MLB Player News

Perez was diagnosed with a hamstring strain after leaving Sunday's game against the Rays, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Perez's injury was initially described as discomfort, but he's dealing with a strain. He'll undergo further testing to determine the severity of the issue, and the Royals expect to know more Monday. It's unclear whether the catcher will require a trip to the injured list, but Freddy Fermin and MJ Melendez could see additional time behind the dish if Perez is sidelined.

Rodriguez will be called up by the Pirates on Monday, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Rodriguez had a brief stint at Triple-A Indianapolis last year and has spent the start of the 2023 campaign with the Triple-A club. Over 67 games this year, he's slashed .268/.356/.419 with six homers, 54 runs, 38 RBI and four stolen bases. The 23-year-old has had four multi-hit performances over his past five appearances and will now be rewarded with his first big-league call-up. Henry Davis has seen plenty of time in right field since being called up, so Rodriguez should have ample opportunities to carve out playing time behind the dish.

Perez was removed from Sunday's game against the Rays in the second inning with left hamstring discomfort, Joel Goldberg of Bally Sports Kansas City reports.

Perez went from first to home on an MJ Melendez double in the first inning, and it would seem he injured himself in the process. The veteran backstop will undergo testing to determine the full extent of the injury. Perez has been with Kansas City his entire career and remains under contract for two more years. Royals GM J.J. Picollo told Anne Rogers of MLB.com last month that he has "no intention" of trading Perez at this year's deadline.

Perez was removed from Sunday's game against the Rays in the second inning, Joel Goldberg of Bally Sports Kansas City reports.

Perez singled in the first inning and went from first to home on an MJ Melendez double. It's unclear if he injured himself on the play, but Perez was lifted for a pinch hitter the next inning. The game was delayed by an hour due to rain in Kansas City.

Smith is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Mets, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

Smith will get what looks like a routine rest day after catching the first two games after the break, as well as several innings for the National League in the All-Star Game. Austin Barnes will catch for starter Bobby Miller as Max Muncy moves up to the three hole against right-hander Max Scherzer.

Contreras is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Nationals.

Contreras has collected multiple hits in four of his last five games and is slashing .514/.600/.919 over his last 11 contests. The Cardinals are now carrying three catchers with Andrew Knizner (groin) back from the injured list, but Contreras seems to have regained his confidence and should have the clear edge in terms of playing time down the stretch.

Rogers is starting at catcher and batting eighth in Sunday's game against the Mariners.

Rogers will end up starting the bookends of the weekend series, with Eric Haase having picked up the Saturday start behind the plate. If this is any indication, Rogers looks like he still has a slight edge over Haase to begin the post-break part of the schedule, though Haase can also play some in the outfield.

Perez is slated to have his fractured left thumb evaluated by a doctor at some point this coming week, the team's official site reports.

Perez has been on the shelf since July 4 with the fracture, and it was subsequently determined he would not require surgery. If the veteran's progress is deemed to be sufficient during his evaluation, he could be cleared to begin strengthening activities as the next step in his recovery.

Knizner (groin) was activated from the 10-day injured list and will start Sunday's game against the Nationals, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

The Cardinals will roll with three catchers for the time being, as Ivan Herrera remains on the roster despite Knizner's return. Knizner has popped a career-high five home runs, but even so his performance has graded out as replacement level across 35 games so far this season. He has negative fWAR for his career.

Naylor isn't in the Guardians' lineup Sunday versus Texas, Andre Knott of Bally Sports Ohio reports.

Naylor will take a seat Sunday versus left-hander Martin Perez, allowing David Fry to start behind the dish and bat sixth.