Salvador Pérez
YEARTEAMGABRHitsRBIDTHRBBSOSBCSEAVGOBPSLUG
2012Hawks501921855279159310080.2860.3280.422
2013Hawks6724227591213069241020.2440.2710.372
2014Hawks14754760148563211114680020.2710.2910.393
2015Wonder Dogs15054455130492612317721100.2390.2650.417
2016Wonder Dogs13851854126762522820860110.2430.2710.461
2017Lake Monsters123484521066823127311240110.2190.2690.438
2018Mudhens130512481047223227231080100.2030.2390.414
2019Mudhens47142102045025310000.1410.1810.218
2020Mudhens00000000000000.0000.0000.000
2021Moose102375461087038028231010400.2880.3340.613
2022Moose144575811449524044201412350.2500.2960.522
2023Moose11445435895716120161220110.1960.2320.368
2024Samurai138476431035619020161241010.2160.2660.382
2025Samurai291121622173098330000.1960.2560.464
MLB Player Data
DateNewsComment
Jun 26 2025Perez is not in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Rays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It's the first day off in more than a month for Perez, who has gone 1-for-8 at the plate in the first two games of the series. Freddy Fermin is catching and batting eighth for the Royals in Thursday's series finale.
Jun 22 2025Perez went 1-for-3 with a two-run homer and a walk in Sunday's 3-2 loss to the Padres. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Kansas City veteran started at designated hitter and notched his 282nd career homer with a 412-foot long ball off San Diego starter Randy Vasquez in the sixth inning. This marks Perez's fifth homer of the month, as he's been productive in June with a .280 average (21-for-75), 14 RBI and seven runs scored across 19 games. Overall, the 35-year-old is slashing .235/.277/.394 with 41 RBI and 19 runs scored through 308 plate appearances.
Jun 17 2025Perez went 3-for-4 with two home runs, four RBI and a double in Tuesday's 6-1 win over the Rangers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It was the fourth three-hit game as well as the fourth effort of the season with multiple extra-base hits for Perez, who posted his first multi-homer game of the campaign. The veteran slugging backstop is still batting just .240 with a .674 OPS for the year, but he's really starting to pick things up at the plate in June. Through 57 at-bats this month, Perez is hitting .316 with four long balls, three doubles and 12 RBI.
Jun 11 2025Perez went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in Wednesday's 6-3 defeat to the Yankees. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The veteran slugging backstop has struggled at the plate for most of the year -- he has a .638 OPS in 2025 -- but he's gotten back on track recently. Across his last 17 games (74 plate appearances), Perez is slashing .286/.324/.500 with four homers, three doubles and 12 RBI. Perez has played 64 of Kansas City's 68 games this year while bouncing around at catcher, first base and designated hitter, so he remains locked into an everyday role.
May 24 2025Perez (illness) will start at designated hitter and bat fourth Saturday against the Twins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After missing Friday's contest with an illness, Perez seems to be feeling well enough to return to action Saturday. The 35-year-old backstop has been in an extended slump recently, slashing just .205/.224/.301 in 76 plate appearances since the start of May.
May 23 2025Perez was scratched from the lineup ahead of Friday's game against the Twins due to an illness, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez will step out of the lineup Friday while he fights off his illness, which will put Freddy Fermin behind the dish and seventh in the Royals' batting order.
May 21 2025Perez went 3-for-5 with a two-run home run and a double during Wednesday's 8-4 win over the Giants. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez fell a triple shy of hitting for the cycle, including a fourth-inning homer off Logan Webb to put the Royals up 6-1. The catcher's long ball was his first since April 13, a shockingly long stretch for the power-hitting backstop who hit 141 combined homers in the last four seasons. In 199 plate appearances, Perez is slashing .223/.258/.346 with three home runs, 14 doubles and 23 RBI.
May 4 2025Perez (hip) will serve as the Royals' designated hitter and bat cleanup in Sunday's game against the Orioles. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kansas City held Perez out of the lineup for the first two games of the series due to a sore left hip he sustained Thursday, but the 34-year-old has evidently displayed enough improvement to make his return. The Royals haven't indicated when Perez might be ready to resume full-time duties behind the plate, however, so he could be confined to the DH spot for a few more games. Luke Maile, who's getting the start Sunday, and Freddy Fermin will pick up more work at catcher until Perez is deemed ready to play defense.
May 3 2025Perez (hip) isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Orioles. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez will miss a second consecutive game Saturday after leaving Thursday's contest with left hip soreness. Freddy Fermin will get the nod at catcher and bat eighth, and Cavan Biggio will work as Kansas City's designated hitter while batting seventh.
May 2 2025Perez (hip) is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Orioles. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez exited Thursday's game against the Rays early with left hip soreness and will get at least one day off. With Perez idle, Freddy Fermin will catch and bat eighth, while Mark Canha gets the nod at designated hitter and hits sixth for Kansas City.
May 1 2025Perez was removed from Thursday's game against the Rays due to left hip soreness, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It's not clear when or how Perez was hurt, but he was pinch-hit for by Cavan Biggio in the top of the sixth inning. Consider Perez day-to-day for now, but the Royals should offer more clarity on his status after the game. He had an RBI double in one of his three plate appearances before exiting.
Apr 13 2025Perez went 1-for-4 with a home run and two RBI in Sunday's 4-2 victory over the Guardians. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez has had a slow start to the season, as he's hitting .213 with two home runs and a .606 OPS in 16 games. He has a four-game hitting streak, so perhaps this home run will get him going at the plate.
Mar 7 2025Perez (eye) is starting behind the plate and batting cleanup in Friday's Cactus League game against the Angels. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The veteran catcher departed Wednesday's spring game due to a laceration under his left eye but will return to action after sitting out just one game. After posting a .786 OPS with 27 homers during the regular season last year, Perez has gone just 2-for-11 through five Cactus League games.
Mar 6 2025Perez has bruising under his left eye Thursday, but he said that he is "all good," Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez was removed from Wednesday's Cactus League game versus Seattle due to a laceration. According to the catcher, he will still practice Thursday and play in Friday's spring training game against the Angels.
Mar 5 2025Perez was removed from Wednesday's Cactus League game against the Mariners due to a laceration under his left eye. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Not much is known regarding the severity of Perez's injury, but the Royals are going to continue monitoring his eye, and there's a good chance he'll be held out of action for a game or two. In the meantime, Freddy Fermin and Luke Maile should get more looks behind the dish.
Sep 29 2024Perez is not in the starting lineup for Sunday's game against Atlanta. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Freddy Fermin will start behind home plate and bat seventh in the Royals' regular-season finale. Unless Perez comes in to pinch hit Sunday, he'll end the regular season with a slash line of .271/.330/.456 with 27 home runs and 104 RBI across 651 plate appearances.
Sep 13 2024Perez went 2-for-3 with a two-run home run and a walk in Friday's 8-3 win over the Pirates. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez provided a big knock with a homer in the second inning to cap a six-run rally. He's hit safely and driven in at least one run in five straight contests, posting two homers and eight RBI in that span. The catcher is up to 27 long balls, 103 RBI, 57 runs scored, 27 doubles and a .280/.342/.482 slash line through 145 games this season.
Sep 11 2024Perez went 2-for-3 with two RBI in Tuesday's 5-0 win over the Yankees. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez has six RBI over his last three games. That surge of run production has made him the sixth player in the majors this year to reach the 100-RBI threshold. For the year, he's at a .277/.337/.475 slash line with 26 home runs, 27 doubles, 56 runs scored and no stolen bases over 143 contests. With Vinnie Pasquantino (thumb) out through the end of the regular season, Perez has picked up more time at first base. He's played enough at catcher (83 games) and first base (43 games) to retain eligibility at both positions entering 2025.
Sep 9 2024Perez went 4-for-4 with a solo home run and two RBI singles during Monday's 10-4 loss to the Yankees. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez entered Monday's game 4-for-40 in his last 11 outings but burst out of the slump in extravagant fashion. The 34-year-old launched his 26th home run of the season and reached safely in all four at-bats. Perez is slashing .275/.335/.474 with 98 RBI and 56 runs in 2024.
Aug 27 2024Perez went 5-for-7 with two walks, two doubles, two home runs, three runs scored and six RBI across both games of Monday's doubleheader sweep of the Guardians. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The veteran slugger was behind the plate for the first game and DH'ed in the second, but Perez tore the cover off the ball no matter what his defensive responsibilities were. Both long balls came in the nightcap, as he launched a solo shot off Logan Allen in the fifth inning to snap a 4-4 tie before destroying a Tim Herrin curveball in the sixth for a grand slam. Perez has reeled off three straight multi-hit performances, boosting his August slash line to .302/.361/.616, and the 34-year-old is up to 25 homers on the season -- the fourth time in his career he's reached that threshold.
Aug 24 2024Perez went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run and an RBI double in Friday's 7-4 win over the Phillies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez did his damage early, opening the scoring with an RBI double in the first inning before his two-run blast in the third. Since Aug. 5, the catcher is batting a modest .255, but he has seven extra-base hits and 13 RBI over 15 contests in that span. He's matched his homer total from the last two years with 23 while adding 88 RBI, 51 runs scored, 23 doubles and a .276/.334/.474 slash line through 125 games this season.
Aug 19 2024Perez went 2-for-4 with a double and three RBI in Monday's 5-3 win over the Angels. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez opened the scoring with an RBI single in the third inning and then added a two-run double in the seventh that sealed the win for the Royals. The catcher has been as steady as ever in August, going 17-for-61 (.279) with 12 RBI over 16 contests this month. He's up to a .278/.336/.472 slash line with 22 home runs, 85 RBI, 50 runs scored and 22 doubles through 122 games this season.
Aug 14 2024Perez went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Tuesday's 13-3 loss to the Twins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez has hit safely in 10 of his 11 games in August, going 12-for-40 (.300) with three homers, three doubles and six RBI in that span. The catcher is up to 22 long balls this year, one shy of matching his total from each of the previous two campaigns. He's added a .280/.340/.479 slash line with 79 RBI, 49 runs scored, 20 doubles and no stolen bases over 117 contests this season.
Aug 10 2024Perez went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run and a walk in an 8-3 win against St. Louis on Saturday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez's seventh-inning, two-run blast gave the Royals a 6-2 lead. It was the catcher's second homer thus far in August, and he's batting .303 with five RBI through nine contests on the month. Perez is up to 21 long balls on the campaign, tied for second-most among MLB backstops behind Cal Raleigh (24).
Aug 2 2024Perez went 3-for-5 with a solo home run, an RBI double and three total runs scored in Friday's 9-2 win over Detroit. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez got the Royals on the board in the second inning, blasting a Tarik Skubal slider 448 feet for his 20th homer of the year. Perez would drive in a second run in the seventh with a double, extending Kansas City's lead to 7-2. The veteran backstop has been swinging a hot bat, going 9-for-22 (.409) while striking out just twice in his last five games. Overall, Perez is slashing .282/.339/.476 with 75 RBI and 46 runs scored through 440 plate appearances this season.
Jul 31 2024Perez went 3-for-4 with a double, a walk and two RBI in Wednesday's 10-3 win over the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez put the Royals ahead for good with an RBI single in the third inning, and he knocked in another run with a double in the fifth. The catcher hit .267 (24-for-90) with five home runs and 21 RBI over 23 contests in July. He's up to a .278/.336/.467 slash line, 19 home runs, 73 RBI, 43 runs scored and 17 doubles across 106 contests this year, and he's successfully bounced back from his June swoon.
Jul 26 2024Perez went 1-for-4 with a three-run home run in Friday's 6-0 win over the Cubs. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez put a bow on the Royals' six-run fifth inning with the team's lone extra-base hit of the contest. While his hot start to the season was erased when he batted .194 in June, Perez has bounced back to hit a more respectable .261 (18-for-69) over 18 contests in July. The catcher is up to 19 homers, 70 RBI, 42 runs scored, 16 doubles and a .278/.337/.474 slash line through 101 games this year.
Jul 22 2024Perez went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run and an additional RBI in Monday's 10-4 win over the Diamondbacks. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez put the Royals ahead for good with his third-inning homer and added a sacrifice fly in the sixth. The catcher is batting .268 (15-for-56) with four homers and 14 RBI over 15 contests in July. For the year, he's been a reliable power bat in the heart of the lineup with a .279/.341/.475 slash line, 18 homers, 66 RBI, 41 runs scored and 16 doubles through 98 games.
Jul 14 2024Perez went 2-for-4 with a solo home run and an additional run scored in Sunday's 5-4 loss to the Red Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez heads into the All-Star break 11-for-31 (.355) with three homers and eight RBI during his active eight-game hitting streak. The catcher is up to 17 homers on the year, giving him a good chance of surpassing the 23 he hit in each of the last two campaigns. He's added 62 RBI, 38 runs scored, 16 doubles and a .282/.343/.477 slash line over 94 contests.
Jul 13 2024Perez (cramps) will serve as Kansas City's designated hitter and bat fourth Saturday against the Red Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez had to leave Friday's contest in the eighth inning due to cramping, but he seems to be feeling well enough to hit Saturday while Freddy Fermin starts behind the dish. Perez is currently enjoying a six-game hitting streak, during which he's gone 8-for-23 with two homers and seven RBI.
Jul 12 2024Perez was removed from Friday's game against the Red Sox due to cramping. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Royals didn't specify where exactly Perez was hurting, but he was apparently in enough discomfort to warrant his removal in the eighth inning. His status for Saturday's contest is unclear, though it's possible he receives a day off in order to manage the issue.
Jul 10 2024Perez went 3-for-7 with two home runs and four RBI over both games of Wednesday's doubleheader sweep of St. Louis. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez started at catcher in Game 1 and recorded a 424-foot solo homer along with an RBI single. He was back in the lineup at DH in Game 2 and belted another solo shot while adding a sacrifice fly. Perez is up to 16 long balls on the campaign, tied for third-most among MLB backstops. He's also tied for the lead among catchers with 59 RBI.
Jun 30 2024Perez went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run and an additional RBI in Sunday's win against Cleveland. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez belted his 14th home run of the season Sunday, adding a third RBI on a fielder's choice. The 34-year-old had a rough June in which he batted just .194, but Perez remains one of the most reliable catchers in fantasy. On the season, Perez is batting .281 with 14 home runs, 16 doubles and 32 runs scored in 83 games played.
Jun 28 2024Perez went 2-for-4 with a solo homer and two RBI in Friday's 10-3 victory over the Guardians. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The veteran Royal crushed a titanic 447-foot solo homer off Triston McKenzie in the second inning to tie the game at 1-1. Perez later tallied an additional RBI with a single to drive Maikel Garcia home in the third. The 34-year-old appears to be heating up this homestand, hitting .368 (7-for-19) with two homers over the past five games.
Jun 25 2024Perez went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Monday's 4-1 win over the Marlins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez had gone 0-for-14 over his previous four games, and he'd gone seven contests without an extra-base hit. Both droughts ended when the catcher went back-to-back with Vinnie Pasquantino in the fourth inning, with Perez's homer serving as the decisive run. A poor June -- 11-for-57 (.157) over 20 games -- has taken some of the shine off of what was a strong start to the year for Perez. He's now slashing .280/.352/.462 with 12 homers, 46 RBI, 29 runs scored and 15 doubles through 77 contests.
Jun 16 2024Perez (knee) is in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Dodgers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez is battling a right knee sprain, but it's said to be relatively minor and he will tough it out Sunday as the designated hitter. It's uncertain when he may return to catching duties. The team recalled Austin Nola on Saturday and Nola's presence on the roster affords Perez and the Royals some time to get him right before he slots back in behind the plate.
Jun 15 2024Perez has a right knee sprain but is expected to be back in the lineup Sunday against the Dodgers or Tuesday against Oakland, Joel Goldberg of Bally Sports Kansas City reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: An MRI revealed Perez is dealing with just a minor sprain and some inflammation in his right knee, which is encouraging news after he was pulled from Friday's game against Los Angeles. While Perez is expected to be back in the lineup as soon as Sunday, it's possible he'll DH for a few games to get his knee back to full strength, especially after the Royals called up Austin Nola on Saturday.
Jun 14 2024Perez was pulled from Friday's game against the Dodgers due to right knee discomfort. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez hit a three-run homer in the fourth inning to give Kansas City a 3-0 lead, but his knee caused him to come out of the game during the eighth. It's unclear how severe the backstop's injury is, but the Royals should know more before Saturday's contest. If he does have to miss any amount of time, Freddy Fermin would be the next man up to serve as Kansas City's catcher.
Jun 13 2024Perez went 2-for-2 with three walks in Wednesday's 11-5 loss to the Yankees. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez walked three times in a game for the first time in his career. The catcher has gone just 6-for-33 (.182) over 10 contests in June, but he's shown rare patience at the plate by drawing eight walks in that span. For the season, he's at a .302/.381/.488 slash line with 10 home runs, 42 RBI, 26 runs scored, 15 doubles and no stolen bases, and his 9.0 percent walk rate is double his previous career high, which was in a 39-game sample as a rookie in 2011.
May 29 2024Perez went 2-for-4 with a solo home run, an RBI double and two total runs scored in Wednesday's 6-1 win over the Twins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez has hit safely in five straight games, going 6-for-21 (.286) in that span. The homer was his first since May 20 and his 10th of the year. He also crossed the 40-RBI mark Wednesday, getting him past halfway to matching his total of 80 RBI over 140 contests last year. The catcher is slashing .325/.386/.537 through 55 games in 2024.
May 20 2024Perez went 2-for-4 with a solo home run in Monday's 8-3 win over the Tigers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It was a close game until the sixth inning, when Perez ignited a six-run rally for the Royals with his solo shot. The catcher has hit safely in six straight games, going 10-for-21 (.476) in that span. the homer was his first since May 3. Perez remains one of the top hitters in baseball this season with a .341/.404/.565 slash line, nine long balls, 38 RBI, 19 runs scored and 11 doubles over 47 contests.
May 17 2024Perez went 3-for-3 with a double, a walk, one RBI and one run scored in Friday's 6-2 win over the Athletics. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez opened the scoring with an RBI single in the first inning and got one base three more times in Friday's victory. The veteran catcher is batting .294 (15-for-51) with seven extra-base hits and eight RBI contests in May. That's actually down from his overall numbers -- Perez is slashing a stellar .335/.403/.557 with eight home runs, 34 RBI, 18 runs scored and 11 doubles over 176 plate appearances. He last hit above .300 for a full season in the abbreviated 2020 campaign, so there is a high risk that he cools off eventually in 2024, but he's been excellent over the first quarter of the season.
May 8 2024Perez is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game versus the Brewers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez will receive a rare breather during the afternoon game. Freddy Fermin will fill in at catcher while Perez gets some rest.
May 4 2024Perez went 1-for-4 with a three-run home run during Friday's 7-1 victory over the Rangers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez's three-run shot off Jose Urena capped off a six-run seventh inning for the Royals and extended the backstop's hitting streak to four games. He has yet to show any signs of slowing down at the plate, slashing .351/.413/.605 with eight homers and 30 RBI across his first 126 plate appearances.
Apr 30 2024Perez (back) is starting at first base and batting cleanup Tuesday against the Blue Jays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez was scratched from Monday's starting nine due to back tightness, but he made an appearance off the bench and is back in the lineup a day later. The 33-year-old has enjoyed a strong start to 2024 with seven homers, 26 RBI and a .346/.404/.596 slash line through 29 games.
Apr 29 2024Perez was scratched from Monday's lineup versus the Blue Jays due to back tightness, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez had been slated to catch and bat cleanup, but now Freddy Fermin will be behind the plate and Nelson Velazquez will move up to the cleanup spot. Consider Perez day-to-day.
Apr 25 2024Perez went 1-for-2 with a two-run home run during Thursday's 2-1 win over the Blue Jays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Although Thursday's game was called after five innings due to poor weather, Perez managed to make an impact, swatting a two-run shot off Jose Berrios in the first frame. Over the Royals last two series', Perez is batting .435 with eight RBI and one strikeout across 27 plate appearances.
Apr 21 2024Perez went 3-for-5 with a home run and five RBI in a loss against the Orioles on Saturday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez got the Royals on the board with a three-run homer off Corbin Burnes in the bottom of the sixth and then singled home another two runs in the seventh, almost single-handedly bringing Kansas City back to within one run of Baltimore. It marked the fourth three-hit game of the season for the veteran catcher and his seventh multi-hit performance overall. He's now batting .359 in April with five homers, 18 RBI and nine runs scored.
Apr 18 2024Perez (groin) went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in a 4-2 win over the White Sox in the first game of Wednesday's doubleheader. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez returned from a Grade 1 left groin strain Wednesday and delivered the key hit in the Royals' matinee win. He also went 0-for-2 with two walks in the nightcap while serving as the designated hitter. He appears good to go moving forward after the injury scare. The veteran catcher is off to a hot start with five homers, 17 RBI, nine runs scored and two doubles while slashing .324/.370/.574 over 18 contests this season.
Apr 17 2024Perez (groin) will start at catcher and bat cleanup Wednesday in the first game of a doubleheader with the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez missed Monday's 2-0 win after being diagnosed with a Grade 1 left groin strain and had been slated to sit out Tuesday's contest before it was rained out. However, with another day of rest, Perez is back behind the plate for the afternoon game. Freddy Fermin will surely catch the second game Wednesday, but it's possible Perez could play first base or serve as the designated hitter in the nightcap.
Apr 16 2024Perez (groin) is not in the lineup for Tuesday's contest versus the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez will miss a second straight start after being diagnosed with a Grade 1 left groin strain. He intends to attempt to play through the injury, but with an afternoon game Wednesday representing the Royals' final game of their road trip, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Perez at least held out until Friday following Thursday's off day. Freddy Fermin will catch Tuesday.
Apr 15 2024Perez said Monday that an MRI revealed a Grade 1 groin strain, and he hopes to play Tuesday against the White Sox, Joel Goldberg of Bally Sports Kansas City reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez will sit out after being pulled from Sunday's game. He noted that he's experiencing no pain in the area, and he attempted to lobby Royals manager Matt Quatraro to play Monday. Perez has started the season strong, slashing .339/.369/.565 with four home runs and 15 RBI over 65 plate appearances.
Apr 14 2024Perez was removed from Sunday's game against the Mets with left groin and hip injuries, Joel Goldberg of Bally Sports Kansas City reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez started at catcher Sunday and went 1-for-2 with a double before being lifted from the contest after a collision at home plate. The specifics of the injury are unclear, so the 33-year-old should be considered day-to-day heading into Monday's series opener versus the White Sox.
Apr 13 2024Perez went 2-for-5 with a home run and four total RBI in Saturday's win over the Mets. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez's hit in the fourth inning was initially ruled a double, but it was overturned to a home run upon review, as the tape showed that the ball was deflected by Brandon Nimmo over the left-field wall at Citi Field. It was the fourth homer of the season for Perez and the 250th of his illustrious career. Perez is still the leader in the Kansas City clubhouse and continues to play nearly every day between catcher and first base.
Apr 5 2024Perez went 3-for-3 with a double, one RBI and a walk in Friday's 2-1 win over the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez turned in his third three-hit game of the season, but it was his walk that set up the go-ahead run. He was replaced by pinch runner Dairon Blanco, who stole second and scored on an MJ Melendez single in the eighth inning. Perez is batting .387 with two home runs, nine RBI, one double and four runs scored over 33 plate appearances for a strong start to 2024.
Apr 4 2024Perez went 3-for-4 with two RBI in Wednesday's 4-3 loss to the Orioles. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez had RBI singles in his first two at-bats of the game. The catcher has racked up nine hits over the last four contests, and he's added eight RBI in that span. He was a little quiet to start the season, but it's taken little time for him to get into form. Perez looks set to see a near everyday role between catcher, designated hitter and first base, and he's batted cleanup in every game so far.
Apr 2 2024Perez went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in Monday's 6-4 loss to the Orioles. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez went 0-for-7 over the first two games of the season, but he's now homered twice and driven in six runs over the last two contests. The catcher is dialed in and has little risk of losing playing time -- he's started behind the dish three times and played at first base in his other game. Perez could also be the designated hitter on occasion, but manager Matt Quatraro looks committed to getting his bat in the lineup a vast majority of the time.
Mar 31 2024Perez went 3-for-5 with a three-run homer, four RBI and two runs scored in Sunday's 11-0 win over the Twins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez started off the game with a splash, launching a three-run home run off Minnesota starter Bailey Ober in the first inning, driving in teammates Bobby Witt and Vinnie Pasquantino in the process. He later added an RBI single in the second inning and another base knock in the third frame. Perez came into Sunday hitless through the first two games of the season, so he'll look to build off his impressive performance moving forward.
Mar 2 2024Perez went 1-for-12 over his first four Cactus League games. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez's slow start in spring is of no concern -- per Anne Rogers of MLB.com, Perez is still the Royals' starting catcher. It's very possible the continued growth of Freddy Fermin could lead to fewer games behind the dish for Perez in 2024. He appeared in a career-high 52 games somewhere other than catcher last season, including 23 contests at first base, though that position belongs to Vinnie Pasquantino. Perez is unlikely to be an everyday player, but it's not unusual to see him get into 140 games if he stays healthy.
Oct 1 2023Perez went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Saturday's 5-2 loss to the Yankees. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez has gone 8-for-24 (.333) with two homers and seven RBI over six games since returning from the 7-day concussion injured list. His numbers through 139 games this season have largely been in line with what he did in 114 contests in 2022. Perez is slashing .256/.294/.424 with 23 homers, 79 RBI, 59 runs scored and 21 doubles entering the final game of 2023.
Sep 29 2023Perez went 3-for-4 with a walk, one double, three RBI and one run scored in Friday's win over the Yankees. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez collected two hits and drove in two runs in the first inning alone to continue a red-hot September. He later added another RBI to go along with reaching base four times on the evening. Perez is closing out his season on a high note, hitting .319 with three homers, 21 RBI and seven runs scored over 72 at-bats this month.
Sep 24 2023Perez (concussion) went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in Sunday's 6-5 win over the Astros. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez missed just over a week with the concussion he sustained Sept. 16. He ended a 12-game homer drought in his return, blasting an offering from Hunter Brown into the seats in the third inning. It's still been a bit of a down year for Perez, who is batting .252 with a .711 OPS, 22 homers, 74 RBI, 57 runs scored and 20 doubles over 134 contests.
