get a standard day off following a pair of starts behind the plate. Curt Casali will handle the catching duties and bat sixth.

Realmuto is out of the lineup versus the Pirates on Saturday, Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald reports.

Realmuto will receive a breather following nine straight starts, during which he's hitting .343 with four home runs and eight RBI. In his place, Bryan Holaday will handle the catching duties and bat seventh.

Perez went 1-for-5 with a three-run homer in Friday's loss to the Twins.

Perez (thumb) returned to action for the first time since Aug. 28 and cranked his 24th home run in the third inning to give the Royals a four-run lead. The backstop is slashing an underwhelming .235/.273/.442 on the year, but he does rank in the top three in home runs (24) and RBI (68) among MLB catchers. As long as he's healthy, Perez should see regular playing time for the remainder of the season.