MLB Player News

Hedges (head) is back in the lineup Monday against the Rockies, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Hedges missed the past two games after experiencing some concussion symptoms over the weekend, but it seems like he's feeling well again. He'll bat eighth in his return to action, pushing Hector Sanchez and Luis Torrens back into a reserve role.

Mesoraco (lat) will begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A Louisville on Monday, Zach Buchanan of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Mesoraco will be behind the plate Monday for the first game of what's expected to be a short rehab assignment for the backstop, who has been on the 10-day disabled list since July 3 due to a strained lat. The injury was never considered as serious as the shoulder issue that required surgery last season, but because of the 29-year-old's checkered health history, the Reds have been cautious with easing him back into action. Once he's activated, Mesoraco will likely reclaim the larger side of a timeshare at catcher with Tucker Barnhart.

Perez will continue getting more defensive rest than he has in previous seasons in an effort to avoid a late-season offensive slump, Rustin Dodd of The Kansas City Star reports.

Perez is on pace to catch 1,083 innings in 2017, his fewest since dealing with a knee injury in 2012. With the Royals now thinking a playoff berth is possible, manager Ned Yost wants to ensure Perez's bat is not suffering down the stretch -- like it has in recent years -- due to the stress of catching. "It takes a wear and tear," Yost said of the position. "Especially somebody that's as big and physical as he is. There's benefits to just trying to keep him fresh." Luckily for owners of the 27-year-old, Perez has already logged a career-high 10 starts as the DH, so it doesn't appear his plate appearances will suffer much.

Sanchez went 2-for-4 with a three-run home run in Sunday's 7-1 win over San Francisco.

The veteran backstop punished his former club yet again, going yard for the second time in as many starts against the Giants. Sanchez has flashed some power since returning from the disabled list, homering four times in 25 at-bats. While the recent surge has been impressive, he'll return to a bench role when Austin Hedges (concussion) returns to action Monday against the Rockies.

Contreras went 4-for-5 with a run during Sunday's win over Baltimore.

Contreras got the short end of the stick Sunday, as Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo both hit home runs in front of him and combined to drive in four. Still, Contreras went 8-for-14 with three doubles, a home run, four RBI and three runs during the three-game series against Baltimore. He projects to see a hefty workload going forward and has the potential to be a high-end fantasy catcher in the second half.

Hedges (head) said he's hopeful he'll be able to return to action Monday against the Rockies, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

Hedges missed Sunday's game against the Giants after taking a foul ball to the head during Friday's contest, but he said he's feeling better and could have entered Sunday's game, had he been needed. With that in mind, a return Monday, as the Padres open a three-game set in Colorado, seems very possible.

Narvaez went 1-for-1 with a two-run homer and a walk Sunday against the Mariners.

Narvaez doubled his career home run total with his first of the season off righty Andrew Moore. The 25-year-old catcher has just four extra-base hits in 48 games, so he's not in the lineup for his bat. In fact, he was lifted for a pinch hitter in the sixth inning despite his productive day at the plate.

Gomes is out of the lineup Sunday against the Athletics, Paul Hoynes of Cleveland.com reports.

Gomes will hit the bench following a string of six consecutive starts that dates back to before the All-Star break, paving the way for Roberto Perez to enter the starting nine. While Gomes recorded just two hits during that six-game stretch and is batting a woeful .219 for the season, he still looks set to see the bulk of the starts behind the dish.

Perez is out of the lineup Sunday against the Rangers, 610 Sports Radio Kansas City reports.

After participating in the All-Star Game and going 0-for-8 while starting behind the plate in the first two games of the series, Perez will receive a breather Sunday. Drew Butera spells him behind the plate, catching for starting pitcher Ian Kennedy.

Hedges (head) is not in the lineup Sunday against the Giants, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

Hedges will miss his second straight game after taking a foul ball to the head during Friday's outing. The catcher is replaced yet again by Hector Sanchez, who will bat cleanup in the series finale. Hedges should be considered day-to-day for the time being.