Sep 22 2023Perez (concussion) is on track to be activated from the 7-day injured list when first eligible Sunday, Joel Goldberg of Bally Sports Kansas City reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez was placed on the 7-day concussion injured list Monday after taking a hard foul tip off his mask last weekend, but that seems to have been a precautionary move. He passed another concussion protocol test Friday and even went through a full workout. Logan Porter has been drawing the majority of starts at catcher for the Royals during Perez's absence.
Sep 18 2023Perez was placed on the 7-day injured list Monday with a concussion. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Royals said initially that Perez avoided a concussion when he was removed from Saturday's game versus the Astros following a foul tip to the mask. However, some symptoms must have cropped up since then, forcing Perez to the IL. Perez will be eligible for activation Sunday, but as is the case with all players recovering from concussions, it's difficult to project when he might be ready. With Freddy Fermin (finger) out for the season, the Royals are left with Logan Porter and Tyler Cropley as their available catchers.
Sep 17 2023Perez (head) is not in the lineup Sunday against the Astros. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez was lifted from Saturday's game versus Houston after taking a foul ball to the face in the fifth inning, but he has been cleared of a concussion and is considered day-to-day. Logan Porter will do the catching for the Royals on Sunday afternoon.
Sep 16 2023Perez sustained a non-concussive head injury that forced him to leave Saturday's game versus the Astros. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez took a foul ball to the face in the fifth inning, but the initial diagnosis suggests he's avoid a worst-case scenario. The catcher can be considered day-to-day, though it wouldn't be surprising to see him sit out Sunday's series finale. The Royals open a three-game home series versus the Guardians on Monday.
Sep 13 2023Perez went 3-for-5 with two RBI in Wednesday's 7-1 win over the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez has logged multiple hits in five of his 11 games in September, and he's now batting .319 (15-for-47) this month. While his contact is up, he's not hitting for a lot of power -- he has just two extra-base hits in September, and both were home runs Sept. 1. The catcher is at a .253/.293/.415 slash line with 21 home runs, 69 RBI, 55 runs scored and 19 doubles through 131 contests overall, numbers largely similar to his 114-game 2022 campaign.
Sep 9 2023Perez went 3-for-5 with one RBI in Friday's 5-4 loss to the Blue Jays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez has a trio of multi-hit efforts over his six games in September, going 8-for-27 (.296) with seven RBI in that span. With Freddy Fermin (finger) going on the injured list for what could be a season-ending injury, Perez will likely move back behind the dish on a more permanent basis. The 33-year-old veteran has a .249/.289/.418 slash line with 21 home runs, 64 RBI, 53 runs scored and 19 doubles over 126 contests in what's been a bit of a down year.
Sep 6 2023Perez is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game versus the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It looks to be a routine day off for the star catcher. Freddy Fermin will catch Jordan Lyles on Wednesday as Perez gets some rest.
Sep 1 2023Perez went 3-for-5 with two home runs and four RBI in Friday's win over Boston. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez was dealing with some back/neck soreness earlier this week but showed no signs of it Friday. He smacked a solo shot in the first inning and a two-run blast in the sixth. Perez was stuck in a 10-for-49 (.204) funk since his last home run Aug. 14. He's now slashing .250/.293/.427 with 40 extra-base hits and 61 RBI through 499 plate appearances.
Aug 30 2023Perez was scratched from the lineup Wednesday versus the Pirates due to back/neck tightness. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Nelson Velazquez will move into the DH role as Dairon Blanco enters the lineup to cover right field. Freddy Fermin is doing the catching for the Royals, as originally planned. Perez can be considered day-to-day.
Aug 17 2023Perez is not in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Mariners. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez caught last night's loss to Seattle, so he'll get some rest for this afternoon contest as the Royals try for a series split. Freddy Fermin will do the catching Thursday.
Aug 14 2023Perez went 2-for-4 with a three-run home run and a sacrifice fly in Monday's 7-6 win over the Mariners. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez got the scoring started with his first-inning blast and added a tying run on his sac fly in the ninth. The catcher has been all-or-nothing lately with three multi-hit efforts and three 0-fers in his last six games. Overall, he's at a .251/.295/.437 slash line with 19 homers, 53 RBI, 46 runs scored and 19 doubles through 107 contests this season.
Aug 12 2023Perez went 4-for-4 with one double, a home run, four RBI and two runs scored in Friday's victory over the Cardinals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez opened the floodgates for Kansas City with a two-run double in the first, then followed with a solo home run in the second to put the Royals up by nine. Perez now has 17 home runs on the season but has been struggling since the start of June, entering the game with a .204 batting average to go along with just five homers and 13 RBI over that stretch. Perhaps this performance will help springboard the 33-year-old veteran to a big finish to his season.
Aug 8 2023Perez (hand) is back in the lineup Tuesday at Boston. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez will start at catcher and bat cleanup versus the Red Sox and right-hander Kutter Crawford after taking a pitch off his left hand in Sunday's series finale against the Phillies. He suffered only a bruise.
Aug 7 2023Perez (hand) is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Red Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Though he'll be on the bench for the series opener at Fenway Park, Perez appears to have avoided a major injury scare after he was removed from Sunday's 8-4 loss to the Phillies when he was hit in the left hand by a pitch. X-rays later cleared Perez of any structural damage, so he'll be viewed as day-to-day while he heals up from the hand contusion. With Perez on the bench Monday, Freddy Fermin will start behind the plate while Matt Beaty gets the nod at first base.
Aug 6 2023Perez was diagnosed with a bruised left hand after exiting Sunday's game against the Phillies after two innings, Jaylon T. Thompson of The Kansas City Star reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: While serving as the Royals' starting catcher Sunday, Perez went 1-for-1 with a base hit and a run before leaving the contest following his second plate appearance of the day, when he was hit in the hand by a pitch. Fortunately for the veteran backstop, initial scans ruled out any structural damage. Perez could be dealing with soreness or swelling to the hand, however, making it uncertain if he'll be ready to return to the lineup for Monday's series opener in Boston.
Jul 24 2023Perez went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in Monday's 5-3 win over the Guardians. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez's sixth-inning blast gave the Royals enough of a cushion to secure the win. The catcher has gone deep in back-to-back games since he snapped a 19-game power drought. He's hitting just .214 (12-for-56) in July, a slump that's dropped him to a .246/.287/.438 slash line with 17 homers, 43 RBI, 40 runs scored and 15 doubles through 90 contests overall.
Jul 19 2023Perez (hamstring) went 0-for-3 with a hit-by-pitch in Wednesday's 3-2 loss to the Tigers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez was out for two days while dealing with a Grade 1 plus hamstring strain, but he was able to avoid the injured list. He played all nine innings behind the dish before Edward Olivares replaced him as a pinch runner. Through 11 contests in July, Perez is batting .278 (10-for-36) with a 2:10 BB:K. The catcher is slashing .255/.298/.440 through 85 contests overall.
Jul 18 2023Perez isn't in the Royals' lineup Tuesday against the Tigers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Though Perez will miss his second start after suffering a Grade 1 plus strain in his left hamstring Sunday against Tampa Bay, he participated in activities before Tuesday's game and is progressing nicely, per Anne Rogers of MLB.com. Freddy Fermin will once again start behind the dish and bat sixth while Perez recovers.
Jul 17 2023Perez has been diagnosed with a Grade 1 plus left hamstring strain, Jaylon T. Thompson of The Kansas City Star reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez had to depart Sunday's game versus the Rays with the injury and is not in Monday's lineup against the Tigers. It sounds like the Royals are optimistic he can avoid a stint on the injured list, though, with a return in the next few days possible. Freddy Fermin is catching Monday.
Jul 16 2023Perez was diagnosed with a hamstring strain after leaving Sunday's game against the Rays, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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.
Jul 15 2023Perez went 5-for-8 with a double over both games of Saturday's doubleheader versus Tampa Bay. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez was a perfect 4-for-4 in Game 1, notching his first four-hit effort of the campaign. It was a promising start to the second half after the veteran catcher sputtered to a 4-for-43 mark and failed to hit a home run over his final 12 games before the All-Star break. Perez's double in the matinee of the twin bill was his first extra-base hit of any kind since he slugged a long ball June 23 against the Rays.
Jul 8 2023Perez will be on the bench during Saturday's game against the Guardians. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez will hit the bench after starting four consecutive games behind the plate. His numbers suggest he's probably looking forward to the All-Star break, as he's gone 3-for-40 at the plate over his last 11 games. Freddy Fermin will be Saturday's catcher.
Jul 4 2023Perez (foot) will catch and bat cleanup Tuesday versus the Twins in his return to the lineup. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez sat out Monday because of a little soreness in his foot after he was hit by a ball Sunday. He's fine, though, and ready to catch for Zack Greinke in this one.
Jul 3 2023Perez is absent from the Royals' lineup Monday due to a sore foot as a result of being hit by a pitch in Sunday's win over the Dodgers, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Manager Matt Quatraro said that Perez could have served as the team's designated hitter, but he wanted to be safe with the slugger. Perez will be available off the bench and would seem to have a good shot to return to the lineup Tuesday.
Jun 28 2023Perez (eye) is hitting second and catching versus the Guardians on Wednesday, Joel Goldberg of Bally Sports Kansas City reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez underwent a procedure on his eye to help with his vision issues, and he's back in the starting lineup for Wednesday's affair against the Guardians. The backstop has hit 15 homers in 71 games for the Royals in 2023 with a .772 OPS across his 278 at-bats.
Jun 27 2023Perez underwent an eye procedure Monday to help with his lingering vision issues, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It's not as bad it sounds on the surface, as Perez has undergone a similar procedure before and could be available off the bench Tuesday night against the Guardians. Freddy Fermin is starting behind the plate for the Royals.
Jun 24 2023Perez (hamstring) is serving as the designated hitter and hitting third Saturday against the Rays, Joel Goldberg of Bally Sports Kansas City reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez was forced to leave Friday's game in the sixth inning with hamstring cramps, though he managed to slug his 15th home run of the season prior to his exit. He won't miss any additional time, though he'll get a defensive rest, with Freddy Fermin starting at catcher.
Jun 23 2023Perez was removed from Friday's game versus the Rays due to cramps in his right hamstring. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run prior to his exit. Freddy Fermin entered the game in the sixth inning and would likely see a bump in playing time if Perez is forced to miss any additional time beyond Friday. Perez has been one of the Royals' best players, hitting .270 with 15 homers and 39 RBI over 69 contests this season.
Jun 17 2023Perez (hand) will bat third and start behind the plate Saturday against the Angels. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez had been out of action since taking a pitch off his hand in Wednesday's game against the Reds, but he'll return having missed just one start. Perez had reached base safely in five consecutive games prior to the injury, homering twice.
Jun 16 2023Perez (hand) is out of the lineup Friday against the Angels. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez took a pitch off his left hand in Wednesday's series finale against the Reds and is day-to-day with a contusion leading into the Royals' three-game weekend set versus the visiting Angels. Freddy Fermin will catch and bat sixth Friday.
Jun 14 2023Perez made an early exit from Wednesday's game against Cincinnati due to a left hand contusion and is listed as day-to-day. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez was hit by a pitch in the third inning of Wednesday's contest, but doesn't appear to have suffered any significant damage. The Royals have an off day Thursday, giving Perez an extra day to heal before potentially returning Friday against the Angels.
Jun 13 2023Perez went 2-for-5 with a solo home run in Monday's 5-4 extra-inning loss to the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez seems to be getting back on track with multiple hits, including a homer, in each of his last two games. Prior to his recent success, his last long ball came May 27. The catcher is slashing .275/.310/.513 with 14 homers, 37 RBI, 31 runs scored and 14 doubles through 60 contests as a fixture in the lineup. He's hit second in the last four games after batting third or fourth for much of the season.
Jun 12 2023Perez went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run, a double and an additional run scored in Sunday's 11-3 loss to the Orioles. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez went 11 games between homers, and he hit just .186 (8-for-43) in that span. The catcher hit well for much of May, but he's struggled a bit with consistency at the plate to begin June. He has multiple hits in three games this month, but he's also gone 0-fer five times. For the season, he's slashing .273/.308/.502 with 13 homers, 36 RBI, 30 runs scored and 14 doubles over 59 contests.
Jun 6 2023Perez went 2-for-4 with a double, an RBI and a run scored in Monday's loss against Miami. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez extended Kansas City's lead to 2-0 with an RBI single in the first inning before smacking a leadoff double in the eighth. After struggling the first few weeks of the season, Perez is batting .321 with a .955 OPS over his subsequent 34 games. The 33-year-old veteran has proven he's still one of the better fantasy options behind the plate. Perez is slashing .282/.316/.512 with 12 homers, 28 runs scored and 34 RBI through 228 plate appearances.
May 28 2023Perez went 2-for-4 with a solo home run in Saturday's 4-2 loss to the Nationals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez has three homers and seven RBI over his last six games while batting .360 (9-for-25) in that span. The catcher is over halfway to matching his 23 homers from last season -- he now has 12 through 47 contests. He's also been one of the few reliable bats in the Royals' lineup, slashing .288/.327/.549 with 32 RBI, 26 runs scored and 12 doubles while primarily batting third this season.
May 24 2023Perez is not in the starting lineup Wednesday versus the Tigers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez is presumably getting a routine maintenance day in the series finale after catching 10 innings Monday and another full game Tuesday. Freddy Fermin will start behind the plate and bat seventh for the Royals on Wednesday.
May 23 2023Perez went 1-for-5 with a solo home run in Monday's 8-5 extra-inning loss to the Tigers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez's blast tied the game at 3-3 in the first inning, though the scoring simmered down after that. While the catcher has gone yard twice in the last three games, he's hitting just .172 (5-for-29) over his last seven contests. He's still been one of the Royals' most productive hitters with 11 homers, 27 RBI, 24 runs scored, 11 doubles and a .279/.319/.535 slash line through 44 games this season.
May 21 2023Perez went 3-for-4 with a double and solo home run in Saturday's 5-1 loss to the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez's solo shot in the first was the only scoring for Kansas City on Saturday. The veteran catcher added a single in the fourth and double in the sixth, marking his third multi-hit game this season. Perez remains one of the best offensive catchers in MLB during his age-33 season and is slashing .288/.330/.540 with 10 home runs and 26 RBI across 42 games (176 plate appearances).
May 15 2023Perez went 2-for-4 with a solo homer and two runs scored in Sunday's loss to the Brewers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez got going quickly with a 433-foot blast to center field to put the Royals up 1-0. He singled his next time up in the third and wound up scoring again. Perez has already collected six multi-hit efforts over 12 games in May and is slashing .381/.438/.857 with six homers, 10 RBI, 13 runs and a 4:11 BB:K over that span. After Sunday, Perez sits at nine home runs, which has put him in a tie with Sean Murphy for most among catchers.
May 13 2023Perez went 2-for-4 with a solo home run Saturday in a loss to the Brewers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After sitting out Friday due to blurred vision, Perez was back behind the plate Saturday. The backstop appeared to be past the vision issue, as he collected a pair of hits, including a solo homer in the fifth inning. Perez is up to eight long balls on the campaign, second-most among MLB backstops.
May 12 2023Perez was scratched from Friday's lineup because of blurry vision, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Royals manager Matt Quatraro told reporters before Friday's game against the Brewers that Perez has been treated for his vision issues and it's expected to clear up soon. "Just a matter of when," Quatraro said. Perez may need to sit another day or two, but it doesn't appear that this will be a long-term concern for the veteran backstop.
May 11 2023Perez is absent from the Royals' lineup for Thursday's game versus the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez has a 1.190 OPS through nine contests in May will get some rest for the day game after a Wednesday night game. Freddy Fermin will catch Brady Singer in the series finale against Chicago.
May 8 2023Perez went 3-for-4 with a solo homer and three runs scored in Sunday's 5-1 win over the Athletics. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez notched his second three-hit effort of the year and his second multi-hit performance in as many games. He started things off with a solo home run in the first and followed up with singles in the fourth and eighth innings and scored both times. The 33-year-old has been seeing the ball well so far, slashing .290/.341/.516 with seven homers, 19 RBI, 17 runs and a 6:23 BB:K over 135 plate appearances. He's currently striking out just 17 percent of the time, which would be his first mark underneath 20 percent since 2018.
May 4 2023Perez went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run and a walk in a loss to the Orioles on Thursday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez left Tuesday's game against Baltimore with a finger contusion, but he was back behind the plate Wednesday and served as KC's designated hitter Thursday. The veteran showed that the finger isn't hampering his swing when he swatted a two-run shot to right field in the third inning. Perez is up to six long balls on the campaign, putting him well on pace for his seventh straight full season with 20-plus homers.
May 3 2023Perez (finger) will start at catcher and bat third in Wednesday's game against the Orioles, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez was pulled late in Tuesday's 11-7 loss after getting hit on his left middle finger by a backswing, but he checked out fine after the game and will be back behind the plate a night later.
May 2 2023The Royals announced that Perez is day-to-day after leaving Tuesday's game against the Orioles with a contusion on his left middle finger. X-rays returned negative. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez was hit in the finger on the backswing in the eighth inning on a swing from Anthony Santander. The backstop may end up missing a game or two with the bruise, but it does appear he's avoided a significant injury. Freddy Fermin should handle catching duties while Perez is unavailable.
Apr 28 2023Perez went 3-for-4 with a home run and three RBI in Friday's loss to Minnesota. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez opened the scoring with a sacrifice fly in the first inning before knocking a 416-foot solo shot in the sixth. He later added an RBI base hit in the seventh. He's produced three straight multi-hit games, bumping his season slash line to .266/.307/.436 with 10 extra-base hits and 12 RBI through 101 plate appearances. Perez was back in the lineup Friday after missing the previous two games.
Apr 27 2023Perez (back) said he expects to return to the Royals' lineup Friday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez sat out Wednesday and is absent again Thursday after taking a 95 mph fastball off his back in Tuesday's win over the Diamondbacks, but there doesn't seem to be a ton of concern. He is planning to take pregame batting practice Thursday to see if he might be an option off the bench in the Royals' series opener against the Twins.
Apr 3 2023Perez is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Blue Jays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: MJ Melendez will catch as Perez gets his first day off of the season. Perez is 4-for-11 with a pair of doubles in the early going.
Mar 3 2023Perez went 2-for-3 with a home run, three RBI and a stolen base in Thursday's Cactus League win over the Angels. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez showed off an unforeseen power and speed combination Thursday, though he shouldn't be expected to run much when the regular season starts. The catcher has never attempted more than two steals in a season, and he has just six stolen bases in his career. He'll be looking to bounce back in the power department after slugging a three-year low .465 with 23 homers and 23 doubles in 114 contests in 2022. Perez should see the bulk of the playing time behind the dish, while MJ Melendez is expected to spell him at times, though Perez often serves as the designated hitter when he's not catching.
Oct 5 2022Perez (thumb) isn't starting Wednesday against the Guardians. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez continues to deal with a minor thumb issue, and he'll remain on the bench for a fourth consecutive game to close out the season. It seems unlikely that the issue will significantly impact his offseason program.
Oct 4 2022Perez (thumb) is not in Tuesday's lineup against the Guardians. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He has been out for a few days due to a minor thumb injury. Perez's last chance to get back in a game this season will be Wednesday.
Oct 3 2022Perez (thumb) is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Guardians. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez's sore left thumb will keep him on the bench for the second day in a row, but the Royals haven't yet placed him on the injured list and presumably remain hopeful that he might be able to start in either of the remaining two games on the team's 2022 schedule. MJ Melendez will get a turn behind the dish Monday in Perez's stead.
Oct 2 2022Perez (thumb) is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Guardians. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez left Saturday's game with a sore thumb, and he will get at least one day to rest and recover. MJ Melendez will replace Perez behind the plate.
Oct 1 2022Perez left Saturday's game in the seventh inning with thumb soreness, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez's early exit was considered precautionary, and it's possible he still plays Sunday. It wasn't obvious the thumb was bothering him, as he went 4-for-4 with a home run and two RBI in the contest. He's up to 23 homers in 114 games this season, which has seen him bothered by his thumb at various times since May.
Sep 22 2022Perez went 3-for-4 with a double, an RBI and a run scored in Wednesday's win over Minnesota. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez tallied an RBI double off starter Bailey Ober to put Kansas City up 2-0 in the first inning. The catcher has been hot at the plate with four multi-hit performances in his last seven games, recording a .690 slugging percentage over 29 at-bats. In addition, the 32-year-old has knocked in a run in six straight games.
Sep 18 2022Perez went 2-for-4 with a solo home run in Sunday's 13-3 loss to the Red Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez has enjoyed a fruitful September with three homers, eight RBI and five multi-hit efforts in 15 contests. The catcher went yard off Red Sox starter Nick Pivetta in the fifth inning for the Royals' last run in Sunday's blowout loss. Perez has 22 homers, 71 RBI, 43 runs scored, 18 doubles and a triple while slashing .249/.285/.464 through 103 contests. He reached the 100-hit mark for the eighth time in nine years, with the lone exception being the shortened 2020 campaign.
Sep 15 2022Perez went 2-for-4 with a solo home run in a loss to the Twins on Thursday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez brought Kansas City within a run with his solo shot off Dylan Bundy in the fourth inning, but that ended up being the final run of the contest. The long ball was his 21st of the season, tied for third-most among MLB catchers. While he remains one of the league's most powerful backstops, Perez is very unlikely to approach the 48 long balls he slammed last season.
Sep 7 2022Perez went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Tuesday's 4-1 loss to the Guardians. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez had one of the Royals' four hits in the contest, which was the only one that went for extra bases against Cleveland ace Shane Bieber. Over his last eight games, Perez has gone 9-for-29 (.310) with three homers, seven RBI, four runs scored and two doubles. The catcher is up to a .236/.276/.456 slash line with 65 RBI, 40 runs scored, 18 doubles and 20 homers, the sixth time in his 11-year career he's reached that milestone.
Sep 4 2022Perez (hand) is starting behind the plate and batting third Sunday against the Tigers, Joel Goldberg of Bally Sports Kansas City reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 32-year-old sat out Saturday's contest after being hit by a pitch on the right hand Friday, but he was diagnosed with a bruise after X-rays came back negative and will end up missing only one game. Perez is 0-for-7 through his first two games in September, though he finished August on a seven-game hitting streak, during which he had a 1.156 OPS.
Sep 3 2022Perez (hand) isn't starting Saturday against Detroit. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez sustained a right hand contusion Friday against the Tigers, but he underwent X-rays after the game that came back negative. He'll be on the bench for at least one matchup while MJ Melendez starts behind the plate and leads off.
Sep 2 2022Perez (hand) was diagnosed with a right hand contusion after exiting Friday's game against the Tigers, Joel Goldberg of Bally Sports Kansas City reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez was hit by a pitch on his right hand in the top of the sixth inning, but he underwent X-rays that came back negative. He seems to have avoided any structural damage, and he's considered day-to-day ahead of Saturday's matchup.
Sep 1 2022Perez (back) will start at catcher and bat third in Thursday's game against the White Sox, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez was scratched from the lineup ahead of Wednesday's 4-2 loss due to back tightness, but he apparently showed enough improvement overnight to step back in behind the dish for the series finale. He'll enter Thursday's contest riding a seven-game hit streak, during which he's slashed .448/.467.690 with two home runs, nine RBI and five runs.
Aug 31 2022Perez was scratched from Wednesday's lineup against the White Sox due to back tightness, Joel Goldberg of Bally Sports Kansas City reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez is in the midst of a seven-game hit streak during which he's gone 13-for-29 with two home runs, nine RBI and five runs, but back tightness will prevent him from starting as scheduled Wednesday. It's unclear if the veteran catcher will be available off the bench, and he should be considered day-to-day.
Aug 29 2022Perez went 3-for-5 with a two-run home run and an additional run scored in a 15-7 win over the Padres on Sunday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez went deep to left-center for his 18th home run of the 2022 campaign. He got off to a terribly cold start this season and was sidelined on a couple of occasions mid-season due to a thumb injury that eventually required surgery. Perez has been better since coming off the IL, and he came into the game slashing .280/.318/.430 with four home runs in August. He has hit at least 20 home runs in each full season of play dating back to 2015 and looks to be on the precipice of achieving that feat once again this year.
Aug 13 2022Perez went 1-for-4 with a two-RBI home run in an 8-3 loss to the Dodgers on Friday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After a miserable start to the season which was then exacerbated by injury, Perez has started showing signs of life. The power-hitting catcher has hit six homers since returning from thumb surgery on July 29. Perez is now slugging .540 in August and has 17 homers on the season. He has hit over 20 home runs in every full season of play dating back to 2015 and is on pace to extend the streak again this season if he can avoid re-aggravating his thumb.
Aug 10 2022Perez went 3-for-5 with a double, two RBI and a run scored in Wednesday's win versus the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez ripped an RBI double in the bottom of the sixth inning and came around to score on a Michael Massey single later in the frame. He later added two singles in including an RBI base knock in the eighth frame. Perez has compiled a .259 batting average with five homers, two doubles, 16 RBI and seven runs over 13 games since returning from the 10-day injured list July 29.
Aug 5 2022Perez went 1-for-5 with a solo home run and three strikeouts in Friday's 7-4 loss to the Red Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Since his return from the injured list July 29, Perez has crushed five homers and a double while racking up 14 RBI in eight contests. Despite the power surge, he's batting just .242 (8-for-33) since his return. For the season, he owns a .215/.252/.465 slash line with 16 homers, 48 RBI and 30 runs scored, but he's striking out at a career-worst 28.1 percent rate.
Aug 4 2022Perez went 2-for-4 with a three-run home run and an additional RBI in a 7-3 win against the Red Sox on Thursday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez gave Kansas City the lead with his RBI single in the fifth inning and later extended it in the seventh with a controversial three-run home run that went off the padding at the base of the left-field foul pole. The 32-year-old has batted a mediocre 7-for-28 since returning from a thumb injury July 29, though four of those hits have left the yard. Perez's 15 home runs tie him for the MLB lead at catcher despite the missed time and he's slashing .215/.253/.458.
Aug 1 2022Perez went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Monday's 2-1 win over the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez is up to three homers in four games since returning from thumb surgery, though he hasn't recorded any other hit in 16 at-bats in that span. His blast Monday opened the scoring, and it was a 452-foot moonshot that left his bat at 109.9 mph. The catcher is up to 14 long balls, 42 RBI and 28 runs scored while slashing .209/.249/.448 through 61 contests.
Jul 31 2022Perez went 1-for-5 with a three-run home run in Sunday's 8-6 win over the Yankees. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez is just 2-for-12 since returning from thumb surgery Friday, but he's made his two hits count -- both have been three-run blasts. His long ball Sunday was crushed, a 112.2 mph, 441-foot rocket to center field in the ninth inning to secure the victory. The catcher is slashing .209/.249/.438 with 13 long balls, 41 RBI, 27 runs scored and 13 doubles in 60 contests this year.
Jul 30 2022Perez went 1-for-4 with a three-run home run in Friday's 11-5 loss to the Yankees. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez made a quick return from surgery to repair the UCL in his left thumb, and he was able to make a big impact in his first game back. He hit .254 with an .875 OPS in 19 games in June prior to undergoing the procedure, so he had some momentum that he'll look to recapture. The catcher owns a .211/.254/.436 slash line this season while adding 12 homers, 37 RBI, 26 runs scored, 13 doubles and a triple through 58 contests. After serving as the designated hitter Friday, Perez will be behind the dish and batting third Saturday.
Jul 29 2022Perez (thumb) was reinstated from the 10-day injured list Friday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez was given an eight-week recovery timeline after undergoing surgery to repair the UCL in his left thumb June 24, but he'll instead rejoin the active roster after spending only five weeks on the IL. The 32-year-old appeared in three games during his rehab assignment with Triple-A Omaha this week, and he apparently showed enough to gain full clearance. Perez will bat third as the designated hitter in his first game back with the Royals.
Jul 25 2022Perez (thumb) will begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A Omaha on Tuesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez caught a bullpen session and participated in batting practice this weekend, and he'll return to game action Tuesday for the first time since late June. The 32-year-old underwent surgery on his left thumb June 24 and was initially expected to miss about eight weeks, but it appears likely that he'll be able to rejoin the Royals much earlier than expected.
Jul 10 2022Perez (thumb) was spotted taking part in some on-field work in his catcher's gear prior to the Royals' game Sunday against the Guardians, Joel Goldberg of Bally Sports Kansas City reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Notably, Perez was catching with a glove on his surgically repaired left thumb, which signals that he's responded well to the procedure he had June 24. The veteran backstop is still expected to be sidelined for nearly two months, so fantasy managers shouldn't plan on having him back in the lineup until late August. Until then, MJ Melendez will operate as the Royals' primary catcher.
Jun 24 2022Perez underwent surgery to repair the UCL in his left thumb Friday and is expected to be sidelined about eight weeks, Josh Vernier of 610 Sports Kansas City reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 32-year-old was placed on the injured list earlier Friday, and the team wasted little time getting him in for the procedure. Perez spent 10 days on the injured list with a thumb sprain in May, but he's now set to be sidelined for the next two months. MJ Melendez should operated as Kansas City's primary catcher in the meantime, with Cam Gallagher filling the backup role.
Jun 22 2022Perez (thumb), who is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Angels, is awaiting the results of an MRI he underwent earlier in the day, Lynn Worthy of The Kansas City Star reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 32-year-old aggravated his sprained left thumb during Tuesday's game, and his outlook is up in the air with the MRI results not yet known. Perez spent 10 days on the shelf with the injury in May, but it's unclear if he'll require a trip to the injured list this time around.
Jun 21 2022Perez was removed from Tuesday's game against the Angels after appearing to aggravate his left thumb injury, Joel Goldberg of Bally Sports Kansas City reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez appeared to aggravate the injury during the top of the third inning while fouling off four pitches amid a 10-pitch strikeout, and he was replaced behind the plate for the bottom of the frame. The 32-year-old spent time on the injured list with a sprained left thumb in May, and he's been unable to fully shake the injury since returning from the shelf.
Jun 20 2022Perez went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run in Monday's 6-2 win over the Angels. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez went 0-for-8 across his last two games, but he snapped that small skid Monday. His biggest hit was his eighth-inning two-run blast to give the Royals a three-run lead. The catcher has homered five times in 18 games in June while batting .257 (18-for-70). For the season, he's up to a .212/.252/.428 slash line with 11 long balls, 34 RBI, 25 runs scored and 13 doubles in 234 plate appearances.
Jun 17 2022Perez went 2-for-4 with a home run, a double, two RBI, two runs scored and a walk in Friday's 5-1 win over the Athletics. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez opened the scoring with an RBI double in the first inning, then went yard in the third. With six multi-hit efforts in his last 13 games, the catcher has worked his way out of a slump that weighed him down in late May. He's gone 16-for-51 (.314) in that span. Perez is up to 10 homers, 32 RBI, 24 runs scored, 13 doubles and a .214/.253/.429 slash line across 53 contests overall.
Jun 10 2022Perez went 2-for-4 with a home run, a double and three RBI in Friday's 8-1 win over Baltimore. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez knocked a two-run shot off of Bruce Zimmermann in the first inning before doubling in a run in the third. The veteran catcher entered June with an unsightly .191/.226/.362 slash line but he's improved it to .210/.246/.425 as he looks to be breaking out of an early-season funk. In nine games this month, Perez has gone 10-for-34 (.294) with seven extra-base hits and 12 RBI.
Jun 5 2022Perez went 2-for-3 with a home run, a double, three RBI and a walk in Sunday's 7-4 loss to the Astros. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez seems to be pulling out of his slump, as he's posted multiple extra-base hits in each of his last two games on the heels of a 1-for-23 skid. The catcher took Framber Valdez deep in the sixth inning and added an RBI double in the eighth in Sunday's loss. Perez is now slashing .199/.240/.404 with eight homers, 22 RBI, 17 runs scored and 10 doubles through 42 contests. It's the first time his slugging percentage has been over .400 since May 15.
Jun 4 2022Perez went 2-for-4 with a home run, a double, three RBI and two runs scored in Saturday's 6-0 win over the Astros. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez was just 1-for-23 in six games since he returned from the injured list due to a sprained left thumb. He busted a five-game hitless stretch and a nine-game homer drought in the sixth inning, and he added an RBI double to pad the Royals' lead during their four-run eighth. The catcher was back behind the dish Saturday after serving as the designated hitter Friday. Overall, he has a .190/.228/.374 slash line with seven homers, 19 RBI, 16 runs scored and nine doubles across 171 plate appearances. With MJ Melendez on the big-league roster, Perez may be able to rest his ailing thumb as the DH or with the occasional start at first base until he's feeling closer to 100 percent.
Jun 3 2022Perez is starting at designated hitter Friday against the Astros and may not be able to catch this weekend, Josh Vernier of 610 Sports Kansas City reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He was in the Royals' original lineup at catcher but was moved to DH as his ailing thumb continues to bother him. MJ Melendez is starting at catcher in Perez's place.
May 28 2022Perez (thumb) was reinstated from the 10-day injured list Saturday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez had been on the 10-day injured list since May 17, but he'll return to action after a relatively brief stint on the IL. The 32-year-old will serve as the designated hitter and bat cleanup Saturday, but he said he's fully healthy and expects to be available behind the dish as early as Sunday.
May 17 2022Perez (thumb) was placed on the 10-day injured last after Game 1 of Tuesday's doubleheader against the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 32-year-old suffered a sprained left thumb during the matinee and will now be sidelined for at least the next 10 days. It's unclear exactly how long Perez will be out as he continues to be evaluated, though he'll be eligible to be activated May 28. MJ Melendez should step in as Kansas City's primary catcher while Sebastian Rivero was promoted to handle backup duties.
May 14 2022Perez went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run in a loss to Colorado on Saturday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez's third-inning two-run shot temporarily tied the score 3-3, though the Royals eventually lost in a blowout. The long ball was the backstop's sixth of the campaign and his first since April 22 -- a span of 18 games. Perez is far off the pace that led to a career-high 48 homers last season, but he still leads all catchers in the category in 2022.
May 8 2022Perez went 4-for-9 with a double, an RBI and a run scored across both games of Sunday's doubleheader versus the Orioles. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Prior to Sunday, Perez was stuck in an 0-for-21 slump in his last five games. He had two hits in each game of the doubleheader, boosting his slash line to .192/.231/.394 with five home runs, 10 RBI and 10 runs scored through 25 contests. He'll continue to play a large majority of the Royals' games either behind the dish or as the designated hitter.
May 4 2022Perez is not in the lineup for Wednesday's series finale versus the Cardinals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The star catcher will get the day off Wednesday as MJ Melendez slots in behind the plate and will bat seventh. Perez is currently in the middle of a 2-for-34 slump at the plate with 14 strikeouts over that stretch. He'll look to use the extra day of rest to readjust and will presumably be back in the lineup Friday against the Orioles.
May 2 2022Perez went 0-for-4 in Monday's 1-0 loss to the Cardinals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Over his last seven games, Perez has struggled, going 2-for-29 with 12 strikeouts and just one walk in that span. The catcher showed some early power this season, but he's been unable to contribute much of anything lately. Overall, the 31-year-old is slashing .185/.233/.420 with five home runs, nine RBI, nine runs scored and four doubles in 21 games.
Apr 24 2022Perez (hand) will serve as the Royals' designated hitter and will bat third in Sunday's game against the Mariners. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez will be limited to a non-defensive role for the series finale after he was hit in the left hand by a pitch in Saturday's 13-7 loss, though the 31-year-old was probably due for a day off behind the plate anyway after catching each of the previous three days. Assuming Perez's hand provides no complications while he swings the bat Sunday, he should be a fixture in the Kansas City lineup during the team's upcoming six-game week.
Apr 23 2022Perez had X-rays on the hand hit by a pitch Saturday and they turned up negative, Lynn Worthy of The Kansas City Star reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It's still likely that Perez will get Sunday off, and an X-ray isn't always dispositive, but this is at least some optimistic news.
Apr 22 2022Perez went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in a 4-1 loss to Seattle on Friday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez took Seattle starter Chris Flexen deep to left in the sixth to account for Kansas City's lone run in the game. The backstop's power spree has carried over into 2022 as he's one of five players with five home runs thus far, though he's batting just .222 with only one walk.
Apr 21 2022Perez (eye) will start behind the plate Thursday against the Twins, batting cleanup and catching Zack Greinke, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez was scheduled to catch Tuesday but was shifted to designated hitter due to an eye issue which apparently prevented him from catching but not hitting. He remained at the designated hitter spot Wednesday but is ready to return to catching duties Thursday. He went 3-for-6 with a pair of homers during those two games as a designated hitter.
Apr 19 2022Perez went 2-for-3 with two solo homers and a walk in a 4-3 win Tuesday over Minnesota. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez homered in the fourth off starter Chris Archer and in the sixth off reliever Tyler Duffey. After going hitless in his first three games, the seven-time All-Star has four multi-hit games and two multi-homer games in his last six, slashing .348/.400/.913 in that span. He served as the designated hitter for the second time this season as an eye injury has limited his ability to catch.
Apr 13 2022Perez went 2-for-4 with a pair of solo home runs Tuesday in the Royals' 6-5 loss to the Cardinals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez had been quiet through Kansas City's first four games, but he rediscovered the power stroke Tuesday that he displayed frequently during his 48-homer campaign in 2021. Fantasy managers should expect a fair amount of downturn in his power production in 2022, but he'll still be an elite contributor in home runs, RBI and runs relative to most other catchers while also producing a non-toxic batting average. Perez is also projected to handle one of the heavier workloads among all catchers; he played in 161 games in 2021 and has yet to get a day off in 2022.
Mar 31 2022Perez went 3-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored in Wednesday's 9-5 loss to the Giants. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The three-hit game lifted Perez's spring slash line to .348/.375/.565 with a home run, two doubles, four RBI and five runs scored in eight games. The 31-year-old catcher appeared in a career-high 161 games last season, posting an eye-popping 48 homers, 121 RBI, 88 runs scored and a .273/.316/.544 slash line. He's likely to be a near-everyday presence either behind the dish or as the designated hitter -- don't expect Cam Gallagher to draw much playing time from Perez, who remains one of the top catchers in the league even with the threat of regression looming.
Sep 30 2021Perez (ankle) is starting Thursday's game against Cleveland. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez was removed from Wednesday's game against Cleveland due to a right ankle sprain, but he'll serve as the designated hitter and bat third a day later. He's recorded hits in each of his last four appearances and has gone 7-for-14 with two home runs, three doubles, six RBI and five runs during that time.
Sep 29 2021Perez was diagnosed with a right ankle sprain after leaving Wednesday's game against Cleveland, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez appeared to suffer the injury when he slipped on the dugout steps, and it's unclear how the issue will affect his availability for the final four games of the season. The 31-year-old went 1-for-2 with a three-run homer, his 48th long ball of the season, before leaving Wednesday's contest.
Sep 28 2021Perez went 2-for-3 with a solo home run, a double, a walk and three total runs in Tuesday's 6-4 victory versus Cleveland. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez exited Monday's contest with an apparent injury, but he turned out to be fine and was back behind the plate Tuesday. He appeared none the worse for wear, reaching base three times and belting a 429-foot solo shot in the sixth inning. Perez broke the MLB record for home runs by a catcher in a single season last week, and he now leads the league with 47 homers and 118 RBI on the campaign. His RBI total is the highest in a campaign for a catcher since Mike Piazza drove in 124 runs in 1999.
Sep 27 2021Perez was removed in the bottom of the eighth inning of Monday's game against Cleveland with an apparent injury, Lynn Worthy of The Kansas City Star reports. He went 2-for-4 with a double, two RBI and a run before exiting. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: An official reason for Perez's departure wasn't provided, but Worthy noted that the backstop was evaluated by trainers in the seventh inning after taking a foul ball off his mask. Perez stayed in the game and finished out the inning behind the plate before Cam Gallagher checked in for him to begin the bottom of the eighth. Kansas City may have just pulled Perez as a precaution, but manager Mike Matheny should provide more details on the star catcher's condition after the game.
Sep 21 2021Perez went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run in a 7-2 win over Cleveland during the first game of Monday's doubleheader. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The veteran catcher took Triston McKenzie deep in the fifth inning, wrapping up the scoring for the Royals in the matinee. Perez is now tied with Vladimir Guerrero for the major-league lead in homers at 46 -- a total that sets a new MLB record for most home runs in a season by a catcher, breaking the mark set by Johnny Bench in 1970.
Sep 16 2021Perez went 2-for-4 with a two-run homer in Thursday's 7-2 loss to Oakland. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez served as the DH for Thursday's matinee and supplied the only runs on the day for the Royals, taking Oakland starter Paul Blackburn deep in the first inning. It was the 45th homer of the season for Perez, moving him into a tie with Vladimir Guerrero for the major-league lead. Perez has gone yard in three consecutive games, going 6-for-13 at the plate during that stretch. He's hitting .300/.348/.650 with seven homers and 18 RBI since the start of September.
Sep 15 2021Perez went 2-for-5 with a three-run home run, an additional RBI and an additional run scored in Tuesday's win over the Athletics. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez had gone four games without a homer -- an oddity considering his power surge over the last few weeks -- but blasted his 43rd long ball of the campaign in the bottom of the sixth, putting the Royals up by one run and giving the team a lead they'd never relinquish. The star catcher has hit .269 with five homers and 15 RBI through 52 at-bats this month.
Sep 9 2021Perez went 1-for-4 with a walk and a solo home run in Wednesday's 9-8 loss to the Orioles. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 31-year-old continued a power surge that has seen him slug four homers in the last five games and 10 in his last 16. Perez's 42 homers and 104 RBI on the year have shattered his prior career highs, and the latter mark leads the majors while being just one long ball behind Shohei Ohtani for the HR crown. It's been half a century since a catcher led the league in home runs (Johnny Bench in 1972) and three decades since one led MLB in RBI (Darren Daulton in 1992), but Perez has a legitimate chance to make history in both categories.
Sep 5 2021Perez went 1-for-3 with a three-run homer and a walk in Sunday's 6-0 win over the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez took Dylan Cease deep for a three-run blast in the first inning and later drew his 22nd walk of the year. The slugging catcher has belted 15 home runs since the start of August and eight over his last 11 games. He's up to 102 RBI with an .867 OPS through 555 plate appearances.
Sep 4 2021Perez (neck) will remain in the lineup Saturday against the White Sox but will serve as the designated hitter rather than the catcher, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez exited Friday's contest with a neck contusion after getting struck by a foul boul. The Royals' initial lineup had him returning to his usual catcher position right away, but he'll spend at least one day as purely an offensive player. Cam Gallagher will enter the lineup as the catcher, with Edward Olivares getting scratched as the Royals shuffle positions around.
Aug 29 2021Perez went 2-for-4 with a home run, a double and two RBI in Sunday's 4-3 loss to the Mariners. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez extended his homer streak to five straight games with a solo blast off Marco Gonzales in the sixth inning. In addition, he singled in the eighth inning, driving in Nicky Lopez to total 13 RBI in his last five games. The catcher is slashing .277/.315/.544 with a team-leading 38 long balls, 94 RBI and 63 runs scored in 498 plate appearances.
Aug 28 2021Perez went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run in Saturday's win over the Mariners. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez is having an excellent year at the plate and is riding an otherworldly power surge -- he belted back-to-back grand slams earlier this week and has now homered in four straight games, as well as doing so in five of his last six contests. Perez is now second in MLB in homers with 37 dingers and only trails Shohei Ohtani (41) in that department.
Aug 27 2021Perez went 1-for-5 with a grand slam in a 6-4 victory over Seattle on Thursday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez stepped to the plate against Seattle reliver Joe Smith down 4-1 with the bases juiced and crushed a 418-foot bomb to left that gave Kansas City the lead for good. The blast was the backstop's fifth in seven games and gives Perez 35 on the season, nine more than any other catcher.
Aug 26 2021Perez went 1-for-4 with a solo home run and a walk in a loss to the Astros on Wednesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The catcher got the Royals on the board in the fourth inning with a solo shot to left field. The long ball was his fourth in his past six games, and all but one of his hits over that span have left the yard. Perez is up to a career-high 34 homers this season, tied for third in MLB.
Aug 23 2021Perez went 2-for-3 with a solo home run and two walks as Kansas City defeated Houston, 7-1 on Monday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez singled in the first inning, launched his 33rd home run off Zack Greinke in the third, and walked in the fifth and ninth to record his fourth game reaching base four times this season. In addition, Perez's two bases on balls marks the second time he's drawn multiple walks all season -- both occurrences coming in August. The backstop's 81 RBI rank 14th in MLB and sets a new career mark for the seven-time All-Star.
Aug 22 2021Perez (neck/head) will start at catcher and bat third Sunday against the Cubs. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez exited Friday's 6-2 win in the series opener with posterior neck soreness, but a headache was attributed to him being scratched from the lineup ahead of Saturday's 4-2 victory. The one-day respite appears to have provided enough time for Perez to recover from both issues, as he'll be back behind the plate for the series finale. With a .275 average, 32 home runs, 80 RBI, 57 runs and a stolen base across 492 plate appearances this season, Perez has been the most valuable catcher in the vast majority of fantasy formats.
Aug 21 2021Perez (neck) was a late scratch from Saturday's lineup against the Cubs due to a headache. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez was initially slated to return to action Saturday after he exited Friday's matchup with posterior neck soreness. The 30-year-old wasn't diagnosed with a concussion following Friday's game, but he tested his injury ahead of the contest and wasn't deemed ready to return. Whether he could be available in a bench capacity remains to be seen, but Cam Gallagher will take his place behind the dish and bat eighth.
Aug 20 2021Perez exited Friday's win over the Cubs due to posterior neck soreness, Josh Vernier of 610 Sports Kansas City reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez was productive early in Friday's matchup, as he went 2-for-3 with a pair of solo home runs. However, he was replaced by a pinch hitter in the eighth inning. The catcher was apparently evaluated for a concussion after the game but was ultimately diagnosed with a neck injury. The 31-year-old should be considered day-to-day, but Cam Gallagher would likely take over behind the dish if Perez is forced to miss additional time.
Aug 15 2021Perez went 1-for-4 with a two-run homer in Sunday's 7-2 loss to the Cardinals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez provided the Royals' only meaningful offense Sunday, clocking a mammoth 450-foot blast in the eighth inning to break up the shutout. It was his 30th long ball of the season and the first time he's reached that mark in his career. The All-Star catcher improved his slash line to .277/.310/.522 through 471 plate appearances. Perez has gone 7-for-20 (.350) with three home runs and six RBI over the last five games.
Aug 11 2021Perez went 3-for-4 with a pair of home runs and three RBI in Tuesday's 8-4 win over the Yankees. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The All-Star catcher took Yankees starter Nestor Cortes deep for a two-run shot in the first inning, then tagged him for a solo blast in the sixth. The multi-homer game was Perez's fourth of the campaign and first since June 11. He leads major-league catchers and ranks fourth among all players with 29 long balls this season.
Aug 7 2021Perez (illness) will catch and bat third Saturday against St. Louis. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: An illness forced Perez to remain at the team hotel Friday due to COVID-19 protocols. He tested negative for the virus and evidently wasn't dealing with any serious sickness, so he'll return to the lineup after missing just a single day.
Aug 6 2021Perez's absence from the lineup for Friday's game against the Cardinals is due to illness, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez was initially in Friday's lineup before being scratched in favor of Cam Gallagher. He's tested negative for COVID-19 but will nonetheless be stuck at the team hotel Friday due to health and safety protocols.
Aug 5 2021Perez went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run in Wednesday's 9-1 win over the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The backstop hit the second of three long balls against Chicago starter Lucas Giolito to give Kansas City a 5-0 lead in the third inning. The long ball was his 27th of the campaign, tying his career-high mark set in both 2017 and 2018. Perez has hit six homers in his past 11 games.
Jul 31 2021Perez went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Friday's 6-4 loss to the Blue Jays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He took Ross Stripling deep in the sixth inning, getting the Royals to within a run at 3-2, but it was as close as they got to tying things up. Perez has gone yard in three straight games and five times in the last seven, boosting his homer total on the season to 26 -- one short of his career high -- and fueling a .314/.364/.647 slash line since the All-Star break.
Jul 30 2021Perez went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run in Thursday's win over the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The star catcher took Carlos Rodon deep in the first inning and his two-run blast set the tone for the Royals' offense the rest of the way. This was Perez's 25th homer on the season, and he leads all catchers in baseball in that category after going yard for the fourth time over his last six games. The veteran is also hitting .276 with a .825 OPS, six homers and 17 RBI on the month.
Jul 29 2021Perez went 2-for-4 with a solo home run, a double and two total runs in Wednesday's 3-2 extra-inning win over the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The All-Star catcher doubled leading off the seventh inning and subsequently came around to score the Royals' first run. He then came up to the plate against Chicago closer Liam Hendriks with Kansas City down by a run in the ninth frame and came through with a game-tying solo homer to left field. The long ball was Perez's 24th of the season, tops among all catchers and tied for ninth overall leaguewide. With a .278/.307/.508 slash line and 63 RBI in addition to the long balls, Perez has little competition for the title of 2021's top fantasy catcher.
Jul 25 2021Perez went 1-for-4 with a three-run home run in Sunday's 6-1 win over Detroit. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The catcher opened the scoring with his first-inning blast off Detroit starter Tarik Skubal. Perez has homered in back-to-back games for the fourth time this season. He's up to 23 long balls, 62 RBI, 45 runs scored and a stolen base while maintaining a .279/.309/.505 slash line through 398 plate appearances.
Jul 22 2021Perez went 1-for-5 with a stolen base in Wednesday's 6-3 win over Milwaukee. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The stolen base was Perez's first of the year, and he's never had more than one in a season. The 31-year-old has been solid since the All-Star break, going 6-for-19 (.316) with three RBI and a run scored in his last five games. Whether behind the dish or at designated hitter, Perez should continue to have an everyday role in the lineup.
Jul 12 2021Perez (back) will start at catcher and bat seventh for the American League in Tuesday's All-Star Game at Coors Field, Steve Greenberg of the Chicago Sun-Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez dealt with back tightness in Saturday's 2-1 loss to Cleveland and sat out Sunday's series finale as a result, but the injury won't prevent him from taking part in the Midsummer Classic. The 31-year-old backstop earned his seventh All-Star nod after slashing .275/.300/.501 with 21 home runs, 53 RBI and 41 runs in 89 first-half games.
Jul 11 2021Perez (back) is not in the lineup for Sunday's game in Cleveland, Joel Goldberg of Bally Sports Kansas City reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Back tightness shortened Perez's Saturday and will keep him out of the series finale Sunday. This is the Royals' first lineup of 2021 that does not include Perez, who has been a model of durability the past couple years. It will be interesting to see if the 31-year-old will still participate in the Home Run Derby, or if he'll use the All-Star break to rest and resolve the back issue before Friday's series opener against Baltimore. Sebastian Rivero is catching and batting ninth Sunday.
Jul 10 2021Manager Mike Matheny said following Saturday's loss to Cleveland that Perez exited the contest because of tightness in his back, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The issue arose after the backstop dove for a bunt in the third inning. He was initially able to stay in the game, and wound up clubbing a two-run homer in his following at-bat before later departing. Matheny said that Perez will be further evaluated Sunday before his availability for the series finale is determined.
Jul 3 2021Perez went 3-for-4 with a solo home run and a second run scored in Friday's 7-4 win over the Twins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He took J.A. Happ deep in the second inning to get the Royals on the board. Perez is catching fire again at the plate, going 8-for-17 over his last four games with two homers, and he's already reached the 20-HR plateau for the fifth time in his career.
Jul 1 2021Perez went 4-for-4 with a solo home run in Wednesday's 6-2 loss to the Red Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He gave the Royals a 1-0 lead in the second inning by taking Martin Perez deep, but despite Sal's best efforts, Boston dominated the rest of the game. The 31-year-old catcher put an impressive June in the books, slashing .292/.318/.585 with nine of his 19 homers on the season.
Jun 24 2021Perez (head) will be the designated hitter Thursday against the Yankees. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez left Wednesday's game after getting hit in the mask by a pitch. The Royals said after the game that they didn't believe Perez had a concussion, and it appears that optimism is correct, though he'll at least get to move out from behind the plate for the day.
Jun 23 2021The Royals' training staff described the night-shortening incident for Perez (head) on Wednesday as a "non-concussive event," Joel Goldberg of Bally Sports Kansas City reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez went 1-for-2 with a double and a run before taking a foul ball to the facemask and exiting Wednesday's game in New York. The training staff elaborated that his chin absorbed most of the impact. Assuming Perez did avoid a concussion, he should avoid a trip to the injured list, but it remains unclear when he'll be back in the Royals' lineup.
Jun 18 2021Perez went 2-for-4 with a solo home run and an additional run scored in Friday's 5-3 win over Boston. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The catcher gave Kansas City some insurance with his solo shot in the seventh inning. Perez has homered in consecutive games, and he's gone yard eight times through 16 games in June. The power surge has lifted his slash line to .291/.323/.543 with 18 long balls, 46 RBI, 34 runs scored and 13 doubles through 279 plate appearances. His career high in homers is 27, set in both 2017 and 2018, but he's on pace to smash that mark this year.
Jun 16 2021Perez went 2-for-5 with a two-run home run in Wednesday's 6-5 loss to Detroit. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 31-year-old gave Kansas City a 3-1 lead with his blast off Detroit starter Tarik Skubal in the third inning. Perez has homered seven times through 15 games in June. The catcher is up to 17 long balls, 45 RBI, 32 runs scored and a .287/.320/.533 slash line across 275 plate appearances. He's played in all 67 of Kansas City's games so far, either behind the dish or as the designated hitter.
Jun 12 2021Perez went 3-for-4 with a pair of solo home runs in Friday's loss to Oakland. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Royals were held without a run for six innings Friday before Perez broke the drought with a solo homer in the seventh. He went deep again in the next frame to tie the score, though the Athletics eventually secured the win. Perez is up to 16 long balls on the season, tied for sixth in the league and tops among all catchers. He has notched three two-homer games in June.
Jun 7 2021Perez went 2-for-4 in Monday's loss against the Angels. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez was one of two Royals that recorded more than one knock in Monday's loss against Los Angeles, and the star backstop continues to make an impact in the middle of the Royals lineup. He has hit safely in nine of his last 11 games and this was his third multi-hit appearance of the month.
Jun 3 2021Perez went 2-for-4 with two solo home runs in Thursday's 6-5 win over the Twins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez took J.A. Happ deep in the first inning and in the fifth inning. The catcher has been on fire lately, with four long balls in his last two games. He leads all catchers with 14 homers and 38 RBI. In addition, he has at least one hit in 12 of his last 13 contests. The 31-year-old is slashing .284/.312/.536 in 221 plate appearances.
Jun 1 2021Perez went 2-for-4 with a pair of home runs and three RBI during Tuesday's win over the Pirates. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It was team-leading long balls number 11 and 12 of the year for Perez, who took Wil Crowe deep in the fourth inning followed by Chasen Shreve in the seventh. The 31-year-old backstop has now hit safely across the last six games, raising his season slash line to .280/.309/.507.
May 29 2021Perez went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run during Saturday's 6-5 loss at Minnesota. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 31-year-old put the Royals on the board during the third inning with his first homer since May 15. Perez has a .277/.307/.487 slash line, 10 home runs, 11 doubles, 31 RBI and 21 runs in 50 games this season.
May 16 2021Perez went 1-for-2 with an RBI and a walk in Sunday's loss against the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez was removed from Saturday's win over the White Sox with groin tightness, but the injury wasn't serious and the star catcher found himself in the lineup once again -- though he played as a designated hitter and was later subbed off in the top of the eighth after drawing a walk. Perez has hit safely in five of the Royals' last six games.
May 15 2021Perez was removed from Saturday's win over the White Sox with groin tightness, Joel Goldberg of Bally Sports Kansas City reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 31-year-old made his mark before exiting the contest, as he went 1-for-4 with a three-run home run Saturday. Perez was apparently already lobbying manager Mike Matheny to be in the lineup for Sunday's series finale, so the injury doesn't appear to be a serious concern.
May 14 2021Perez went 2-for-4 with a three-run home run in the first game of Friday's doubleheader against the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After DHing in the matinee and taking Lucas Giolito deep in the third inning, Perez was behind the plate for the nightcap but went 0-for-3. The veteran catcher is slashing .280/.312/.500 through 38 games with eight homers and 23 RBI.
May 13 2021Perez went 2-for-4 with an RBI double in Wednesday's 4-2 loss to Detroit. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez opened the scoring by knocking in Whit Merrifield in the first inning. Kansas City mustered just five baserunners in the last eight innings, including a sixth-inning single by Perez that was promptly erased when Jorge Soler grounded into a double play. Through 35 games, Perez is slashing .275/.310/.493 with seven home runs, 19 RBI and 16 runs scored. His multi-hit effort Wednesday ended an 0-for-11 skid.
May 7 2021Perez went 4-for-4 with a double in Friday's 3-0 loss to the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez accounted for half of the Royals' hits Friday and the team couldn't manage to bring a run home. The 30-year-old catcher improved his season slash line to .293/.331/.528 with 15 extra-base hits.
May 4 2021Perez went 2-for-4 with a solo home run and another RBI during Tuesday's loss to Cleveland. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez extended Kansas City's lead with a 460-foot homer against Sam Hentges in the fifth inning. He also hit an RBI single in the third. The 30-year-old now has 553 career RBI, passing John Mayberry for ninth on the Royals leaderboard. Overall this season, Perez is hitting .268/.305/.518 while leading Kansas City in hits (30) and home runs (seven).
May 1 2021Perez went 2-for-3 with a double, a home run, two runs and three RBI in an 11-3 win over the Twins on Saturday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez got the scoring started with an RBI double in the first and followed it up with two-run home run in the third before being removed from the blowout in the seventh. The backstop remains one of the best in fantasy and has rebounded nicely after missing the entire 2019 season.
Apr 28 2021Perez went 3-for-5 with a double, an RBI and a run scored in Wednesday's win over the Pirates. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez extended his hitting streak to three games, but he drove in a run and recorded his first multi-hit performance for the first time since April 21. The star catcher is hitting .266 with five homers and 13 RBI across 23 games this season.
Apr 27 2021Perez (thumb) will start at catcher and bat third Tuesday in Pittsburgh. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez looked like a strong candidate to receive his first day off of the season Tuesday after he exited Monday's 3-2 win over the Tigers with a jammed thumb, but he'll keep his ironman streak intact, as the injury was apparently only a minor concern. The 30-year-old backstop has played an integral role in the Royals' MLB-best 14-7 start to the season, posting a .771 OPS while shepherding a pitching staff that has exceeded expectations thus far.
Apr 26 2021Perez was removed in the bottom of the sixth inning of Monday's game against the Tigers after jamming his thumb earlier in the contest, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports. He went 1-for-3 with a double before departing. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The thumb injury resulted in a disappointing end to Perez's 1,000th career game in the big leagues. Per Rogers, Perez appeared to suffer the injury during a play at the plate in the third inning, but he was initially able to stay in the game after being evaluated by a team trainer. Cam Gallagher ended up replacing Perez three innings later, however, and the 30-year-old backstop's status for the remainder of the week is now uncertain. The Royals will presumably send Perez in for further tests on his thumb before an update on his condition is provided ahead of the team's two-game series in Pittsburgh that begins Tuesday.
Apr 18 2021Perez went 1-for-5 with a two-run home run in Sunday's win over the Blue Jays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez slugged a walkoff home run Saturday during Game 2 of the doubleheader against Toronto, and he accounted for all the offense Sunday with a two-run shot in the bottom of the seventh. The veteran catcher is enjoying a strong start to the season and is hitting .291 with a .957 OPS while going deep in three of his last five contests and tallying five RBI in that stretch.
Apr 17 2021Perez went 2-for-4 with a walkoff solo home run in a 3-2 win over the Blue Jays during the second game of Saturday's doubleheader. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After starting a catcher and going 0-for-3 in the opener, Perez slotted in at DH in the nightcap and played hero by launching his fourth homer of the year in the seventh inning off Joel Payamps. Perez is off to a strong start, slashing .300/.352/.600 through 13 games with nine RBI.
Apr 14 2021Perez went 2-for-4 with a homer, two RBI and two runs scored in Wednesday's 6-1 win over the Angels. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez opened the scoring with a solo shot in the third inning. He added an RBI double in the seventh and scored on Carlos Santana's two-run blast. Perez swung a hot bat against the Angels, going 8-for-12 with four RBI and three runs scored in the three-game series. He's slashing .333/.395/.641 with three homers, eight RBI and eight runs scored across 43 plate appearances this season.
Apr 12 2021Perez went 4-for-4 with an RBI single and a run scored in Monday's 10-3 loss to the Angels. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez accounted for more than half of the Royals' seven hits Monday, although all four of his hits were singles. The catcher raised his slash line to .290/.371/.516 with two homers, four RBI, five runs scored and no steals in eight games this season. He's likely to be a near-everyday player again in 2021.
Apr 7 2021Perez went 1-for-3 with a home run and a walk in Wednesday's loss against the Indians. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez clubbed his second homer of the season, but he has racked up just four hits in 19 at-bats to begin the season while recording more than one knock just once in his first five games thus far. The veteran catcher is not the star player he once was, but he should remain one of the most potent forces in the Royals lineup in 2021.
Apr 4 2021Perez went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in Sunday's 7-3 loss to the Rangers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez got the Royals on the board with his big fly in the sixth inning, which was all the scoring they mustered against Rangers starter Jordan Lyles. The 30-year-old Perez had been mostly quiet while the Royals racked up 25 runs over their first two games. The catcher has collected four runs and two RBI in three games, and he figures to see most of the work behind the dish after signing a four-year, $82 million contract extension on March 21.
Mar 21 2021Perez agreed to a four-year, $82 million extension with the Royals on Sunday, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The extension begins in 2022 and includes a $13.5 million club option or $2 million buyout for 2026. The veteran backstop will turn 31 years old in May and posted a career-best .986 OPS in 156 plate appearances last season. Perez appeared in at least 129 games in each of the previous six seasons before the shortened 2020 campaign.
Mar 11 2021Perez has focused on being more patient at the plate and taking more pitches this spring, Lynn Worthy of The Kansas City Star reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez has a career 3.4 percent walk rate and walked only 1.9 percent of the time across 156 plate appearances in 2020. He's already earned two free passes through 20 plate appearances in spring training games, as he has tried to scale back his aggressiveness. The approach may not last into the regular season, as Perez said that his primary focus will be on continuing to make plenty of hard contact.
Sep 24 2020Perez went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run and another RBI during Thursday's win over the Tigers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez got the scoring started with a two-run shot against Michael Fulmer in the first inning. It was his third long ball over the last two games after the 30-year-old homered twice Wednesday. On the season, Perez has tallied a team-leading 11 home runs while slashing .360/.375/.683.
Sep 23 2020Perez went 3-for-5 with two home runs, a double, five total RBI and two runs scored in Wednesday's win over the Cardinals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez launched a two-run shot in the first and a three-run bomb in the third inning, and he also added a double in the fifth -- all of them against Carlos Martinez. It was a vintage performance for the Venezuelan backstop, who has been one of the most dangerous hitters in the league of late -- he has hit safely in 10 of the Royals' last 11 games while posting seven multi-hit performances and a .446 average during that span.
Sep 20 2020Perez went 1-for-4 with a two-run homer in Sunday's 5-3 loss to Milwaukee. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Royals entered the ninth inning down 5-1 but managed a solid comeback attempt with Perez launching a two-out, two-run shot in close the gap. The 30-year-old catcher now owns a terrific 1.025 OPS with eight homers and 24 RBI this season.
Sep 18 2020Perez went 4-for-5 with a homer, four RBI, two runs scored and a stolen base in Friday's 9-5 loss to the Brewers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez was directly involved in all of the Royals' runs. He supplied a two-run double in the first inning and recorded his first steal of the year before scoring on an error. In the third, he knocked in Adalberto Mondesi with a single for the Royals' fourth run. Perez added a solo shot in the ninth for good measure. The catcher has multiple hits in each of his last six games, going 15-for-26 (.577) with three homers, 10 RBI and seven runs scored in that span.
Sep 16 2020Perez went 2-for-3 with a walk, a double, a home run, three RBI and a run scored Wednesday against Detroit. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez drilled a two-run home run in the first inning, his sixth of the season. He followed that up with a double five frames later, and ultimately accounted for three of the four runs the Royals scored. Since returning from the injured list, Perez has collected 11 hits in 21 at-bats while also slugging two home runs, driving in six and scoring five runs across five starts.
Sep 13 2020Perez went 3-for-5 with a home run, two RBI and two runs scored Sunday against the Pirates. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez drove a solo home run in the third inning off Chad Kuhl to record his fifth long ball of the season. He came around to bat again in the same frame and delivered an RBI base knock to account for his production. Perez (eye) was activated from the injured list Friday and has gone 7-for-14 with two doubles, a home run, three RBI and four runs scored since his return.
Sep 11 2020Perez (eye) was activated from the 10-day injured list Friday and will start against the Pirates, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The veteran backstop has been sidelined since Aug. 17 while recovering from blurred vision in his left eye, but he's good to rejoin the Royals on Friday. Perez has a .307/.326/.511 slash line with four homers through 22 games and should reclaim the everyday role behind the plate now that he's healthy.
Sep 7 2020Perez (eye) took live at-bats at the Royals' alternate site Sunday, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The left eye blurriness that has kept Perez sidelined since mid-August seems to be improving. The Royals are hopeful that Perez can return from the 10-day injured list at some point next weekend, at which point he would displace Cam Gallagher as the team's everyday catcher.
Sep 6 2020Royals GM Dayton Moore said Sunday that Perez (eye) will soon begin participating at the Royals' alternate site, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Blurred vision sent Perez to the injured list last month. The official diagnosis was central serous chorioretinopathy, a condition in which fluid accumulates under the retina. Fortunately, it seems he's found a solution or has moved past the worst of the problem as he is set to begin participating soon. A return for the final 10 games or so would appear to be on the table if he can get up to speed in a hurry.
Aug 28 2020Perez (eye) visited an eye specialist this week and remains without an official timeline for his return, Lynn Worthy of The Kansas City Star reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 30-year-old was diagnosed with central serious chorioretinopathy (fluid accumulation under the retina) after landing on the injured list Aug. 18, but there's been no indication of when he may be able to rejoin the team. Perez is eligible to be activated off the injured list Friday, but he should be considered out indefinitely until the team indicates otherwise. Cam Gallagher and Meibrys Viloria should continue to split catching duties during his absence.
Aug 21 2020Perez's blurred vision, which sent him to the injured list Friday, is due to central serous chorioretinopathy, a condition in which fluid accumulates under the retina, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The condition seemingly clarifies that Perez's vision issues are unrelated to any potential concussion, but his return time remains unclear. Cam Gallagher and Meibrys Viloria will continue to split time behind the plate until the blurriness subsides.
Aug 19 2020Perez (blurred vision) is out of the lineup for Game 2 of Wednesday's doubleheader against the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez will sit out both games of the twin bill as he continues to deal with blurred vision stemming from Monday's contest. The 30-year-old will have Thursday's scheduled off day to aid in his recovery before potentially missing any additional contests. Meibrys Viloria will start behind the plate for Wednesday's nightcap.
Aug 17 2020Perez was removed from Monday's game against the Reds after struggling to see the ball at the plate, LLynn Worthy of The Kansas City Star reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez was unable to take the field Sunday against Minnesota after experiencing blurry vision in his left eye, and it appears the issue is still bothering the veteran backstop. He should be considered day-to-day for the time being, with an update from the team likely coming Tuesday morning after he's re-evaluated.
Aug 16 2020The Royals scratched Perez from the lineup for Sunday's game against the Twins after he experienced blurry vision in his left eye, Lynn Worthy of The Kansas City Star reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kansas City hasn't suggested that Perez's blurry vision is the symptom of a suspected concussion, so the team will likely re-evaluate him again prior to Monday's series finale before determining if he's fit to play. Meibrys Viloria was recalled from the Royals' taxi squad in a corresponding move, and he'll start in place of Perez behind the dish Sunday.
Aug 12 2020Perez went 3-for-5 with a double, a home run, three RBI and two runs scored in Wednesday's 5-4 win over the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez pretty much single-handedly carried the Royals' offense, scoring twice and plating three runs. He's showing little rust after missing a full season following Tommy John surgery; Perez is now up to .329/.341/.557 with four homers. The 30-year-old is seeing his usual heavy workload, playing every day between catcher and DH.
Jul 31 2020Perez went 3-for-4 with an RBI in Friday's 3-2 loss to the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It was his first multi-hit game of the year. Perez hasn't shown much rust at the plate after missing all of 2019 due to Tommy John surgery, going 8-for-32 (.250) with two homers and five RBI while starting all eight games so far for the Royals.
Jul 24 2020Perez went 1-for-4 with three strikeouts during Friday's 2-0 loss against the Indians. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez landed on the IL after testing positive for COVID-19 earlier this month, but he recovered in time to start behind the plate in the season debut. In fact, he was only one of four Royals to record a hit in a game where the entire offense struggled. Perez hit for .235 with 27 homers and 80 RBI last season, and he has cleared the 20-homer plateau in each of the past four campaigns.
Jul 14 2020Perez (illness) was activated off the 10-day injured list Tuesday, Lynn Worthy of The Kansas City Star reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez spent time on the 10-day injured list after testing positive for COVID-19, but he was able to be activated after spending the minimum amount of time on the list. He'll be available for the Royals' intrasquad game Tuesday, signaling that he's cleared intake testing and was cleared to rejoin the team. It's unclear whether his absence will impact his readiness for Opening Day on July 24.
Jul 6 2020The Royals placed Perez (illness) on the 10-day injured list Saturday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kansas City made the transaction shortly after Perez informed reporters Saturday that he tested positive for the coronavirus, though the 30-year-old indicated he's asymptomatic. Perez said that he won't be available to rejoin the big club for workouts for at least 10 days, leaving him with minimal time to get in competitive at-bats with the Royals' Opening Day game set to fall July 23 or 24. Even if Perez isn't available for the opener, he shouldn't be in line to miss much time beyond that, assuming he remains asymptomatic while he's in self-isolation.
Jul 4 2020Perez tested positive for COVID-19 on Saturday, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez is isolated from the team and asymptomatic, but he'll need to clear the league protocol before he's able to rejoin the team. The 30-year-old missed the entire 2019 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery, but he was able to return to the field during spring training.
Mar 18 2020Perez made his spring debut behind the plate Feb. 28 against San Francisco and started multiple games in the field before spring training was eventually suspended. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 29-year-old was initially limited to serving as the designated hitter as he made his return from Tommy John surgery -- which cost him the entirety of 2019 -- and he ended up totaling five starts in the field. Perez appeared in 13 Cactus League games overall and had a .250/.342/.375 slash line with one home run in 32 at-bats, and he's poised to reclaim his everyday role once the season eventually begins.
Feb 27 2020Perez is scheduled to make his Cactus League debut behind the plate Friday against the Giants, Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez will make his highly anticipated spring debut Friday after having missed the entire 2019 season following Tommy John surgery on his right elbow last March. The Royals expect the 29-year-old backstop to handle a normal workload behind the plate, although the club has admitted that he could receive a few more scheduled days off to serve as their designated hitter. Perez finished the 2018 season hitting .235/.274/.439 with 27 home runs, 80 RBI and 52 runs scored and will be returning to the middle of Kansas City's lineup with high expectations for his ninth big-league season with the club.
Feb 26 2020Manager Mike Matheny said Perez would serve as the Royals' starting catcher in Thursday's Cactus League game against Milwaukee, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez had been scheduled to work behind the plate for the first time this spring in one of Wednesday's split-squad games, but the Royals pushed him back a day after he underwent a dental procedure earlier in the week. The 29-year-old had previously made two starts as a designated hitter and one at first base, as the Royals have been conscious about easing up on his catching duties following his March 2019 Tommy John surgery. Perez is still expected to see the bulk of his action as a catcher in 2020, though he may see more exposure to DH and first base compared to previous seasons.
Feb 19 2020Perez will hit but won't catch in the Royals' first handful of spring games, Lynn Worthy of The Kansas City Star reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez has been practicing without restrictions after missing all of last season while recovering from Tommy John surgery. The Royals will be careful not to overwork him early, but it appears that he'll have plenty of time to be ready for Opening Day. Whether or not he'll handle his typically heavy workload behind the plate early in the regular season remains to be seen.
Feb 12 2020Manager Mike Matheny said Wednesday that Perez (elbow) enters spring training without any restrictions, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Matheny noted that the backstop will meet with a doctor Thursday just to confirm that he's made a full recovery from the Tommy John surgery he underwent last March, but all signs point to Perez being available for Cactus League action. Given that he's returning from a major injury, Perez's workload will likely be lighter compared to previous springs, but once the season gets underway, he projects to handle one of the heftier workloads among all catchers. During his last full season in 2018, Perez played in 129 games and slashed .235/.274/.439 with 27 home runs and 80 RBI across 544 plate appearances.
Jan 24 2020Perez (elbow) threw down to second base for the first time Friday and expects to be ready for Opening Day, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Perez missed the entire 2019 campaign after undergoing Tommy John surgery, but he continues to prove that he's right on track with his rehab. He's expected to be restriction-free heading into spring training and should begin ramping up his baseball activities in the near future.
Dec 11 2019Manager Mike Matheny said Tuesday that Perez (elbow) could see considerable time at first base in 2020, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Since debuting with the Royals in 2011, Perez has shouldered one of the heavier workloads among all big-league catchers, but the Royals will likely be more cautious with his usage behind the plate after Tommy John surgery cost him the entire 2019 campaign. Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com relayed in November that Perez is right on schedule with his recovery and should be restriction-free once spring training arrives, so the 29-year-old should have ample time to get acclimated to the defensive nuances of first base. That being said, Ryan O'Hearn, Ryan McBroom and Hunter Dozier represent the main candidates to man the position in 2020, so Perez's opportunities at first base (and designated hitter too, for that matter) will most likely come on the occasions where the team wants to give him a day off from catching while simultaneously keeping his bat in the lineup.
Aug 5 2019Perez (elbow) threw from 45 feet Monday, Joel Goldberg of Fox Sports Kansas City reports.
Jul 24 2018Perez went 3-for-4 with a home run and two RBI in Tuesday's win over the Tigers.Perez singled home a run in the third, then provided a solo shot in the fifth inning and a double in the eighth. The .227/.264/.414 slash line isn't quite up to par with what the 28-year-old has typically produced, but he's managed to still be a valuable contributor with 15 homers and 47 RBI.
Jul 21 2018Perez went 1-for-3 with a walk and a two-run home run in Saturday's 4-2 win over the Twins.His first-inning shot off Lance Lynn gave the Royals a lead they wouldn't relinquish. Perez now has 14 homers on the year, putting him on pace for his fourth straight campaign with 20 or more, but his .223/.262/.405 slash line remains well below his usual standards.
Jul 14 2018Perez went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run Saturday in the Royals' 5-0 win over the White Sox.Not long after the end of this one, Perez was named the American League's starting catcher for the All-Star Game due to the Rays' Wilson Ramos (hamstring) impending placement on the disabled list. His 13th blast of the year was the second in his last three starts, and he's riding a five-game hit streak, though it's pushed him to an uninspiring .221/.259/.396 line through Saturday action.
Jul 11 2018Perez went 2-for-5 with a three-run homer and two strikeouts in Wednesday's loss to the Twins.Perez went deep in the first inning to give the Royals an early three-run lead, though they'd eventually give it all back in the 8-5 loss. The backstop is hitting an uncharacteristically low .217 with a .257 OBP -- both of which would be career lows -- but he's provided solid power and run-producing abilities, all things considered, for being in the middle of the lineup ranked last in runs per game.
Jul 8 2018Perez is out of the lineup Sunday against the Red Sox, Maria Torres of The Kansas City Star reports.Perez has started 11 consecutive games and hurt his hand in one of his appearances a little over a week ago, so he's probably well overdue for a day off. Drew Butera will step in behind the plate and bat ninth in the series finale.
Jun 29 2018Perez (hand) will catch and bat fourth against the Mariners on Friday.As expected, Perez will not miss any time after suffering a minor hand injury during Wednesday's game in Milwaukee. Over 59 contests this year, he's hitting .215/.257/.395 with 11 home runs and 32 RBI.
Jun 27 2018Perez was removed from Wednesday's game after taking a foul a ball off his right hand, Rustin Dodd of The Athletic reports.Perez exited the contest in Milwaukee during the bottom of the ninth inning. The catcher will have some extra time to recover with a scheduled off day on tap for the Royals' on Thursday, but these sorts of injuries always poise a little concern. Expect an update on his status following the conclusion of Wednesday's tilt.
Jun 27 2018Perez (hand) stated that he felt fine after leaving Wednesday's game and he should be back in action for Friday's series opener in Seattle, Rustin Dodd of The Athleticreports.Perez appears to have avoided any sort of major injury, as he added that the foul ball got his forearm right by a nerve which caused him to lose feeling in his hand for a couple minutes. With the Royals off Thursday, don't expect Perez to miss any time.
Jun 24 2018Perez is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Astros, Maria Torres of The Kansas City Star reports.The 28-year-old will get a day to rest his legs as Drew Butera steps in behind the plate to catch for starter Jason Hammel. Perez has endured a tough month, slashing just .173/.225/.293 with two homers so far in June, but his track record should be enough for fantasy owners to be patient.
Jun 10 2018Perez went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Kansas City's 3-2 loss to Oakland on Sunday.The slugging catcher has been relatively quiet lately, but he mashed his 11th long ball of the year with this third-inning solo blast off Oakland starter Sean Manaea to account for one of his team's two runs in the game. His .237 average is lagging behind his career mark of .269, but he's still providing his customary level of power, as Sunday's blast puts him on pace for 28 homers for the season after he hit 27 last year.
May 27 2018Perez went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run Sunday against the Rangers.Perez took Cole Hamels deep in the third inning for his ninth home run of the season. While he has just a .284 on-base percentage for the season, he's shown plenty of power with nearly half of his 32 hits going for extra-bases. That hasn't slowed of late, as he now has four home runs in his past 10 games.
May 24 2018Perez went 2-for-4 with four RBI in Kansas City's 8-2 victory over the Rangers on Thursday.Perez ended up knocking in half of his team's runs on the day with a pair of two-run knocks and he's now driven in 26 runs in his first 30 games since coming off the disabled list with a knee injury. The big catcher remains one of the most reliable sources of run production and consistent at-bats at the position.
May 22 2018Perez went 1-for-5 with a solo home run in Tuesday's win over the Cardinals.Perez had a good day all around, as he also threw out two would-be base stealers to end the fourth and sixth innings. Despite missing the better part of April with an MCL tear, Perez ranks second in home runs among catchers in the AL and third in RBI with seven and 21, respectively.
May 18 2018Perez went 2-for-3 with a solo home run, a double and three RBI as the Royals topped the Yankees 5-2 on Friday.Perez had seen his average dip to .244 after a brief 0-for-11 skid but he broke out of that with his sixth long ball of the season, moving his OPS back up to .802 since his return to action from the disabled list. Perez's proven track record as a power-hitting catcher as well as his reliably heavy workload should allow him to continue functioning as one of the better fantasy options at the position throughout the season.
May 11 2018Perez went 1-for-5 with two runs scored and the game-winning two-run home run in Friday's 10-9 win over the Indians.Perez followed up Thursday's birthday grand slam with another big home run Friday, tucking a two-run shot inside the left-field foul pole off Andrew Miller to help the Royals overcome a 9-4 deficit. The 28-year-old has hit well since coming of the disabled list April 24, with a .282/.312/.535 slash line and five home runs in 71 at-bats.
May 10 2018Perez went 1-for-4 with a grand slam in Thursday's loss to the Orioles.Perez's grand slam looked to be the beginning of another huge output for the Royals, but they only managed two runs the rest of the game. According to Dave Holtzman of FOX Sports Kansas City, Perez is the first American League player to hit a grand slam on his birthday since Hideki Matsui accomplished that feat with the Yankees in 2008. Perez is slashing a strong .288/.319/.515 through 17 games this season. He and the Royals will continue their road trip Friday with a series against the division-rival Indians.
May 3 2018Perez went 2-for-4 with a double and a two-run homer in Thursday's win over Detroit.He also drew a walk and scored two of the Royals' 10 runs. The homer was his second in 11 games since he was activated from the disabled list. Perez's late-March knee injury was a buzzkill, but fantasy owners are now reaping the benefits with Perez playing close to every day and batting .304/.340/.500.
Apr 24 2018Perez (knee) was activated from the 10-day disabled list Tuesday.After he logged consecutive rehab games behind the plate, the Royals deemed Perez healthy enough to return from the disabled list. He may be eased back into action given the nature of his injury, but he will likely take on his normal heavy workload relatively soon. To make room for him on the active roster, Cameron Gallagher was sent back to the minors.
Apr 24 2018Perez went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Tuesday's loss to the Brewers.The catcher went deep in his second at bat of the season, as he was activated earlier in the day after missing the first 20 games of the year with a Grade 2 MCL tear. Manager Ned Yost could elect to take it somewhat cautiously with Perez and give the 27-year-old more days off than usual at first, but it's encouraging to see him off to a good start now at full health.
Apr 22 2018Royals manager Ned Yost reiterated Sunday that Perez (knee) is "very close" to returning from the 10-day disabled list, perhaps as soon as Tuesday's series opener against the Brewers, Rustin Dodd of The Athletic Kansas City reports. "I could very well be the next series," Yost said of Perez's impending activation. "But we just have to wait and see."After initially appearing in rehab games for Double-A Northwest Arkansas and Triple-A Omaha as a designated hitter, Perez has caught in the past two games for the latter affiliate, an indication his sprained left knee is no longer much of a concern. Perez has also impressed at the dish during his six rehab contests, going 8-for-21 with two home runs, a double and four RBI. If Perez is in fact activated Tuesday, he could receive an extra rest day or two in his first couple of weeks back with the big club, but he should take on one of the heavier workloads among all catchers in baseball once he's further removed from the injury.
Apr 20 2018Manager Ned Yost said that Perez (knee) has been feeling great and could potentially return to the majors prior to the Royals' series against Milwaukee on Tuesday, Joel Goldberg of Fox Sports Kansas City reports.Perez has appeared in four minor-league games in the past week, including his first outing with Triple-A Omaha on Thursday. The 27-year-old will man the DH spot Friday and then catch both games this weekend to see how his knee holds up on back-to-back days behind the plate. If all goes well, Yost is hopeful that Perez will re-join the Royals during their six-game homestand, whether that's against the Brewers on Tuesday or later on in the week.
Apr 18 2018Perez (knee) will continue his rehab assignment at Triple-A Omaha, Rustin Dodd of The Athletic reports.Perez was able to handle the catching duties for Double-A Northwest Arkansas a couple times in the past week as the 27-year-old competed in three rehab outings with the Naturals. Expect Perez to get a little more time behind the plate with Omaha before returning to the Royals.
Apr 16 2018Perez (knee) went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in his first rehab appearance for Double-A Northwest Arkansas on Sunday.Perez started at catcher and played only four innings, so he'll likely need to play a full game or two behind the plate during his rehab assignment before the Royals are comfortable activating him and reinserting him as their everyday backstop. While Perez has spent the entire season on the 10-day disabled list, the Royals have gotten little production out of the two catchers on their active roster, Drew Butera and Cameron Gallagher. The duo has combined for eight hits -- no home runs -- in 43 at-bats (.186 average).
Apr 14 2018Perez (knee) will begin his rehab assignment with Double-A Northwest Arkansas on Sunday, Maria Torres of The Kansas City Star reports.He will be deployed as the catcher for three to five innings and will then be the designated hitter the next day. The Royals plan to take things day by day, as his knee allows. He could return to the big leagues before the end of April.
Apr 13 2018Manager Ned Yost said that Perez (knee) is currently experiencing no pain and could begin a rehab assignment as soon as this weekend, Rustin Dodd of The Athletic reports.Perez has been out since the beginning of the regular season after suffering a Grade 2 MCL tear on the eve of Opening Day. At the time of his injury an initial timetable put him about 4-to-6 weeks away from returning to the big leagues, though it appears that he could be back in action a little sooner, especially if he's able to begin a rehab assignment this weekend. In his absence, Drew Butera and Cameron Gallagher continue to split time behind the plate.
Apr 8 2018Royals general manager Dayton Moore said Sunday that swelling has "vacated" Perez's sprained left knee and the catcher is expected to "get back a little bit before" the 4-to-6-week recovery timeline established March 28, Josh Vernier of 610 Sports reports.Since Perez has yet to resume baseball activities, it's too early to predict with much confidence that he'll be ready to go by the end of April, as Moore seems to be forecasting. In any case, the fact that Perez has healed a little faster than anticipated counts as positive news and may convince any owners with limited bench spots who were thinking of cutting him to think twice. The Royals will likely provide additional updates on Perez's condition over the next few weeks before a firmer return date is sussed out.
Mar 29 2018The Royals officially placed Perez on the 10-day disabled list Thursday, MLB.com reports.The transaction comes one day after the Royals revealed that Perez was dealing with a Grade 2 tear of the MCL in his left knee, which he sustained while carrying a suitcase up a flight of stairs. The injury is projected to sideline Perez for 4-to-6 weeks, leaving Drew Butera to act as the team's primary backup. The Royals recalled Cam Gallagher from Triple-A Omaha in a corresponding move to provide depth behind Butera.
Mar 28 2018Perez suffered a Grade 2 MCL tear and will be sidelined 4-to-6 weeks, Rustin Dodd of The Athletic Kansas City reports.This is a brutal blow for Perez and the Royals on the eve of Opening Day. According to Maria Torres of The Kansas City Star, the backstop apparently suffered the injury after he slipped while lifting a suitcase. Manager Ned Yost said he doesn't think Perez will need surgery, but the 27-year-old is still set to miss an extended chunk to start the season. Perez's initial recovery timeline puts a possible return date around early-to-mid May, though that could change depending on how his rehab goes. For now, look for Drew Butera to handle primary catching duties for the Royals until Perez is healthy.
Mar 12 2018Perez is hitting .364 with three home runs, four strikeouts and one walk in 22 spring at-bats.Perez is showing off some thump so far as the cleanup hitter, which could be a preview of a potential career year, not because of what he's doing this spring, but because of where he figures to hit in the Royals' lineup. The bulk of his at-bats came out of the five hole last year when Perez hit a career-high 27 home runs. If he brings that same level of power and can stay relatively healthy in his age 27/28 season, he could set career highs in runs and RBI with a regular spot in the four hole.
Oct 1 2017Perez (groin) is out of the lineup Sunday against the Diamondbacks.There had been some hope that Perez would be able to return to action Sunday, but that won't be the case as he'll sit out of the season finale. Drew Butera will serve as the Royals' backstop in his place. Perez hit .268/.297/.495 to go with 27 home runs and 80 RBI this season, both of which are career-high marks for the 27-year-old.
Sep 29 2017Perez (groin) will not play Friday or Saturday, but could take the field for Sunday's season finale, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.Manager Ned Yost will give Perez at least two days to recover from the groin soreness that forced him from Thursday's contest, but he could still take the field for the final game of the regular season.
Sep 29 2017Perez (groin) is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Diamondbacks, 610 Sports Radio Kansas City reports.Perez injured his groin in Thursday's game, and he will not start Friday as a result. The severity of his injury remains uncertain, but with just a couple games left in the regular season, it remains to be seen if he will see any more starts in 2017. Drew Butera will get the nod Friday in Perez's place.
Sep 28 2017Perez was removed from Thursday's game with left groin soreness.His status for the final series of the season is up in the air. Perez has been banged up throughout the second half, even requiring a DL stint for an intercostal strain in August, but he still ranks fifth among all catchers in games played this season (129) despite the missed time.
Sep 27 2017Perez is out of the lineup Wednesday against the Tigers, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.As expected, Perez will get the night off as the Royals have been knocked out of playoff contention. Drew Butera will start behind the dish and hit ninth. After Wednesday's night off, the Royals are expected to start Perez for the remainder of the 2017 season.
Sep 26 2017Perez is expected to sit out Wednesday's game against the Tigers, Josh Vernier of 610 Sports reports.With the Royals out of playoff contention, manager Ned Yost will reward some of his regular starters with a day off in the final week. Perez, who has a healthy .269/.298/.498 with 27 homers in 127 games this season, is expected to play in all of the Royals' games following Wednesday's breather.
Sep 23 2017Perez (jaw) is in the lineup for Saturday's game against the White Sox.Perez was removed from Friday's game after taking a foul tip to his face behind the plate, but he is apparently no worse for wear Saturday and will start as he regularly does. He will hit fifth against White Sox starter Dylan Covey.
Sep 22 2017Perez was removed from Friday's game for precautionary reasons after he took a foul tip in the jaw while catching, Joel Goldberg of FOX Sports Kansas City reports.Perez was 2-for-3 at the time, and with a 6-2 lead, it probably seemed safe to put in Drew Butera for the rest of the game. Unfortunately, the Royals promptly gave up five runs in the bottom of the fourth inning after Perez was taken out. Expect Perez back in the lineup at some point this weekend, but consider him day-to-day for now.
Sep 21 2017Perez went 1-for-4 with a two-run homer and a run-scoring groundout against Toronto on Wednesday.After three games out of the lineup with an intercostal issue, Perez has looked healthy back in the batter's box over his two games since returning. The potential for the injury to crop up again is concerning, but with Perez sitting on a career-high 26 homers and coming up on his career high in RBI (79; he's three short), he's got to be locked into fantasy lineups as long as the Royals are deploying him.
Sep 19 2017Perez (intercostal) is in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Blue Jays, Mike Wilner of Sportsnet 590 The Fan reports.Perez has not taken the field since tweaking his side injury last Thursday, but he was expected to return to action Tuesday, and the Royals' lineup confirms he will indeed do just that. Perez is an iron man when healthy, but the Royals may look to take it easy with him the rest of the way, particularly if they are eliminated from playoff contention.
Sep 17 2017Perez (side) is not in the lineup Sunday against the Indians.Perez will miss his third straight game Sunday as he continues dealing with an intercostal injury. Cam Gallagher will serve as the Royals' backstop Sunday with Perez being withheld from the lineup.
Sep 17 2017Perez (side) is expected to return Tuesday for the series opener in Toronto, The Associated Press reports.The catcher sat out three straight games to end the week after aggravating an intercostal injury Thursday. Time is running out on Kansas City's season, as they sit a handful of games out of the final wild-card spot, so manager Ned Yost will certainly get Perez back in the lineup as soon as possible. At the same time, should the club be eliminated from postseason contention, Perez could very well be shut down before the campaign officially ends.
Sep 16 2017Perez (side) is not in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Indians, MLBPressbox.com reports.Perez will miss Saturday's game while nursing an intercostal injury that forced the catcher to remain out of the starting nine Friday as well. He should remain day-to-day for Sunday's series finale, but for the time being, Drew Butera will set up behind the plate.
Sep 15 2017Perez (intercostal) could play Saturday if he is feeling good enough, according to Joel Goldberg of FOX Sports Kansas City.The Royals' chances of making the postseason are fading fast, so they don't have much incentive to play Perez and risk further injury. However, if Perez's latest setback is only minor, it appears the team will not hold him out, either. Essentially, it seems like whether or not Perez plays Saturday -- and likely beyond -- will lie in his hands.
Sep 15 2017Perez (intercostal) is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Indians, according to Rustin Dodd of The Kansas City Star.Perez aggravated his intercostal injury Thursday night, so it does not come as a surprise that he is being held out Friday in favor of Drew Butera. It's still not clear how severe Perez's latest setback is, but this is not the first time this season he has dealt with an intercostal issue, so the Royals will not rush him back into action.
Sep 14 2017Perez aggravated his intercostal injury in Thursday's game against the Indians, Rustin Dodd of The Kansas City Star reports.Perez recorded two hits in three at-bats Thursday, but he was not able to finish the game and was spotted with a heavy wrap on his side afterward. Perez missed a couple weeks with the same injury earlier this year, so if it is the similar event this time around, it could cost him the rest of the regular season.
Sep 13 2017Perez went 2-for-4 with a solo homer and two runs in Wednesday's loss to the White Sox.The backstop's fourth blast of September bumped his season total to a career-high 25 while inching him closer to other personal-best marks. Perez can also surpass previous career highs for runs (57) and RBI (79) by scoring five more times, and driving in seven more runs. With a couple weeks remaining, the 27-year-old is within reach of setting new bars despite the fact that Perez will likely end 2017 with his fewest games played since 2012.
Sep 6 2017Perez went 2-for-4 with a pair of homers, three RBI and a walk against the Tigers on Wednesday.With this performance, Perez has now set a new career best in home runs with 24 and tied the second-highest RBI total of his career with 70. The 27-year-old backstop had been cold since coming off the DL in the latter part of August, going just 6-for-43 (.140) with a single homer and 13 strikeouts over a 12-game span, so this has to be a relief for Perez's fantasy owners. After all, he was a major force through the end of July, only to offer a combination of injury and ineffectiveness since then.
Aug 27 2017Perez is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Indians, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.Perez will receive his second game off in the past six days since returning from the disabled list on Aug. 22. The 27-year-old is 3-for-15 with seven strikeouts in his past four starts. He'll give way to Drew Butera behind the plate Sunday.
Aug 24 2017Perez is not in the Royals' lineup Thursday, 610 Sports Radio KC reports.Drew Butera will slide in behind the dish to give Perez a break. The club has decided not to use him as a designated hitter anymore in order to preserve his health more effectively. Fantasy players should expect to get a little less work out of him, and this decision cuts into his value a bit. Still, he's one of the more reliable names at his position.
Aug 24 2017Perez won't be used as the designated hitter for the rest of the season, The Associated Press reports.Perez has been the DH for 13 games this year, but manager Ned Yost believes that role is too risky for his All-Star backstop moving forward. An intercostal strain has hampered the veteran for a while now, and he missed 15 games after re-aggravating the ailment in early August. "When you're catching, you're staying loose and you're staying mobile," said Yost. "When you're [the DH], you have an at-bat and then sit." Although a slight reduction in at-bats will put a small dent in his value, Perez remains a top option across all formats.
Aug 23 2017Perez went 2-for-3 with a double and an RBI in Tuesday's 3-2 win over the Rockies.The All-Star catcher showed no rust in his return to action from an oblique strain that cost him 16 games. Perez will need to be a big part of the Royals' offense down the stretch if the team wants to remain in the AL playoff picture, but his career-high .514 SLG and .824 OPS on the year suggest he's up to the task.
Aug 22 2017Perez (oblique) was reinstated from the 10-day DL prior to Tuesday's game against the Rockies.He only ended up missing 16 games with the intercostal strain, which is pretty impressive for a catcher. Perez was in the midst of his best offensive season since 2013, hitting .278/.308/.510 with 21 home runs in 391 plate appearances. Look for him to play almost every day as long as the Royals remain in the hunt for a playoff spot.
Aug 22 2017Perez is starting behind the dish and hitting fifth Tuesday against the Rockies.After missing 16 games with an intercostal strain, Perez will slot back into the heart of the Royals' lineup. He is just one home run shy of tying his career high of 22, and with a .278 average, he is on pace to post his best mark in that category since he hit .292 in 2013.
Aug 20 2017Perez (oblique) will be activated either Tuesday or Wednesday before Kansas City's home game against Colorado, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.Perez is eligible to return now, but manager Ned Yost plans to take advantage of Monday's off day before bringing back the catcher. Drew Butera will continue starting, with Cameron Gallagher backing him up, until Perez is activated.
Aug 14 2017Perez (oblique) will play as soon as he is capable and will not require a rehab assignment, Rustin Dodd of The Kansas City Star reports Monday.The question will be how Perez's side responds to the swings he took Monday. Perez is ready to go behind the plate, so expect him to be back in the lineup as soon as he proves his body is up to swinging the bat.
Aug 13 2017Perez (oblique) performed catching drills Sunday with no visible limitations, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.After doing some throwing on the field over the last couple of days, Perez took another step forward Sunday by getting behind the plate for drills. Perez's ability to swing the bat remains the biggest roadblock in his recovery from the right intercostal strain, so until he's able to take batting practice without discomfort, his activation from the disabled list shouldn't be considered imminent.
Aug 12 2017Perez (intercostal) felt good Saturday after playing catch for the second time in three day, Rustin Dodd of The Kansas City Star reports.The All-Star catcher said he felt no discomfort after stretching, throwing and doing a light cardio workout Saturday. "I don't feel anything with the throwing," he said after stretching it out to 120 feet. Perez's next step will be to take swings, something that could begin as early as next week. Despite the progress, the 27-year-old who is eligible to be activated Tuesday, is well behind the initial 2-to-3 week timeline.
Aug 10 2017Perez (intercostal) played catch on the field Thursday for the first time since landing on the DL, Rustin Dodd of The Kansas City Star reports.Perez continues to steadily work his way back from an intercostal strain, and Thursday marked another important step in his recovery. He'll continue to ramp up his baseball activities in the coming weeks as he keeps his eyes set on a return to action sometime during the second half of August. While he remains on the shelf, Drew Butera will continue to serve as the Royals' primary backstop.
Aug 9 2017Manager Ned Yost said Perez (intercostal) is expected to be sidelined for 2-to-3 weeks after being reexamined Tuesday, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.This is welcomed news for the Royals' backstop, as Tuesday's evaluations showed his swelling has subsided, shaving a week off his estimated time on the shelf. A clearer return date should become available once he resumes baseball activities, but he's expected back sometime during the second half of August. In the meantime, Drew Butera will continue to see the bulk of starts behind the dish while Perez is sidelined.
Aug 7 2017Perez (intercostal) said he is unsure of his timetable to return as he is still experiencing pain, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.Manager Ned Yost said Perez is feeling better than he did Sunday, according to Joel Goldberg of Fox Sports Kansas City, but he's apparently still feeling pain when he swings and misses, so the Royals will wait for that to subside before moving forward with the backstop. A clearer timetable for his return should become available once Perez is able to pick up baseball activities with no issues.
Aug 6 2017Perez was placed on the 10-day disabled list Sunday with a right intercostal strain.Perez was removed from Friday's series opener with the Mariners after experiencing pain on the right side of his body, and an MRI on Saturday confirmed that the backstop was dealing with more than a day-to-day issue. The Royals likely won't have a clear timetable for Perez's return until he's able to resume baseball activities, but the DL stint means that he won't be activated until at least Aug. 15. Cam Gallagher was recalled from Triple-A Omaha to provide the Royals with another healthy catcher while Perez is sidelined, but Drew Butera is slated to receive the bulk of the starts behind the plate.
Aug 5 2017Perez (intercostal) will be placed on the 10-day DL if the Royals' game Saturday does not get rained out, Josh Vernier of 610 Sports reports.It sounds like a trip to the DL is inevitable for Perez, but the Royals would get no benefit to making the move Saturday if there is no game. Cam Gallagher is already on hand to take his spot on the active roster if the move is made. Vernier reports that the worst-case scenario for Perez would be a four-week absence.
Aug 5 2017Perez (oblique) is not in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Mariners, Pete Grathoff of the Kansas City Star reports.Perez was forced from Friday's game in the seventh inning with discomfort in his right side, and manager Ned Yost later acknowledged that there is concern about the injury. An MRI was scheduled for Saturday, the results of which have not yet been disclosed.
Aug 4 2017Perez exited Friday night's game against the Mariners in the seventh inning after striking out to end the sixth. The club did not immediately announce the reason for his exit, Wilson Alexander of MLB.com reports.For the second time in nine games, Perez was removed early with apparent discomfort. The backstop suffered a minor rib injury on July 25, but only missed one game before returning to action. Drew Butera will be in line for Saturday's start if Perez sits out.
Aug 4 2017Perez will undergo an MRI Saturday to examine his right side and rib area, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.Manager Ned Yost said that he was concerned about the situation. If Perez is found to have an oblique strain or a similar injury, he could easily miss multiple weeks, something the Royals certainly can't afford if they want to make a serious run at the postseason. Drew Butera replaced Perez behind the dish.
Jul 28 2017Perez (ribs) is back in the lineup Friday against the Red Sox, Joel Goldberg of Fox Sports Kansas City reports.As expected, the backstop will return to action Friday after being removed prematurely Tuesday night and sitting out of Wednesday's contest. Perez will slot back in behind the dish and bat fifth against Boston starter Rick Porcello for the series opener.
Jul 28 2017Perez (ribs) went 1-for-4 with a solo homer Friday against the Red Sox.Perez blasted his 21st homer of the season off Rick Porcello to put the Royals on the board in the second inning of a road victory. He's now hit at least 21 homers in each of the last three seasons, but he's easily on his way to a breakout season in the power department with his .531 slugging percentage.
Jul 27 2017Manager Ned Yost reaffirmed Wednesday that Perez's rib tightness is "nothing major", adding that the catcher is feeling "much better" and will return to the lineup Friday against Boston, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.Perez left Tuesday's game in the fifth inning after experiencing tightness following an at-bat. He was not in the lineup Wednesday, but Yost said that was only precautionary. Cam Gallagher was brought up from Triple-A Omaha to replace Perez on Wednesday, but the former is likely headed back before Friday's game.
Jul 26 2017Perez (ribs) is out of the lineup for Wednesday's series finale against the Tigers, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.Although Perez expected to be able to play Wednesday's game after leaving Tuesday with right side rib tightness, manager Ned Yost will give the catcher a day off to rest. With the team about to receive a scheduled off day Thursday, Perez will get a few days to recover from the minor injury while Drew Butera fills in behind the plate. During the Royals' seven game win streak, Perez has gone 8-for-25 with two home runs and four RBI. He should be considered day-to-day, but will likely return to the lineup for Friday's series opener in Boston.
Jul 25 2017Perez was removed early from Tuesday's game against the Tigers, Joel Goldberg of Fox Sports Kansas City reports.The reason for Perez's early departure is not currently known, but he was replaced by Drew Butera prior to the bottom of the fifth inning. Perez was 1-for-2 with a strikeout prior to his exit. An update on his status should follow Tuesday's contest.
Jul 25 2017Perez (ribs) believes that he'll be able to start at catcher during Wednesday's game against the Tigers, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.Perez felt some tightness in his ribs while swinging the bat Tuesday, so the Royals removed their prized catcher from the game as a precaution. It sounds like he's not concerned with the injury and is prepared to suit up for Wednesday's series finale against their division foes.
Jul 25 2017Perez exited Tuesday's game early with right side rib tightness.The Royals are saying that Perez's removal was simply precautionary and that he's a day-to-day case. It doesn't sound like the star catcher will miss much time, but Drew Butera will fill in behind the plate in the mean time.
Jul 24 2017Perez went 2-for-4 with a solo home run during Monday's win over Detroit.Perez is well on his way to a career year with 20 homers, 62 RBI, 43 runs and a .284/.315/.525 slash line. Both his fantasy ceiling and floor benefit from seeing more at-bats than the majority of catchers around the league, and the Royals have also been utilizing Perez as their designated hitter more than ever this season.
Jul 17 2017Perez will continue getting more 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.
Jul 16 2017Perez 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.
Jul 9 2017Perez is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Dodgers, Rustin Dodd of The Kansas City Star reports.Perez will be granted a well-earned day off after starting each of the Royals' past six games. During that stretch, the 27-year-old went 7-for-25 with two home runs and seven RBI. Drew Butera will take over behind the plate, batting eighth.
Jul 6 2017Perez went 1-for-5 with a two-run home run in the top of the 10th inning of Wednesday's win over Seattle.The backstop has been a go-to fantasy asset for years, but 2017 might prove to be his best season. He's sporting a rock-solid .288/.318/.528 slash line with 17 homers, 55 RBI and 36 runs, and his 301 plate appearances lead all catchers. Perez shouldn't have any trouble remaining a high-end contributor moving forward, either.
Jul 5 2017Perez has been selected for his fifth All-Star Game, and he'll suit up as the AL's starting catcher for the fourth straight season.Per ESPN.com, Perez will become the first AL catcher to start four consecutive All-Star Games since Hall of Famer Ivan 'Pudge' Rodriguez. Furthermore, only one time has a Royal been the game's starting catcher (Darrell Porter in 1979) before this run, and Perez joins George Brett as the organization's only players to start consecutive Midsummer Classics. Entering Wednesday, the veteran backstop was slashing .290/.320/.523 through 76 games. His 16 home runs and 53 RBI are most among all MLB catchers. In his seventh big-league season at age 27, Perez is on pace to shatter career-best marks in a handful of categories.
Jul 1 2017Perez is out of the lineup for the second game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Twins, Joel Goldberg of FOX Sports Kansas City reports.Perez caught all nine innings in the first game, going 2-for-5 with two RBI and a run, and has started the last 10 games, so he'll take the evening off. The 27-year-old slashed .345/.360/.631 in June and appears well on his way to a fifth consecutive All-Star nod. Drew Butera will start in his place.
Jun 28 2017Perez went 2-for-5 with a double, a home run, two runs scored and three RBI in Wednesday's 8-2 win over the Tigers.He's putting the finishing touches on a monster June that's seen Perez hit .359 (28-for-78) with five homers, 13 runs and 18 RBI in 21 games. The 27-year-old now has an .857 OPS that's more than 100 points better than his previous best for a full season, and if he can avoid wearing down in the second half he's poised for a career year.
Jun 21 2017Perez went 3-for-3 with a grand slam during Wednesday's win over Boston.Perez's 15th blast of the season put Kansas City ahead for good and sealed Wednesday's victory. The backstop sports an impressive .292/.324/.533 slash line and is on track to post a career year. Additionally, he entered Wednesday's game leading all catchers in plate appearances (253), so Perez's fantasy floor is higher than most of his peers.
Jun 20 2017Perez (side) is back in the lineup Tuesday against the Red Sox, batting fifth and catching, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.Although Perez has been dealing with a side issue recently, manager Ned Yost insisted that Monday's night off was planned and that the ailment isn't serious. Tuesday's reappearance seems to align with those words, although the situation will be worth monitoring moving forward in case the side issue leads to more frequent days off over the course of the season.
Jun 19 2017Perez is experiencing soreness in his side, although manager Ned Yost said that Monday was a planned day off, Rustin Dodd of The Kansas City Star reports.Although Perez isn't in Monday's lineup, Yost's comments make it seem like there's no real issue on the injury front. However, this is something worth monitoring over the next few days, as it could mean that the iron-man catcher could get some extra days off to help him heal more completely. Drew Butera will fill in for him Monday, and would likely do so if this issue continues to linger.
Jun 19 2017Perez is out of the lineup Monday against the Red Sox, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.Perez boosted his case for an All-Star bid with a three-hit, three-RBI performance Sunday against the Angels, bringing his average up to .286 for the season. He'll just be receiving a breather Monday as backup Drew Butera steps in behind the plate to catch for starting pitcher Jason Hammel.
Jun 18 2017Perez homered and drove in three runs in a 3-for-5 game in Sunday's win over the Angels.Perez is red-hot in June, now with nine extra-base hits including three home runs over 13 games this month. He now has extra-base hits in four consecutive starts and is slugging a ludicrous .667 this month.
Jun 17 2017Perez is not in the lineup Saturday against the Angels, Rustin Dodd of The Kansas City Star reports.Despite riding a nine-game hitting streak, Perez will head to the bench for the night game ahead of Sunday's matinee contest. Drew Butera will draw the start behind the dish, while Perez should slot back into the lineup for the series finale.
Jun 14 2017Perez is out of Wednesday's lineup against the Giants, Joel Goldberg of Fox Sports Kansas City reports.He has started 15 of the last 17 games behind the dish, hitting .271 with two home runs over that stretch. Drew Butera will start at catcher and hit eighth.
Jun 13 2017Perez (ribs) is back in the lineup Tuesday against the Giants, Joel Goldberg of Fox Sports Kansas City reports.As anticipated, Perez will re-enter the lineup in time for the series opener in San Francisco. He will resume his normal spot behind the plate and bat fifth.
Jun 11 2017Perez (ribs) was removed from Sunday's game for precautionary reasons, and he's expected to be in the lineup Tuesday against the Giants, Rustin Dodd of The Kansas City Star reports.The catcher experienced some tightness in his right side, but by all indications, there's nothing for fantasy owners to fret. "[Perez] took a swing and felt a little tightness in here," manager Ned Yost said, pointing to his left side. "He didn't say nothing, and we kept prying, and he said: 'Yeah, it's a little tight.' I'm not taking any chances." After the game, Perez downplayed the issue and said he'd be ready for the three-game set in San Francisco this week.
Jun 11 2017Perez exited Sunday's game against the Padres with tightness in his rib cage, Rustin Dodd of the Kansas City Star reports.Fortunately, the club does not believe that Perez's ailment to be serious, so there's a chance he'll be back in the lineup when the Royals return to action Tuesday against the Giants. However, if manager Ned Yost opts to give Perez an extra day off, Drew Butera would draw in behind the plate for the Royals.
Jun 8 2017Perez (thumb) is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Astros, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.Perez suffered a slight thumb sprain during Wednesday's game that forced the catcher to come out of the contest in the eighth inning. Manager Ned Yost stated that he was not concerned about the injury, but it seems as though the Royals will be cautious with Perez and give him the night off in favor of Drew Butera before heading to San Diego this weekend.
Jun 8 2017Manager Ned Yost is not concerned about the thumb injury that forced Perez out of Wednesday's contest, Rustin Dodd of The Kansas City Star reports.Yost hinted he was optimistic that Perez would be ready to play Thursday night. The skipper described the ailment as a "dinged" thumb, and added, "We'll see how he feels tomorrow." Drew Butera will handle the catching duties should Perez be unable to go.
Jun 7 2017Perez leads all AL catchers in the 2017 Esurance All-Star Game Ballot for the second straight week, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.The backstop has his sights set on a fifth ASG appearance. Perez is a perennial Gold Glove contender, and his offense continues to be among the elite at his position. Through 54 games in 2017, he has 11 home runs and 32 RBI, both of which are most among MLB catchers.
Jun 7 2017Manager Ned Yost said Perez injured his thumb during Wednesday's win over the Astros, Rustin Dodd of The Kansas City Star reports.Perez injured his catching thumb in the eighth inning and was unable to finish the game. The injury doesn't appear to be anything overly serious; consider him day-to-day for now.
Jun 4 2017Perez is out of the lineup Sunday against the Indians, Paul Hoynes of Cleveland.com reports.With Perez batting just 4-for-31 (.129 average) while starting each of the last eight games, manager Ned Yost decided it was an opportune time to rest the oft-used backstop. Backup Drew Butera will fill in for Perez behind the plate.
May 14 2017Perez is out of the lineup Sunday against the Orioles, 610 Sports reports.With the Royals off the schedule Monday, Perez will benefit from an extended rest by sitting out Sunday's game, marking the first time since April 23 that he hasn't started. Perez hasn't wilted while assuming massive workloads in previous seasons, and with 34 games already under his belt in 2017, he looks poised to again ranks as one of baseball's more heavily used catchers. Drew Butera will spell him behind the plate Sunday.
May 9 2017Perez went 3-for-4 with a double, a homer, two walks, two RBI and two runs against the Rays on Tuesday.He's shown plenty of thump in the bat this year, rewarding fantasy owners with seven homers and 18 RBI already, although this one was his first of May. There's no reason to think that Perez won't remain among the most productive catchers all season long, as he's been a reliable source of both health and pop for years.
May 7 2017Perez (forearm) is in the starting lineup Sunday against the Indians, Joel Goldberg of Fox Sports Kansas City reports.Perez left Saturday's game in the eighth inning after taking a foul ball off his left forearm, but the heavily-used backstop won't miss any time as a result. He'll bat fifth in the order and start behind the plate for the fifth straight game.
May 6 2017Perez left Saturday's game after taking a foul ball off his left forearm, Josh Vernier of 610 Sports Radio Kansas City reports.The incident occurred in the eighth inning, and Drew Butera replaced Perez behind the plate in the ninth. Perez went 1-for-3 prior to exiting the game. It would make sense if the Royals scheduled an X-ray to determine the full extent of the injury.
May 1 2017Perez sprinted out of the gate in 2017, hitting .272 with six home runs and 12 RBI through the season's first month.The Royals' backstop leads AL catchers in home runs and is tied with Baltimore's Wellington Castillo with 22 total hits. Perez's .837 OPS also tops the charts among that group. What's even more encouraging is that the veteran's .267 BABIP is uncharacteristically low, suggesting increased production is attainable.
Apr 24 2017Perez (neck) will catch and bat fifth in the order Monday against the White Sox, Colleen Kane of the Chicago Tribune reports.The Royals held Perez out of the last two games while he battled a stiff neck, but the team never felt he was at risk of landing on the disabled list. The couple days off were all Perez needed to get over the issue, so he should be in line for a full slate of starts behind the plate this week.
Apr 23 2017Perez (neck) remains out of the lineup Sunday against the Rangers, Rustin Dodd of The Kansas City Star reports.Perez is still battling some neck stiffness that resulted in him being scratched ahead of Saturday's game, so manager Ned Yost will give the backstop a second consecutive day off with the hope that it helps remedy the issue. According to Dodd, Yost noted that Perez was showing improvement Sunday, so it doesn't seem as though the Royals are concerned that Perez will require a trip to the disabled list.
Apr 22 2017Perez was scratched from Saturday's lineup against the Rangers with a stiff neck, Rustin Dodd of the Kansas City Star reports.News regarding the severity of the ailment should be available in the near future, but consider Perez day-to-day heading into Sunday's game against Texas. With Perez sitting out, Drew Butera will get the nod to start behind the plate.
Apr 20 2017Perez went 2-for-3 with an RBI and one walk in Wednesday's 2-0 win over Madison Bumgarner and the Giants.The catcher's fourth multi-hit effort of the year boosted his average to .302. Through 14 games, Perez's 16 hits are second-best on the club, and his five homers are tied for the team lead. Barring injury, Perez should be among the best at his position in 2017.
Apr 14 2017Perez went 1-for-3 with a solo home run, his fifth of the year, and two RBI in Saturday's win over the Angels.Perez's sixth-inning blast tied him with Houston's George Spring for the AL lead in home runs. Furthermore, the seventh-year catcher has reached base safely in all 10 of his games so far. Perez appears well on his way to a third straight season of 20-plus long balls.
Apr 10 2017Perez blasted a solo homer in a 5-4 loss to the Astros in 12 innings Sunday.Perez's home run -- his fourth in as many days -- was one of the three long balls on the day for the Royals, but those jacks weren't enough to deliver the visiting team a win. All four of Perez's homers have been solo shots, illustrating the lack of offense that the Royals have been surrounding him with. Once Perez's power surge ends, it may be difficult for him to provide runs or RBI with much regularity.
Apr 8 2017Perez went 1-for-4 with a solo home run, his third of the year, in Saturday's come-from-behind victory over Houston.Perez's long ball put the icing on the cake of a six-run eighth inning for Kansas City. The home run also marked the first time in Perez's career that he's gone deep in three straight games. He's 6-for-19 with a walk through the first five games of 2017.
Apr 7 2017Perez went 2-for-4 with a solo home run in Thursday's loss to Minnesota.Following a campaign in which the catcher hit a career-high 22 homers, Perez launched his first dinger of the season on his ninth trip to the plate in 2017. The Royals were swept by the Twins while scoring just five runs over the three-game series. Perez left six runners on base during the set, but at least owners can take solace in knowing the opportunities for RBI should exist moving forward.
Mar 25 2017Perez went 0-for-3 in Friday's Cactus League game, his first game action since March 6.Perez has been hampered by knee inflammation and a hyperextended left elbow, but it appears all systems are go at this point. The Royals will likely give him plenty of at-bats within the coming week as he prepares for Opening Day. Perez is aiming to earn a fifth consecutive All-Star nod after slamming a career-high 22 home runs over 139 games last season.
Mar 22 2017Perez (elbow), who is serving as the team's DH for Wednesday's Cactus League game against the Padres, is expected to catch in games Friday and Saturday, Rustin Dodd of The Kansas City Star reports.Perez hurt his knee during a collision at home plate during the World Baseball Classic, but that injury is no longer concern, and it's instead a hyperextended left elbow that's presenting more trouble at this time. However, it seems he's just about healed up now, and once he gets behind the plate over the weekend, he should be considered ready to go for the start of the season. The Royals are once again preparing to hand Perez one of the heftier workloads at catcher this season, which should help him in racking up counting stats.
Mar 20 2017Perez (knee/elbow) is scheduled to DH on Wednesday and play catch on Friday, Rustin Dodd of The Kansas City Star reports.This will be his first action back since hyperextending his left knee during a World Baseball Classic game, though the 26-year-old will only be able slot in as the DH due to an elbow injury that he is also dealing with. Neither of the injuries is thought to be serious, however, and barring any setbacks, Perez still expects to be ready for Opening Day.
Mar 15 2017Perez's second MRI was returned negative, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.Perez was said to be in good spirits Wednesday, having avoided a serious injury as a result of a collision in Saturday's WBC game. The initial MRI showed inflammation in the knee but no structural damage, and the follow-up test confirmed that diagnosis. While Perez is uncertain when exactly he may return to games, he is confident he will be good to go for the start of the regular season.
Mar 15 2017According to manager Ned Yost, Perez (knee/elbow) also hyperextended his left elbow a bit in the collision that removed him from WBC play, which could keep him out for a week, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.The Royals don't seem overly concerned with the backstop's knee anymore, and it seems like this elbow issue will ultimately cost him more time than the knee injury. Either way, Perez is still projected to be back to full health relatively quickly and expects to be completely ready for Opening Day.
Mar 14 2017Perez (knee) is going for a second MRI on Tuesday, MLB.com's Jeffrey Flanagan reports.His MRI on Sunday showed no damage beyond inflammation, but either the Royals or the player were unsatisfied with the results, so he will go for a second test Tuesday. This suggests the knee issue is more than just a day-to-day ailment, but we won't know how much longer he will be sidelined until after the results are released.
Mar 12 2017Perez (knee) had an MRI Sunday and the results showed "no damage beyond inflammation," Vahe Gregorian of the Kansas City Star reports.This is a very good sign for the Royals, as what seemed like a nasty injury may turn out to be a relatively minor incident. Perez is expected to return to Royals camp to have his knee further examined, but as of now, it seems like the All-Star backstop will simply have to rest for a couple weeks before resuming his high workload behind the dish.
Mar 11 2017Perez is dealing with inflammation, Jon Heyman of MLB.com reports.Perez was injured during Team Venezuela's game against Team Italy in the World Baseball Classic. The injury looked pretty dire, but Heyman's report suggests Perez should be okay without any serious intervention.
Mar 11 2017Perez, who injured his knee in a collision at home plate Saturday, is headed for X-rays to determine the severity, Jon Morosi of MLB.com reports.Perez said he was unable put any weight on his leg after sustaining the injury, forcing him to be helped off the field by multiple trainers. He is headed for X-rays, and the Royals and their star backstop are holding their breaths for the time-being. More should be known about his status once the test results are back, so expect another update then.
Mar 11 2017Perez was injured during a collision at home plate during Saturday's WBC game, Kyle Glaser of Baseball America reports.Although specifics of the injury aren't yet known, it would be a big blow for the Royals if their star catcher had to miss extended time. Perez had to be helped to the clubhouse by trainers after the incident, and it appeared to be an ankle injury. His status will be updated when more information is made available.
Oct 2 2016Perez (knee) is in Sunday's lineup against Cleveland, Rustin Dodd of the Kansas City Star reports.Perez wasn't expected to play Sunday, so his presence in the lineup comes as a bit of a surprise. However, he won't be starting behind the dish. Rather, he'll serve as the Royals' DH and hit cleanup.
Oct 1 2016Perez is out of the lineup Saturday against the Indians, MLB.com's Jeffrey Flanagan reports.He will sit for the third game in a row Saturday, as the Royals seem to be giving their franchise catcher a chance to rest his aches and pains as the team plays out the string. Drew Butera will start at catcher and hit ninth Saturday.
Oct 1 2016Perez (multiple injuries) is not expected to play Sunday, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.He has not started a game since the Royals were eliminated from postseason contention Wednesday, and it sounds like Perez is indeed done catching for the year. Manager Ned Yost revealed Saturday that Perez has a sore knee and a hamstring strain, so he will get a head start on his offseason and rest his legs for a few months before pitchers and catchers report.
Sep 30 2016Perez is not in the lineup Friday for the second straight day, according to Joel Goldberg of FOX Sports Kansas City.Perez has hit just .199 since the All-Star break and the Royals have been eliminated from playoff contention, so manager Ned Yost decided to give his regular catcher two days off in a row. Drew Butera will get another start behind the plate Friday night.
Sep 29 2016Perez is not in the lineup for Thursday's matchup against the Twins.Perez has managed to go just 2-for-17 over the last four games, bringing his batting average down to .245 for the season. Drew Butera will start behind the dish while Perez gets the night off.
Sep 24 2016Perez (knee) is back in the lineup Saturday against the Tigers, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.Perez got the day off Friday to rest his troublesome knee, but the absence looks to have been more precautionary than anything else. He'll return to his usual spot behind the plate Saturday and bat fifth in the order against Detroit's Daniel Norris.
Sep 23 2016Perez was a late scratch Friday against the Tigers.It is unclear why the Royals' starting catcher was scratched Friday, but his status will be updated when the team provides a reason. Drew Butera is starting behind the dish and hitting ninth in his stead.
Sep 23 2016Perez is getting a day off Friday to rest a sore knee, MLB.com's Jeffrey Flanagan reports.He was a late scratch Friday, and now we know why. With the Royals eliminated from postseason contention, it's possible that Perez could receive an extra day off or two down the stretch, but he is expected to be back in the lineup Saturday. Drew Butera is starting in his place Friday.
Sep 13 2016Perez (personal) is in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the A's, Josh Vernier of 610 Sports Radio reports.Perez was scratched from Monday's lineup due to the birth of his child, but he is back with the team and will be back in the lineup Tuesday night, hitting fifth and catching Danny Duffy.
Sep 12 2016Perez was scratched from Monday's lineup due to the birth of his child, Rustin Dodd of the Kansas City Star reports.Perez was initially penciled into the lineup batting fifth, but the birth of his child will lead him to miss the beginning of the game at the very least. Drew Butera will fill in for him behind the plate for the evening.
Sep 10 2016Perez (wrist) is back in the lineup Saturday against the White Sox, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.A hit-by-pitch Tuesday provided a significant scare, but X-rays were negative and Perez is now ready to return to the lineup after missing only two starts. He'll bat fifth against right-hander James Shields, who has given up a whopping 19 home runs at home since being traded to Chicago.
Sep 9 2016Perez (wrist) remains out of the lineup Friday against the White Sox, the Kansas City Star's Rustin Dodd reports.Manager Ned Yost had Perez in the initial lineup but then changed his mind and decided to give the star catcher one more day off. Perez took practice swings Friday and it sounds like he is on track to return to the lineup Saturday. Drew Butera will start at catcher and hit eighth Friday.
Sep 7 2016A more extensive X-ray on Perez's right wrist Wednesday confirmed that he did not suffer a fracture, and he hopes to return to the lineup Friday in Chicago, the Kansas City Star's Rustin Dodd reports.Perez said he feared that he suffered a broken wrist when he was hit by a pitch and forced to exit Tuesday's game, but fortunately tests confirmed that he simply suffered a bruise. The Royals have an off day Thursday, so the soonest Perez could return would be Friday, but it would not be surprising if he needed another day or two. Drew Butera is starting behind the dish and hitting ninth Wednesday.
Sep 6 2016Perez was diagnosed with a right wrist contusion after getting hit by a pitch in Tuesday's game, the Kansas City Star's Rustin Dodd reports.He was hit on the wrist by a pitch and forced to exit Tuesday's game. Fortunately, tests were negative on the wrist, so Perez should be considered day-to-day with the contusion. Of course, sometimes these things are labeled as bruises/contusions on the night of the injury, and then further tests reveal a fracture, so it's worth continuing to monitor his status in advance of Wednesday's game in Minnesota.
Sep 6 2016Perez (wrist) is not expected to play Wednesday, the Kansas City Star's Rustin Dodd reports.Perez left Tuesday's game with what is being labeled a right wrist contusion after he was hit on the wrist by a pitch. However, manager Ned Yost admitted that it "wasn't a good sound" when Perez was hit by the pitch, and Yost was unsure about the severity of the injury going forward. That certainly makes it sound as though Perez could have further tests on the wrist, and he could end up missing more time than players typically miss with a contusion. The Royals are off Thursday, so Perez will be out at least until the weekend series against the White Sox. Drew Butera and Tony Cruz will be the two options behind the plate while Perez is out.
Sep 6 2016Perez left Tuesday's game after being hit on the right forearm/wrist by a pitch, the Kansas City Star's Rustin Dodd reports.According to Dodd, the sound when the ball hit Perez's arm suggests the injury was at least very painful, and could have resulted in a fracture. Terrance Gore came in to pinch run and Perez's status should be updated when the team comments on the nature of the injury.
Aug 26 2016Perez is out of the lineup Friday against the Red Sox, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.Drew Butera will start behind the dish and bat eighth as Perez heads to the bench. Perez has had a rough time hitting recently and owns a .174/.208/.304 line over the last 14 days, bringing his batting average down to .254 for the season.
Aug 21 2016Perez is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Twins, according to Josh Vernier of 610 Sports Radio.Perez showed signs of life with the bat the last few days after struggling for much of August, but manager Ned Yost still decided to hold him out Sunday for the second time in five games. Drew Butera will get the start behind the plate in Perez's place.
Aug 17 2016Perez is out of the lineup Wednesday against the Tigers, MLB.com's Jeffrey Flanagan reports.This will be Perez's first day off since Aug. 7, and it is simply of the maintenance day variety. Drew Butera will get the start at catcher and hit eighth Wednesday.
Aug 7 2016Perez is out of the lineup Sunday against the Blue Jays, Josh Vernier of 610 Sports Radio AM reports.Perez is hitting just 14-for-72 (.194 average) since the All-Star break, suggesting he may be starting to wear down following a tremendous start to the season. Manager Ned Yost may try to build in more off days for the durable catcher, who will sit for the third time in the Royals' last 11 games. Drew Butera will fill in behind the plate Sunday.
Aug 2 2016Perez went 1-for-4 with a homer in Tuesday's game against the Rays.Perez's two-run blast in the seventh inning completed the 3-2 comeback victory, and gave the catcher 16 homers on the year. Playing in his sixth MLB season, Perez is on now pace to break his career-high mark in home runs (21) while challenging his best years in RBI and total hits.
Jul 31 2016Perez is out of the lineup Sunday against the Rangers, MLB.com reports.Perez just got over an illness, so manager Ned Yost is likely just extending the veteran a rest during Sunday's series finale as a means of aiding his recovery. Drew Butera will serve as the Royals' catcher for the afternoon.
Jul 29 2016Perez (illness) is back in the lineup against the Rangers on Friday, Joel Goldberg of FSKC reports.Perez was scratched from the lineup Wednesday as he went down with the flu, but will be back behind the plate for Friday's contest. He will be catching Edinson Volquez and batting sixth.
Jul 28 2016Perez (illness) was a late scratch for Thursday's game against the Rangers, FSKC's Joel Goldberg reports.Perez was taken out of the lineup with an illness as Drew Butera takes over behind the plate. Butera will now bat eighth in the order, with Paulo Orlando sliding up to the fifth spot. Perez will likely be back in the lineup Friday, but will considered day-to-day for now.
Jul 25 2016Perez hit a two-run home run in a 1-for-4 game in a loss Monday against the Angels.Perez was just 3-for-24 with eight strikeouts and no extra-base hits over his last seven games, so he badly needed something to get him out of that slump. Sunday marked his first day off since the All-Star break, and the rest might have been exactly what he needed.
Jul 24 2016Perez is out of the lineup Sunday against the Rangers, Josh Vernier of 610 Sports Radio reports.It's a well-earned day off for Perez, who has been in the lineup for every game since July 4. Drew Butera will fill in for him behind the plate. The time to rest and recovery could prove helpful with Perez stuck in a 2-for-23 slump over his last six contests.
Jul 10 2016Perez will be held out of the lineup for Sunday's tilt with Seattle, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.Perez will get the day off as Drew Butera makes a start behind the plate and bats ninth. Perez, who's made six consecutive starts coming into Sunday, is 5-for-10 with two homers, five runs, and four RBI the last three games.
Jul 10 2016Perez went 1-for-3 with a solo homer, a walk and two runs in Saturday's 5-3 victory over the Mariners.The veteran backstop went deep off reliever Vidal Nuno in the seventh to make it two games in a row with a homer. After a 1-for-19 start to July over his first five games, Perez has gone 5-for-10 over his first three games versus Seattle, with two homers, four RBI, a pair of walks and five runs.
Jul 8 2016Perez went 1-for-3 with a solo home run, a walk and an additional run scored in Friday's loss to Seattle.Kansas City ultimately ended up dropping the game, but Perez offered a glimmer of hope when he took Steve Cishek deep in the ninth inning to bring his club within one. Perez broke out of a slump with a 3-for-4 performance Thursday, and Friday's follow-up indicates that he's beginning to get back in a groove, although it remains to be seen if the All-Star break will affect this development.
Jul 7 2016Perez finished 3-for-4 with a double, two RBI and a run scored in Thursday's 4-3 win over the Mariners.Perez entered Thursday's contest having gone hitless in his last 23 at-bats, but he delivered his first three-hit effort in roughly three weeks, the last of which came in the form of a walk-off, two-run double in the bottom of the ninth. Perez's average still sits at a respectable .280 after ending his slide, and he will look to generate some further momentum before what should be an enjoyable All-Star break.
Jul 3 2016Perez is out of the lineup Sunday against the Phillies, Joel Goldberg of FOX Sports Kansas City reports.Perez's day off might be for mental reasons just as much as physical, as the backstop has gone just 1-for-17 with seven strikeouts while starting each of the last four games behind the plate. With some extra time to recuperate and assess his approach at the plate, perhaps Perez will be able to close out the first half of the season on a high note.
Jun 4 2016Perez, who is starting Saturday's game, will get Sunday off and will likely get another day off next week as well, the Kansas City Star's Rustin Dodd reports.He is returning Saturday from a quadriceps contusion, but it sounds like the Royals will take it slow with Perez at first. He'll sit Sunday, start Monday, and then likely get another day off next week. Still, this only means Perez is on the same schedule as almost every other starting catcher in baseball. In a week or two he'll be back to playing almost every day.
Jun 4 2016Perez (quadriceps) is back in the lineup Saturday, batting fifth and playing catcher against the Indians.After sitting out for nearly a full week due to a quadriceps contusion, Perez will not only return to the lineup Saturday, he'll do so at catcher. His return will bump Drew Butera back to the bench for at least Saturday's contest.
Jun 3 2016Royals manager Ned Yost did not rule out the possibility of Perez (quadriceps) doing more than just pinch hitting this weekend during the series against the Indians, the Kansas City Star's Rustin Dodd reports. "Maybe," Yost said. "We're still gauging it."It sounds like there's a chance Perez could return behind the plate later in this weekend's series, but a return next week still seems more likely. That said, it does sound like Perez will at least get the chance to pinch hit this weekend.
Jun 2 2016Perez (quadriceps) may be available as a pinch hitter by the end of the Royals' weekend series against the Indians, Rustin Dodd of the Kansas City Star reports.Perez continued to participate in some light conditioning work Thursday for the second day in a row and he resumed throwing. While his arm is not the issue, Dodd reports that Perez is still having some difficulty getting down into his catching stance. The hope is that Perez will be able to come in as a pinch hitter over the weekend, but there's still no word on when the All-Star will be able to get back behind the plate.
Jun 1 2016Perez (quadriceps) took light swings and did some light running Wednesday, the Kansas City Star's Rustin Dodd reports.He is expected to be sidelined for at least a few more days, with Drew Butera getting the bulk of the work behind the plate.
May 31 2016Perez (quadriceps) is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Rays.Drew Butera will get the start behind the plate Tuesday with Perez set to be sidelined for the rest of the week in all likelihood. Butera figures to see most of the playing time in Perez's absence, but Tony Cruz could earn a nod or two over the course of the next week.
May 29 2016Manager Ned Yost said Sunday that Perez would miss the next seven-to-10 days with a quad contusion, Rustin Dodd of The Kansas City Star reports.After suffering the injury during a collision with teammate Cheslor Cuthbert in Saturday's come-from-behind win over the White Sox, Perez underwent a precautionary MRI, which cleared the catcher of any structural damage to his knee. While Perez looks on track to miss at least a week's worth of games, the Royals don't believe that he'll need to miss a full 15 days, so a DL stint doesn't appear to be in the offing. The Royals did recall Tony Cruz from Triple-A Omaha to provide some catching depth behind Drew Butera, who will start behind the plate Sunday, while Perez is sidelined.
May 28 2016Perez exited Saturday's game in the ninth inning with an apparent leg injury, Rustin Dodd of the Kansas City Star reports.Perez was injured Saturday when an apparent miscommunication on a foul ball resulted in third baseman Chelsor Cuthbert colliding with his knee. He was helped off the field by manager Ned Yost and team trainer Nick Kenney, according to Dodd. There is no official word on the nature and extent of Perez's injury, but the immediate worry is that it could be a knee injury. Further information on Perez's status figures to be made available following Saturday's game.
May 28 2016Perez was diagnosed with a quadriceps contusion and will undergo a precautionary MRI later Saturday, Josh Vernier of 610 Sports Radio reports.Perez was involved in a scary collision with Chelsor Cuthbert in foul territory Saturday and had to be helped off the field. Fortunately, the Royals believe that Perez avoided any structural damage and only suffered a contusion in his quadriceps. However, MLB.com's Jeffrey Flanagan reports that Perez's injury could result in a DL stint. Regardless, Drew Butera figures to take over catching duties while Perez is sidelined.
May 25 2016Perez will bat fifth as the team's DH against the Twins on Wednesday, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.Perez has gone 7-for-9 in his first two games of the series, so it makes sense for manager Ned Yost to keep him in the lineup as much as he can. He will also get a much-needed day off behind the plate after starting 43 of the team's first 45 games.
May 24 2016Perez hit his seventh homer and knocked in two runs in a 2-for-4 game in Tuesday's win over the Twins.Perez extended his hit streak to 10 games and is demolishing the Twins in this series. He's now 7-for-9 with three extra-base hits and three RBI in the first two games, and Minnesota can't wait until he's out of town. Perez has a pair of homers in his last six games and has raised his slugging percentage from .435 to an even .500 in that span.
May 24 2016Perez went a perfect 5-for-5 with three runs scored and an RBI in Monday's win over the Twins.Perez has been hot of late, but this was by far the best game of his current nine-game hitting streak. After going a modest 10-for-33 in the previous eight games, Perez busted out for just his second game of the season with three hits or more. He doubled and tripled one time each to push his batting line up to .270/.300/.480. His combination of power and defense makes him one of the game's premier catchers.
May 18 2016Perez is out of the lineup for Game 1 of Wednesday's doubleheader against the Red Sox, MLB.com's Jeffrey Flanagan reports.He was likely getting one of the two games off Wednesday, and it will be the day game. Drew Butera will start behind the dish and hit eighth in Game 1, and Perez should be back in the lineup for the nightcap.
May 11 2016Perez hit his fifth homer of the season -- a three-run shot -- in the first inning of Wednesday's 7-3 victory over the Yankees.The catcher is struggling with a .234 batting average, but the five home runs and 18 RBI are nice. He was struggling earlier, but now has a four-game hit streak after going 1-16 in the last five games. The Royals are not afraid to use Perez, so he'll get plenty of chances to produce this season.
May 8 2016Perez went 2-for-4 Sunday with two doubles, a run scored and an RBI.He'd been mired in a 3-for-30 slump coming into Sunday and the RBI was his first since April 25, so hopefully this was a sign that Perez is beginning to find his batting stroke. The Royals don't exactly have another option behind the plate, however, so expect him to get every chance to heat up.
Apr 24 2016Perez is out of the lineup Sunday against the Orioles, Rustin Dodd of the Kansas City Star reports.Perez is one of the league's few iron men behind the plate, but manager Ned Yost will relent and give the workhorse a day off Sunday, marking his first absence from the lineup in six games. With Perez getting a breather, Drew Butera will make a rare start behind the plate and serve as the battery mate for Yordano Ventura.
Apr 20 2016Perez went 3-for-3 with a double, a homer and a walk in Wednesday's loss to Detroit.That marks his second consecutive multi-hit game with a homer, so Perez is heating up in a hurry after a quiet first 12 games. Unfortunately, the catcher's efforts represented the bulk of the happy moments in this game for the Royals. Nonetheless, fantasy owners can feel secure in the knowledge that Perez's playing time and team context make him a strong addition to just about any lineup.
Apr 19 2016Perez homered, his second, as part of a 2-for-4 game with five RBI in Tuesday's win over Detroit.Perez has a hit in five of his past six games and has raised his batting line from .208/.240/.375 to .256/.283/.512 in that span. Perez has never been an on-base machine (.305 OBP lifetime) and never will be, but his power stroke looks like it has officially shown up for 2016.
Apr 16 2016Perez is out of the lineup Saturday against the Athletics.Manager Ned Yost alluded to the possibility of giving Perez an off day earlier in the week, so it's not entirely surprising that the All-Star catcher is out of the lineup Saturday. Drew Butera will take his place behind the plate Saturday, but Perez figures to draw back in Sunday following his off day.
Apr 14 2016Manager Ned Yost said that Perez will likely sit out of Saturday's game against the A's, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.Perez is one of the most durable catchers in the major leagues, but it appears that Yost wants to get him a bit of rest in the early going so that the backstop is a bit fresher as the season rolls along. If this report holds true, Drew Butera will likely get the start behind the plate Saturday.
Apr 13 2016Perez went 1-for-3 with a two-run homer in the eighth inning of Wednesday's 4-2 win against the Astros.His first homer of the year was a huge one, as it snapped a 2-2 tie against ace reliever Ken Giles. Perez has started the year a little slow, but should continue rounding into form as one of the top few backstops in fantasy.
Apr 9 2016Perez went 2-for-4 with a triple and two runs scored in Friday's 4-3 victory over the Twins.The veteran catcher legged out his first three-bagger since September 2014 in a key eighth-inning rally, and then scored the go-ahead run on a sacrifice fly by Omar Infante. The 25-year-old is still looking for his first homer of the new season, but now has three hits in 10 at-bats, along with an RBI.
Apr 5 2016Perez will catch and bat seventh Tuesday against the Mets, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.The 2015 World Series MVP, he is expected to shoulder a heavy workload again this season. Perez has averaged over 135 starts per season over the past three years. While Perez doesn't walk much at all (2.4% BB% last season), he makes enough contact to hit at a serviceable clip, and there may still be a little more power left in his bat.
Mar 1 2016Perez agreed to a five-year, $52.5 million contract extension with the Royals on Tuesday, Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reports.The new contract overrides the previous deal Perez signed with the Royals in 2012 -- a very team-friendly pact -- and locks him up through 2021. His offensive performance slipped the last couple seasons, but he played in an average of 143 games over the last three years and figures to remain a workhorse behind the plate in 2016.
Oct 4 2015Perez (thumb) is in the lineup Sunday against the Twins.Perez indicated he was fine after dealing with thumb swelling in Thursday's game, but he returned to the lineup Saturday and is again playing Sunday. He'll bat sixth as the Royals attempt to clinch home field advantage throughout the playoffs.
Oct 2 2015Perez (thumb) is not in the lineup Friday against the Twins, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.Perez left Thursday's contest after suffering a swollen right thumb, but reported that he felt fine afterward so the move may just be precautionary. Drew Butera will get the start behind the plate in his absence and bat eighth.
Oct 1 2015Perez left Thursday's game with a swollen right thumb, Joel Goldberg of Fox Sports Kansas City reports.In a nightmare night for the Royals, Perez becomes the fourth player to earn a day-to-day tag on the team, though Lorenzo Cain's existed prior to Thursday. Fortunately, none of the injuries to this point appear serious, so it's quite possible the club is being cautious. Perez will join Cain, Kendrys Morales and Alex Rios as day-to-day, but the club may elect to rest them, which could mean starts for either Drew Butera or Francisco Pena if Perez sits.
Oct 1 2015Perez (thumb) indicated after Thursday's game that he's fine, Andy McCullough of the Kansas City Star reports.Perez was likely removed from Thursday's contest for precautionary reasons, as it appears he will be good to go moving forward. Given the current situation with the Royals and the impending playoff run on tap, it's possible the Royals will rest their injured players for the weekend series, depending on how much they value home field advantage. If that's the case, Drew Butera seems the likely candidate to receive starts behind the plate.
Sep 25 2015Perez is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Indians.Most of the team's regulars are out after Thursday's AL-Central-clinching victory over Seattle. Perez likely needs and deserves the day off more than anyone, as he suffered a bruised left knee Wednesday, and once again shouldered a massive workload behind the plate this season. Francisco Pena will catch and bat ninth.
Sep 24 2015Perez (knee) is in the starting lineup Thursday against the Mariners.Perez was taken out of Wednesday's game for precautionary reasons after injuring his knee, but's it's clear the injury wasn't too serious. He will bat eighth in the order against Mariners' starter James Paxton.
Sep 23 2015Perez was removed from Wednesday's game for precautionary reasons with a bruised left knee, Joel Goldberg of FSKC reports.Further details regarding Perez's injury were not disclosed, but the setback does not seem serious, so he should have a chance to play Thursday.
Sep 20 2015Perez will take a rare day off, as he's out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Tigers.This will snap a streak of 13 straight starts for the incredibly durable Perez, while Drew Butera fills in behind the plate, batting at the bottom of the lineup.
Sep 18 2015Perez was 3-for-5 with a two-run home run in a losing effort against the Tigers on Friday night.A huge hit, Perez erased a 3-1 Tigers lead with a two-out, two-run home run in the ninth inning. Unfortunately, after the Royals took the lead in the 12th inning, Greg Holland gave up a pair of runs in the bottom of the frame to fuel a walk-off Tigers' win. Perez has provided solid numbers from the catcher slot all season with 20 home runs and 66 RBI to go with a respectable .258 average.
Sep 15 2015Perez went 1-for-3 with an RBI single in Tuesday's 2-0 victory over the Indians.Perez's two-out hit opened the scoring in the ballgame, plating Mike Moustakas in the second inning. The 25-year-old backstop now has a modest five-game hitting streak, and had recorded three consecutive multi-hit efforts prior to tonight's contest. Although 15 of his 19 homers came before the All-Star break, Perez continues to provide overall solid offensive production from the catcher position for a Royals club heading to the postseason once again in 2015.
Aug 30 2015Perez is not in the starting lineup Sunday, Royals VP of Communications Mike Swanson reports.Drew Butera will get a spot start behind the plate and bat ninth while Perez gets a rare day off Sunday against the Rays.
Aug 23 2015Perez is out of the lineup Sunday against the Red Sox.Perez will rest for the second time this week -- something that rarely happens when an injury is not in play. Manager Ned Yost appears to be honoring his plan to give his backstop regular rest down the stretch in an effort to conserve him for a potential postseason run. Drew Butera will take over behind the plate.
Aug 23 2015Perez went 1-for-3 Saturday with a three-run shot, his 18th home run of the season.That's a new career high in homers for Perez, who continues to be effective despite only drawing about one walk a month this year. The All-Star catcher is still only 25, and as long as he can stay healthy there should be plenty more home runs to come.
Aug 19 2015Perez is out of the lineup Wednesday against the Reds, C. Trent Rosecrans of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.Perez receives less than average days off in terms of catchers, but he'll receive a rest Wednesday after three starts back from a wrist injury. Drew Butera will start in his place, batting seventh for the Royals.
Aug 16 2015Perez returned to the starting lineup Saturday, going 2-for-5 with his 17th home run of the season.It looks like his wrist issue is behind him after receiving a few days off. Perez has now tied last season's career high in homers, and while the complete collapse of his walk rate limits his value in OBP leagues he's still one of the better options at catcher in standard formats.
Aug 15 2015Perez (wrist) is back in the lineup for Saturday's game against Anaheim.Perez missed three straight games due to left wrist inflammation, but he'll draw back into the lineup Saturday as the starting catcher. He'll bat sixth against righty Matt Shoemaker.
Aug 14 2015Perez (wrist) is out of the lineup Friday, Andy McCullough of the KC Star reports.Perez has been held out of the lineup since leaving Tuesday's game with inflammation in his left wrist. He'll miss his third straight game Friday, as the Royals continue to be cautious with their everyday catcher. Drew Butera will again be behind the plate Friday.
Aug 13 2015Perez (wrist) remains out of the lineup Thursday, Matthew DeFranks of Sports Radio 810 reports.As expected, Perez will receive another day off as he continues to battle inflammation in his wrist. An MRI revealed no damage in the wrist, so Perez figures to return to his spot behind the plate within the next couple of days.
Aug 12 2015Perez (wrist) is not in the lineup Wednesday against the Tigers.Perez was lifted from Tuesday's game with inflammation in his wrist, and he'll remain out Wednesday as Drew Butera gets the nod behind the plate. Perez is considered day-to-day and does not figure to miss significant time.
Aug 12 2015Perez (wrist), who is not in Wednesday's lineup, had an MRI on his wrist and the results were clean, Andy McCullough of the KC Star reports.Perez is expected to get a few days off as he continues to battle inflammation, but it sounds as though he'll avoid a stint on the DL. Manager Ned Yost said Perez will be available off the bench but only in emergency situations.
Aug 11 2015Perez left Tuesday's game with inflammation in his left wrist and is considered day-to-day, 610 Sports Radio's Josh Vernier reports.Perez has apparently been dealing with the inflammation for four or five days and X-rays Sunday came back negative. Still, given the Royals' commanding lead in the division, they would probably be wise to give Perez a couple extra days off to make sure he gets right. Drew Butera stands to get the start if Perez sits out Wednesday's game.
Aug 6 2015Perez is out of the lineup Thursday against the Tigers.After starting the last six games and notching six hits and four RBI over that stretch, Perez will get Thursday's day game off. Drew Butera will get the start behind the dish and hit ninth.
Jul 29 2015Perez is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Indians, according to Royals broadcaster Joel Goldberg.Perez is hitting .169 in July and is just 4-for-21 (.190) in his career against Indians starter Corey Kluber, so manager Ned Yost decided to give him a mental break Wednesday. Drew Butera will get the start behind the plate in Perez's place.
Jul 24 2015Perez is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Astros, Josh Vernier of 610 Sports Radio reports.It looks like Perez is receiving a rare rest day after starting seven straight games for Kansas City. Drew Butera will take over behind the plate to catch starter Jeremy Guthrie. The 25-year-old Perez is sitting with a career-worst .272 OBP and 1.8 percent walk rate, but he's just two off his home run total of 17 from a year ago.
Jul 11 2015Perez is not in Saturday's lineup, 610 Sports Radio's Josh Vernier reports.This is just a day off for Perez, who has started the last four games and has home runs in each of the last two games. Drew Butera will get the start at catcher Saturday.
Jul 7 2015Perez is not in the lineup for the first game of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Rays, Andy McCullough of the Kansas City Star reports.Drew Butera will catch the first game, with Kansas City saving Perez for the second. Perez has just three singles in his last 19 at-bats since homering in consecutive games last week.
Jul 5 2015Perez is out of the lineup Sunday against the Twins, MLB.com's Jeffrey Flanagan reports.Perez will rest for the first time since June 21, snapping a streak of 12 consecutive starts. The 25-year-old catcher could probably benefit from some extra time off during the upcoming All-Star break, but that luxury isn't likely to be afforded to him given that he's the American League's leading vote-getter at his position and is expected to start in the Midsummer Classic.
Jun 29 2015Perez went 1-for-4 with a home run, three RBI and two runs scored Sunday against the Athletics.The 25-year-old was Kansas City's biggest producer on offense and his two-run homer in the eighth inning eventually won the game. Perez's .271 batting average is a shade lower than his career .283 mark, but he already has 12 home runs and is easily on pace to top his previous best of 17.
Jun 21 2015Perez is not in the lineup Sunday against the Red Sox, Josh Vernier of 610 Sports Kansas City reports.Perez hasn't seen a day off since June 3, as he remains one of the most heavily-used catchers in the league. Don't count out manager Ned Yost using him as a late-game replacement, but until then, Drew Butera will man the backstop.
Jun 13 2015Perez went 2-for-4 Saturday with a solo shot, his 10th home run of the season.The promised reduction in his workload hasn't materialized yet, as Perez has appeared in 56 of the Royals' 59 games, but so far it isn't impacting his production. Perez's .285/.297/.478 slash line is solid, and he's on pace to easily top last year's career high of 17 home runs.
Jun 9 2015Perez went 2-for-4 with a solo home run in Tuesday's shutout victory over the Twins.Perez looks to have fully busted out of a late May slump. He's now on a four-game hitting streak with three homers and a double in that span. He's now hitting .282/.295/.472 on the season.
Jun 6 2015Perez went 2-for-4 Saturday with a solo shot, his seventh home run of the season.He'd gone just 2-for his last-26 coming into Saturday's game, so this was a reassuring spark of life from the Royals' catcher. His typically weak walk rate has cratered this year, and he's drawn just three free passes in 50 games, but Perez's .277/.287/.440 slash line is still solid production for his position.
Jun 4 2015Perez (head) will return to the lineup Thursday against the Indians, Andy McCullough of the Kansas City Star reports.Perez exited Tuesday's game with a head injury, and missed Wednesday's contest as well despite testing fine. All seems well, however, as he'll rejoin the lineup for Thursday's contest.
Jun 3 2015Perez (head) is out of the lineup Wednesday against the Indians.Perez exited Tuesday's game for precautionary reasons, but checked out fine following the contest. His absence from the lineup Wednesday could suggest that something more surfaced from the situation, but it could just be a rare day of rest to ensure nothing more does happen. Drew Butera will catch Jason Vargas on Wednesday in his place, batting ninth for the Royals.
Jun 2 2015Perez was removed from Tuesday's game for precautionary reasons after taking a foul ball off his mask, 610 Sports Radio's Josh Vernier reports.There was no word about whether Perez had been tested for a concussion or what his availability would be for Wednesday's game, so he should be considered day-to-day until there is more information available. Should Perez miss further time, Drew Butera would be the fill-in at catcher.
Jun 2 2015Perez passed a concussion test after Tuesday's game, the Kansas City Star's Blair Kerkhoff reports.He took a ball off his catcher's mask and left Tuesday's game for precautionary reasons, but it sounds like he checked out fine after the game and will probably start Wednesday's game against the Indians.
May 25 2015Perez is out of the lineup Monday against the Yankees.Perez will get the day off for just the fourth time this season, giving way to Drew Butera behind the plate. Per Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com, Perez has been dealing with a minor groin issue, but until we hear official word from the team or Perez himself, we'll assume it's business as usual for the durable backstop.
May 23 2015Perez went 3-for-4 with a double in a 5-0 win against St. Louis on Friday.Perez is now in the middle of an eight-game hitting streak, which has now pushed his average north of .300 for the year. After he played seemingly every game last season, manager Ned Yost has been resting him a bit more recently and should continue to do so every so often to keep him fresh. Nonetheless, he's sure to be one of the leaders in games played among catchers.
May 14 2015Perez is not in the lineup for Thursday's game against Texas, Andy McCullough of the KC Star reports.One of the most durable players in the game at any position, Perez rarely takes a day off, and he'll sit for just the third time all season Thursday afternoon. Drew Butera will draw the start in Perez's place and bat eighth against Rangers' starter Ross Detwiler.
May 9 2015Perez is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Tigers, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.If this doesn't feel quite right, it's because this day off snaps a streak of 17 straight starts for Perez, and is just his second missed start all year. As always with Perez, his playing time is very attractive, but also creates a huge amount of risk long-term. Drew Butera will get the start in Perez's place.
Apr 19 2015Perez is out of the lineup Sunday against the Athletics, Andy McCullough of the Kansas City Star reports.Perez is one of the most heavily used catchers in baseball, but Sunday will represent his first day off of the year. Erik Kratz will man the backstop in his stead, catching Sunday's starter Danny Duffy.
Apr 9 2015Perez went 2-for-4 with an RBI for the second straight game to open the season Wednesday against the White Sox, this time adding his first steal of the year.Perez had totaled exactly one stolen base in his first 404 games in the big leagues, so watching him scramble to second following his fifth-inning RBI single was like seeing a unicorn. He'll likely take a seat for Thursday's afternoon game against the White Sox. A somewhat dialed-back workload this year could actually be good for Perez, who's seen three straight seasons of decline in his batting average and OPS. Perhaps some extra rest will keep him fresher and more productive.
Apr 8 2015Perez went 2-for-4 with an RBI in Monday's opener against the White Sox.After catching 146 games last season, the club announced their intention to dial back Perez's workload in the 2015 season. While that may negatively impact his counting stats, Perez still figures to see the bulk of the starts behind the plate and should still be one of the better fantasy options among catchers.
Mar 11 2015The Royals seem to be wavering in their plans to sit Perez every fifth day in 2015, the Kansas City Star's Andy McCullough reports.The plan to use Erik Kratz as a personal catcher for one member of the rotation has been scrapped, and when asked how he planned to rest Perez relative to his absurd workload in 2014, manager Ned Yost said, "We'll figure it out." It remains to be seen how Kansas City will handle Perez this season after stating earlier in camp that he would see a reduced workload. While it may seem nice for his counting stats to have him lead the major leagues in games started by a catcher, it also resulted in Perez's effectiveness taking a major hit in the second half last year, so it is a double-edged sword.
Feb 24 2015Perez is in line to see his workload reduced in 2015, FOX Sports reports.Perez set MLB records in both games caught and total innings last season, numbers that can be at least partially attributed to the team's surprising World Series run. His high usage is exactly what made Perez a valuable fantasy catcher, as rare days off allow owners to keep him in their lineup most days, something that is especially useful in leagues that allow daily lineup changes. On the other hand, keeping the legs of Perez fresh may help his offensive numbers, as fatigue may have been one of the reasons for a 170-point drop in OPS between the first and second half of 2014. Perez is still a top-10 fantasy catcher in most formats, with a ton of upside that hinges on the 24-year-old improving his plate discipline. However, the days where fantasy owners can expect 140-145 games caught may soon be winding down.
Sep 2 2014Perez went 3-for-4 Monday against the Rangers with a double, a home run and three RBI.Perez's bat carried the Royals on Monday, knocking in three of their four runs, highlighted by his two-run shot in the third. The 24-year-old has four multi-hit performances in his last six games.
Aug 28 2014Perez was 2-for-4 with a triple and two RBI Wednesday in a 6-1 win over the Twins.Perez' two-run triple capped off a six-run eighth inning for the Royals. The 24-year-old is having a poor month while dealing with some knee discomfort, hitting .221/.233/.395 in 23 August games.
Aug 23 2014Perez is not in the starting lineup Saturday, Andy McCullough of the Kansas City Star reports.The Royals have not provided a reason for Perez's absence, but he went 0-for-5 on Friday after being held out of Wednesday's lineup and having an MRI (which came back negative) on Thursday. Erik Kratz will bat seventh and starting behind the plate Saturday night.
Aug 22 2014Perez went 0-for-5 with an RBI while catching all nine innings against the Rangers on Friday night.After being scratched from the lineup Wednesday with knee discomfort, the Royals sent Perez for an MRI, which came back negative. That he was already back behind the dish Friday suggests that the Royals are not overly concerned about wearing him down during the final five weeks of the season.
Aug 22 2014Perez (knee) is in the lineup Friday against the Rangers, Fox Sports Kansas City's Joel Goldberg reports.He was scratched from Wednesday's game with knee discomfort, but an MRI came back negative on the knee, and he will waste no time getting back behind the dish for the Royals. Perez has had a very productive year, based primarily on the fact that he's been able to play in 115 games. He is hitting .268 with 15 home runs, 50 runs and 54 RBI.
Aug 21 2014An MRI on Perez's knee came back negative Thursday, Jeff Passan of Yahoo! Sports reports.The Royals only sent Perez in for an MRI as a precaution, and it verified that there were no issues with the catcher's knee beyond the discomfort he's experiencing. Perez could need a few more days away from catching before the pain dissipates completely, but the Royals could try to keep his bat in the lineup by using him at DH. Either way, any amount of time Perez misses behind the plate will equate to more starts for backup catcher Erik Kratz.
Aug 20 2014Perez was a late scratch Wednesday with right knee discomfort, Fox Sports Kansas City's Joel Goldberg reports.Erik Kratz will get the start at catcher, and the team says the scratch is a precaution. Perez reportedly felt good Tuesday night, but that obviously changed in the morning.
Aug 20 2014Perez (knee) will undergo an MRI on his injured knee Thursday, Andy McCullough of the Kansas City Star reports.Manager Ned Yost maintains that Perez is not dealing with a serious injury, but apparently the Royals want him to take another trip to the doctor to be sure. Expect an update on Perez's status when the results of his examination become available.
Aug 19 2014Perez (knee) is back in the lineup Tuesday in Colorado, Andy McCullough of The Kansas City Star reports.Removed from Monday's contest due to a sore right knee, Perez will brush off the ailment, taking on catching duties and batting third in the lineup. Prior to the abbreviated outing, he had put together hits in three of four games, batting .294 (5-for-17) with one homer, three RBI, and two runs.
Aug 18 2014Perez left Monday's game against the Twins in the seventh inning with right knee discomfort, Joel Goldberg of FOX Sports Kansas City reports.The Royals are just labeling Perez's removal as a precautionary measure, with a reevaluation likely coming prior to Tuesday's game. Perez has been one of the more heavily-used catchers over the last two seasons, so it's somewhat inevitable that he accrues some bumps and bruises along the way. Assuming the injury isn't more serious than it initially appears, the Royals will likely be content to give Perez a few days off should he require them.
Aug 14 2014Perez is out of the lineup Thursday against the As, Andy McCullough of the Kansas City Star reports.Even for a catcher, Perez rarely gets a day off, as he's started 10 straight for manager Ned Yost. He'll take a seat Thursday for a day game following a night game, with Erik Kratz set to take over behind the plate.
Jul 21 2014Perez (groin) is in the lineup Monday at the White Sox.Held out Sunday due to a strained right groin, Perez will man his typical spot at catcher and bat cleanup. Prior to the absence, he had played in every game in July, batting .259/.286/.315 with one homer, eight RBI, and six runs in 54 at-bats.
Jul 20 2014Perez (groin) says he expects to return to the lineup Monday, when the Royals will begin their three-game series with the White Sox, Andy McCullough of the Kansas City Star reports.As the Royals noted when Perez was missing from Sunday's lineup, the right groin strain that is keeping Perez out of the series finale with the Red Sox is not expected to result in a DL stint, and the catcher's own optimism would seem to support that. The Royals could still choose to rest him Monday to play it safe, but for now, plan on Perez resuming duties behind the plate at some point during the series with Chicago.
Jul 20 2014Perez is being held out of Sunday's lineup due to a right groin strain, Andy McCullough of the Kansas City Star reports.Perez likely sustained the groin ailment at some point during Saturday's game vs. the Red Sox, in which he went 0-for-4 at the dish. The Royals are optimistic that he will return within a few days, making it likely that he avoids the disabled list at this juncture.
Jul 9 2014Perez went 2-for-5 at the plate Wednesday with two runs scored and the go-ahead three-run homer in the ninth inning.Perez looks to be heating up at the plate a bit, as he's driven in three runs in back-to-back games, and hit safely in six of his last seven contests. His .284 batting average is well off the .318 number he posted in the first half last season, but the All-Star backstop continues to be productive for the Royals out of the cleanup spot. Perez historically has an OPS nearly 30 points better in the second half, so look for more good things to come from the 24-year-old as the season carries on.
Jun 30 2014Perez had a good day at the plate Monday, going 2-for-4 with two runs scored, an RBI and a home run.Perez has come to life this month after a slow start to the season. The backstop hit five home runs in June, bringing his total to 10 for the season after hitting a career-high 13 homers last season.
Jun 25 2014Perez is not in the lineup Wednesday against the Dodgers, Andy McCullough of the Kansas City Star reports.Perez has started in each of the previous 14 games, so he'll get a much-deserved rest Wednesday. Backup Brett Hayes will serve as the battery mate for James Shields.
Jun 23 2014Perez played a big role in the Royals' win against the Dodgers Monday night, going 2-for-4 with his ninth home run of the season.The Kansas City backstop has been red hot through the month of June, hitting safely in 19 of 21 games this month. Perez has his average up to .287 to go with his nine home runs.
Jun 17 2014Perez (calf) is in the Royals' lineup Tuesday in Detroit, Andy McCullough of the Kansas City Star reports.Perez sustained cramps in both of his calves Monday, resulting in his removal from the game. However, he'll man the backstop as he does most days, while attempting to extend his hitting streak to 11 outings.
Jun 16 2014Perez (calf) said after Monday's game that he will "for sure" be able to play Tuesday, the Kansas City Star's Andy McCullough reports.Given the diagnosis of cramping in both calves, it won't be at all surprising if Perez is in Tuesday's lineup. Should the Royals decide that their starting backstop needs a day off, Brett Hayes would be in line to suit up behind the dish.
Jun 16 2014Perez left Monday's game because of cramping in both of his calves, the Kansas City Star's Andy McCullough reports.Perez was replaced by a pinch runner in the seventh inning of a five-run game, after reaching safely on an error. He finished the night 2-for-4, and the initial diagnosis hints that he won't necessarily miss any time beyond Monday.
Jun 15 2014Perez went 2-for-3 with a three-run homer in Sunday's victory over the White Sox.Perez has started to heat up in June and is now working on a nine-game hitting streak. After hovering around .250 for most of May, Perez's batting average is all the way up to .278 on the season. His 16 doubles lead all AL catchers, as does his .771 OPS.
Jun 9 2014Perez is out of the Royals' lineup Monday versus the Yankees, Josh Vernier of 610 Sports Radio reports.With hits in seven of the last eight games, Perez has boosted his line on the season to .271/.323/.425 on the backs of 11 hits, including one homer and one double, in 29 at-bats. In his place, Brett Hayes will cover the backstop and bat ninth in the order.
Jun 9 2014Perez went 1-for-3 with a run scored in Sunday's victory over the Yankees.Perez has put together a strong week for fantasy owners, going 10-for-27 at the plate, including his sixth homer of the season. He's hitting .379 so far in June, bringing his season batting average up to .271. This is a slight dip from his .310 average at this point last season, but on a positive note, his 14 doubles lead all AL catchers. Playing in nearly every game for the Royals, Perez continues to be one of the most valuable fantasy catchers.
Jun 2 2014Perez had a strong showing Monday night, going 3-for-4 with two runs scored and an RBI.The RBI is just the 14th of the season for Perez through 185 at bats. The backstop is still working to overcome a poor April in which he hit just .211. He's improved his average to .265 now with five home runs.
May 31 2014Perez is not in the Royals' starting line-up Saturday against the Blue Jays the Kansas City Star's Andy McCullough reports.Brett Hayes will get the start in place of Perez on Saturday. While Perez is not having the season many expected, he will still get the majority of starts at catcher for the Royals.
May 29 2014Perez hit a solo home run in Thursday's extra-inning win at Toronto.Perez, who was back in the lineup after being rested Wednesday, homered for the first time since May 13. He recently missed some time with a hand injury, but he seems to be OK moving forward, although he's underachieved in general this year.
May 28 2014Perez is out of the lineup Wednesday against the Astros, Josh Vernier of 610Sports.com reports.Perez has started each of the last four games behind the plate for the Royals, so he'll just be receiving a rest for the day game after the night game. Brett Hayes gets the start behind the plate.
May 25 2014Perez went 2-for-6 in his return to the Royals' lineup Saturday, and is in the lineup once again Sunday.Perez didn't score or drive in any runs Saturday night, but the multi-hit effort was encouraging, especially after missing most of the week due to a hand injury. He also caught all 13 innings of the game, making it a bit surprising that he's back in the lineup for Sunday's quick turnaround. The extended rest could prove useful for Perez, who is one of the most frequently used catchers in baseball.
May 24 2014Perez (hand) is back in the Royals' lineup Saturday at the Angels.After taking three games off in order to rest a sore right hand, Perez will again handle the backstop, which he did all but four days prior to his absence. He'll attempt to bounce back from a 1-for-12 stretch in his previous three appearances.
May 23 2014Perez (hand) is questionable for Saturday's game, the Kansas City Star's Andy McCullough reports. "We don't want to rush this thing," manager Ned Yost said. "A couple extra days will save you a couple extra weeks."Despite reports earlier in the week that Perez would probably be back Saturday, it sounds pretty iffy, so make sure to check his status before the game.
May 23 2014Perez (hand) is out of the lineup Friday, the Kansas City Star's Andy McCullough reports.This is Perez's third straight game out of the lineup with the hand injury and Brett Hayes will man the catcher spot again. Manager Ned Yost speculated earlier in the week that Perez would come back Saturday, so that could very well still be in the cards.
May 21 2014Perez (hand) remains out of the Royals' lineup Wednesday against the White Sox.Perez will continue to rest his right hand, as Brett Hayes mans the backstop and bats ninth in the order. With an off day Thursday and a lefty in C.J. Wilson taking the mound Friday, Perez may not be available until Saturday at the earliest.
May 20 2014Perez (hand) could return to the lineup Saturday, as manager Ned Yost didn't seem keen on him facing C.J. Wilson on Friday, 610 Sports Radio's Josh Vernier reports.He left Monday's game with the hand injury, and it seems like he'll sit Wednesday as well, after already being ruled out for Tuesday's game. Yost didn't want Perez's hand injury to be at risk given Wilson's cutter in the Friday matchup, but we should see him Saturday in Anaheim.
May 20 2014Perez (hand) is not in the starting lineup Tuesday, Josh Vernier of 610 AM in Kansas City reports.Brett Hayes will start behind the plate Tuesday, while Perez takes a seat after leaving Monday's game after the eighth inning with the injury.
May 19 2014Perez has been dealing with a right hand injury, and Royals manager Ned Yost said the catcher will be rested for a "couple" of days, Josh Vernier of 610Sports.com reports.Perez started Monday's game and played the first eight innings, but he was pulled in favor of defensive replacement Brett Hayes for the top of the ninth. At the time, the Royals were down one run, with Perez due up sixth in the bottom half of the frame. Given Yost's words, Perez is unlikely to play Tuesday against the White Sox, and shouldn't be counted on for Wednesday.
May 16 2014Perez is in the Royals' lineup Friday, after he was shaken up Thursday after sliding head first into third base.The slide in question undoubtedly gave Perez's owners quite a scare, as he was laying face down at third base for a while, before being checked out by trainers and left in the game. It certainly seems that Perez did not sustain a concussion, or any other serious ailment on the play and should be considered healthy moving forward.
May 15 2014Perez hit his head/neck on Manny Machado's knee sliding into third base head first Thursday in the bottom of the fourth inning. He was down on the ground for some time, but after being checked out by the Royals' trainers, he remained in the game.It was a bit of a surprise that he stayed in the game, given how long he was laying face down at third base. It will be worth monitoring his status throughout the rest of the game against the Orioles, and we should learn more about the exact nature of the collision either later Thursday night or Friday morning.
May 11 2014Perez will receive the day off Sunday against the Mariners, Josh Vernier of 610Sports.com reports.Perez has already appeared in 34 of 36 games this season for the Royals, so it's probably a good idea for manager Ned Yost to work in some more days off to preserve the catcher for the long haul. Brett Hayes will handle duties behind the plate Sunday.
May 9 2014Perez had a great night at the plate, going 3-for-4 with two runs scored.One of the better hitting catchers in the league, Perez is starting to live up to his early season hype with three more hits. There aren't too many catchers that can hover around .300 while also having the ability to hit for double-digit power. Perez is a solid trade target if you need a catcher, but he's not going to stay under the radar for much longer.
May 5 2014Perez went 1-for-3 with a double in his return to the lineup Sunday.Perez was scratched from Saturday's lineup after fouling a pitch off his leg in Friday's game, but didn't appear to be held back by the minor ailment in Sunday's game. He was lifted for pinch runner Brett Hayes after his seventh-inning double, but with the game already out of hand, it was likely just manager Ned Yost exercising extra caution. Look for Perez to be deployed as usual this week.
May 3 2014Perez (shin) has been scratched from Saturday's lineup against the Tigers, Josh Vernier of 610 Sports Radio Kansas City reports.Perez left Friday's game with a shin contusion but was originally listed in Saturday's lineup. He apparently needs at least one day to rest, so Brett Hayes will suit up behind the plate and bat ninth.
May 3 2014Perez left Friday night's game with a shin contusion and is "day-to-day," Josh Vernier of 610 Sports Radio Kansas City reports. He was hitless in three at-bats before exiting.Perez fouled a pitch off his shin during what turned out to be his final at-bat Friday, and is dealing with a relatively minor ailment that may keep him out a game or two. Perez is considered one of the most durable young catchers in the game, as he's only given way to backup Brett Hayes for one start this season. If Perez does end up missing a little time, Hayes -- who is 0-for-4 at the plate this season -- would man the backstop in his place.
May 3 2014Perez is in the lineup Saturday against the Tigers, Josh Vernier of 610 Sports Radio Kansas City reports.Perez left Friday's game with a shin contusion after he fouled a pitch off his leg, but apparently the ailment is not serious enough to hold him out of action. Perez continues to be a workhorse for the Royals, having only received one day of rest this season.
Apr 30 2014Perez went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run, a double, four RBI and two runs scored Tuesday night.Perez once again turned in a solid effort at the plate, and is now 7-for-13 over his past three games. This stretch has brought his average back up to .250, and he looks to have finally shaken his mid-April slump.
Apr 26 2014Perez picked up three hits in five at-bats for the Royals on Saturday.This is a good sign for Perez, as his bat really cooled off over the last two weeks. The Royals aren't too worried about their young catcher, as he's started all but two games this season, and he may be shaking out of a slump after entering Saturday on the heels of a 1-for-29 stretch.
Apr 24 2014Perez is not in the Royals' starting lineup Thursday.Thursday's early tilt with the Indians will mark the first time this season that Perez has not been in the Royals' starting lineup. No injury news to report here, as the All-Star backstop is just receiving a day off to rest. Brett Hayes will take over behind the dish and bat ninth.
Apr 23 2014Perez could be a candidate for his first day off of the season this week, as the Royals' schedule features two day-night splits, the Kansas CIty Star reports.Perez has caught every single game for the Royals this season, but after an 0-for-5 performance Tuesday night, he is now hitless in his last 21 at-bats. The recent slump has brought his batting average down to .211, and has forced manager Ned Yost to remove him from the cleanup spot, where he had been filling in for an equally-slumping Billy Butler. The recent dry spell for Perez makes a routine day off appear imminent, although Perez still stands to catch the "overwhelming majority" of games for the rest of the season.
Apr 6 2014Perez will play in all of the games in the approaching three-game series against the Rays, Andy McCullough of the Kansas City Star reports.Perez has caught every game for the Royals this season, with the only day he wasn't behind the plate being last Thursday's rained out game in Detroit. The Royals have an off day on this coming Thursday, so this is when the team will finally give their work horse a day of rest. Fantasy owners have surely appreciated the 23-year-old's constant presence in the lineup early in the season, as well as his 1.238 OPS over five games.
Mar 31 2014Perez had a nice day at the plate on Opening Day, going 4-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored in the Royals' 4-3 loss to the Tigers.Perez was hit in the head with a pitch last week, but showed no ill-effects Monday. The Royals' backstop cracked two doubles in the contest and should be a good bet for production after showing some extra-base power last season.
Mar 30 2014Perez played in back-to-back exhibition games in Milwaukee on Friday and Saturday after getting hit in the head by a pitch Wednesday. He went 1-for-5 with a pair of runs scored over the two games.If there was any doubt about Perez's availability for Opening Day after the scary incident in Wednesday's game, his presence in the lineup on consecutive days over the weekend should erase those concerns.
Mar 26 2014Perez (hand) is hitting .375/.396/.625 with three home runs and 10 RBI in 19 spring games for the Royals.Perez suffered a bruised left palm earlier in the spring which kept him out of action temporarily. He has been back in the lineup and is having a tremendous offensive performance in spring training. He is in line for another heavy workload this season for the Royals and is showing signs of improvement at the plate heading into Opening Day.
Mar 26 2014Perez left Wednesday's game after being hit in the helmet by a pitch, Andy McCullough of the Kansas City Star reports.An errant Johnny Barbato curveball hit Perez in the helmet, and while he stayed down for a few moments, Perez was able to walk off the field under his own power. It's a good sign, but just days away from the start of the season, Perez's availability likely shouldn't be taken for granted. Look for the team to update his status shortly.
Mar 26 2014Perez was hit in the head by a pitch Wednesday but a team trainer called it a "non-concussive head impact," Andy McCullough of the Kansas City Star reports.Perez was hit by an off-speed pitch and walked off under his own power, but this is reassuring nonetheless. He said he was fine, so unless this is more severe than the team is letting on, expect Perez to be behind the plate Monday in Detroit.
Mar 11 2014Perez (hand) is expected to return to the lineup Wednesday, Andy McCullough of the Kansas City Star reports.A foul tip struck Perez in the hand during Monday's game, but X-rays and fluoroscope tests confirmed that he merely suffered a bruise. Assuming he remains healthy, Perez should see another heavy workload behind the plate in 2014.
Mar 10 2014Perez has a bruised left palm and will undergo further testing, the Kansas City Star's Andy McCullough reports.Perez took a foul tip off his hand, and the Royals are presumably just playing it safe with the further testing. He's locked in as the Royals' starting catcher and should be able to turn his strong contact skills into another productive season.
Sep 30 2013Perez earned a start at first base Sunday, as he went 3-for-4 with a two-run home run in a season-ending victory at the White Sox. After the game, manager Ned Yost told the Kansas City Star, "He's going to play first base in winter ball. He's got tremendous hands. I just want to see if it's an option, and I'm really convinced it is."While the experiment wasn't without some strife -- a routine pop-up was troublesome in the third inning, while he posted just two putouts -- it should allow the catcher to preserve his knees for the future. If successful, the development would be a boon for the Royals and prospective owners alike, as the positional flexibility would keep his steady bat in the lineup more often than not. In any case, he ends his first full major league season with a .292/.323/.433 slash line, 13 homers, 79 RBI, 48 runs scored, and 21:63 BB:K ratio in 496 at-bats.
Sep 26 2013Perez is not in the lineup Thursday against the White Sox, the Kansas City Star's Bob Dutton reports.With the Royals officially eliminated from playoff contention, manager Ned Yost will rest some of his horses after the team's valiant effort fell short. Perez has appeared in 134 games this season and could use the rest more than most.
Sep 26 2013Perez is not in the lineup Thursday against the White Sox, the Kansas City Star reports.With the Royals officially eliminated from playoff contention, manager Ned Yost will rest some of his horses after the team's valiant effort fell short. Perez has appeared in 134 games this season and could use the rest more than most.
Sep 19 2013Perez extended his hit streak to six games after going 1-for -4 with a double, two RBI and two runs scored against the Indians on Wednesday.Perez has hit safely in nine of his last 10 games and is now hitting .382 in September with four doubles, two home runs and 13 RBI. He's been red hot, batting almost .400 since August 23 and continues to be a valuable source of production here at the tail end of the season. Considering the injuries he's battled through this season, it's been a very productive year for the second-year backstop.
Sep 16 2013Perez went 3-for-4 with two runs scored and an RBI Monday night, as the Royals defeated the Indians 7-1.Perez has been locked in of late, hitting safely in seven of his last eight games and .396 for the month. The Kansas City backstop is enjoying another strong offensive season, hitting .291 with 11 homers and 70 RBI.
Sep 14 2013Perez went 2-for-4 with a double and two RBI against the Toigers on Friday.Perez has enjoyed a strong second half and continues to produce for his owners here late in the season despite battling a concussion in early August and some hard fouls off the mask as recently as four and five games ago. He's got 11 home runs and 23 double son the season now and though his ISO has dropped back down to under .140 this season, he has still proven himself to be a valuable fantasy asset behind the plate. While he may not hit for much power the rest of the way, Perez should still prove to a good source of hits, RBI and runs scored from now through the end of the season.
Sep 8 2013Perez went 1-for-3 with a home run, two RBI and a run scored against the Tigers on Saturday.Despite leaving Thursday's game after taking a hard foul off the mask, Perez has remained in the lineup on a daily basis as the Royals seek a playoff berth. This was his second home run in five games and his sixth in his last 15 and he is now batting .286 with seven home runs and 28 RBI since the All Star break, despite losing time to a concussion in early August. So long as the Royals keep trucking him on out there and plant his bat in the middle of their lineup, he's going to be a great source of production from behind the plate for the rest of the month.
Sep 6 2013Perez (head) is in the lineup Friday against the Tigers, Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star reports.A hard foul ball off Perez's facemask Thursday provided a bit of a scare, but the 23-year-old is good to go a day later. It seems he did not display any symptoms of a concussion.
Sep 5 2013Perez was forced out of Thursday's game against the Mariners due to mild dizziness.He took a foul ball off his fask in the fifth inning, then batted in the bottom of the inning, then left as a precautionary measure. Perez did have a concussion earlier this season that caused him to miss some time, so it's certainly worth monitoring over the next 24 hours. The catcher was 3-for-3 before departing.
Aug 29 2013Perez had a big night Wednesday when he went 4-for-5 with a double, two home runs, four RBI and two runs scored against the Twins and bumped his hit streak to five games.Perez is on fire right now, going 11-for-22 with four home runs, 13 RBI and five runs scored over this five-game stretch. He's had his struggles throughout the season and worked his way back from a concussion earlier this month, so a hot finish is exactly what his fantasy owners could use from him right now. It's unlikely that he hits for such power over the next month, but he should maintain a strong average and see plenty of RBI chances.
Aug 29 2013Perez is not in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Twins, according to Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star.Perez upped his batting average to .281 by recording 11 hits over his last five games, but he will sit in favor of George Kottaras on Thursday with the Royals playing a day game following a night game.
Aug 26 2013Perez went 2-for-4 with a home run, three RBI and a run scored against the Nationals on Sunday.Perez has now hit safely in seven of his last eight games and hit his second home run in that span after last going deep on June 27. Though his numbers have been a veritable disappointment this season, he appears to be finishing August strong and should be considered a solid option through September to the end of the year.
Aug 24 2013Perez is out of the Royals' lineup Saturday versus the Nationals, the Kansas City Star reports.Perez will sit for the first time since Game 1 of an August 16 doubleheader, but in the interim, he has tallied hits in six of seven outings. During that stretch, he's batting .233 (7-for-30) with one long ball, five RBI, and one run scored. He'll hand over catching duties to George Kottaras, who is batting eighth in the order.
Aug 17 2013Perez went 2-for-4 with a solo home run in the Royals' loss to the Tigers on Saturday.This was Perez's best night since the Royals activated him from the 7-day DL on August 11. He only had three hits over his previous 20 at-bats. More notably, the home run was Perez's first since June 27, and he only had a .256 slugging percentage in the 36 games since.
Aug 16 2013Perez will man catcher and bat fifth in the order during the nightcap of Friday's doubleheader at Detroit, the Kansas City Star reports.Perez did not start Game 1 but pinch hit in the top of the ninth inning, before handling catching duties in the bottom of the frame. Overall, he is hitting a measly .125 (2-for-16) with one RBI and no other counting stats since his activation from the 7-day DL on Sunday.
Aug 16 2013Perez is out of the Royals' lineup for Game 1 of Friday's doubleheader in Detroit, the Kansas City Star reports.Since he was activated from the 7-day disabled list, Perez has jumped into a near everyday role, sitting out just once in five games. However, his absence for the first outing of Friday's two-game set is not a surprise, as Billy Butler mans DH on a daily basis. While George Kottaras is covering the backstop in Game 1, expect Perez back behind the plate for the nightcap.
Aug 11 2013Perez (concussion) was activated from the 7-day DL on Sunday. He's in the lineup against the Red Sox.Perez didn't need any more time off than the seven days his stay on the DL required, so he'll go right back to handling catching duties. The Royals will likely look for ways to manage his workload going forward; he's already appeared in 93 of the team's 114 games.
Aug 11 2013The Royals are optimistic that Perez (concussion) will be activated prior to Sunday's game, the Kansas City Star reports. "There's a great chance that Salvy's gonna come off [Sunday]," manager Ned Yost said. "Again, we don't know, we're keeping our fingers crossed, hoping that all the paperwork gets back."Perez, who was diagnosed with the concussion Aug. 3, said he is not experiencing any sort of lingering effects from the head injury and was able to catch a bullpen session and take part in batting practice Saturday. The Royals would likely err on the side of caution and bring him back into the fold slowly, so if he is in fact activated Sunday, he could be rested once or twice this week.
Aug 9 2013Perez (concussion) was cleared for additional activities Friday, the Kansas City Star reports.Perez has been doing cardio work for the past two days, and now it seems he'll be able to get on the field during pregames and begin hitting and fielding. The team is holding out hope that he can return to the lineup Sunday when first eligible, but if not, he should be back in the fold early next week.
Aug 7 2013Perez (concussion) has been cleared for a very light workout and will start with riding the stationary bike for 15 minutes, Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star reports.The the step forward in his recovery may seem small, a light workout is an excellent sign that he'll be returning sooner than later. The team will evaluate Perez after the workout and, should he be fine afterwards, will increase his activity as his condition permits.
Aug 6 2013Perez told club officials that he awoke on Tuesday with no headache for the first time since suffering the concussion that has had him out of the lineup for the last few days, Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star reports.The Royals have said that the concussion was just minor, but Perez has been dealing with headaches since the original injury occurred. If he remains symptom-free, he will be activated on August 11, the first day he is eligible to return.
Aug 5 2013Perez feels "better" Monday, but a small headache remains from his recent concussion, the Kansas City Star reports.Perez was hit in the facemask by a foul ball Saturday but remained in the game, before sitting out Sunday when the true nature of the injury was revealed. His head injury is considered only a slight concern, but every precaution will be made to ensure the catcher has ditched all concussion symptoms before his eventual return.
Aug 4 2013The Royals believe Perez is only dealing with a slight concussion, the Kansas City Star reports.Perez will still need to pass all of his concussion tests as part of league protocol, but it seems the Royals could get their young catcher back in the minimum seven days. In the meantime, Brett Hayes was called up from Triple-A Omaha to back up George Kottaras, who figures to see most of the catching duties while Perez is out.
Aug 4 2013The Royals placed Perez on the 7-day disabled list on Sunday due to a concussion, Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star reports.Perez was shaken up after being hit in the mask with a foul ball Saturday, but stayed in the game. The Royals have not yet provided details regarding the severity of the concussion, but he'll miss at least a week of action in any case.
Aug 3 2013Perez is not in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Mets, according to Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star.Perez tallied six hits in his last four games, but he will get the day off with the Royals playing a day game following a night game. George Kottaras will get the start behind the plate Saturday.
Jul 28 2013Perez is not in the lineup Sunday against the White Sox, ESPN Chicago reports.He's just getting some rest with a day game coming after a night game. Rest has been a rare occurrence for Perez, who has played in 86 of the team's 101 games. It could be beginning to take its toll on Perez, who is batting just .191 in July.
Jul 23 2013Perez is not in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Orioles, the Kansas City Star's Bob Dutton reports.Perez started each of the first four games after the All-Star break, so he'll give way to George Kottaras on Tuesday. Expect to see Perez back behind the plate for Wednesday's game.
Jul 11 2013Perez went 1-for-4 with a two-run double in Thursday's loss to the Yankees.He'd been held out Wednesday due to tightness in his right leg, but was good to go Thursday and promptly snapped his 0-for-13 skid with the first-inning double. Perez remains a solid fantasy catcher, as he delivers a fine batting average thanks to his great contact abilities.
Jul 11 2013Perez (lower leg) is in the starting lineup Thursday against the Yankees, Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star reports.Some recurring tightness in Perez's lower right leg led to the 23-year-old being held out of Wednesday's game, but it seems the day off did him well as Perez will be back behind the plate Thursday to catch Ervin Santana. Perez will look to break out of an 0-for-13 slide at the plate.
Jul 10 2013Perez was held out of Wednesday's game against the Yankees due to recurring tightness in his lower right leg, MLB.com's Paul Casella reports.The light injury has developed over the season as a result of Perez taking several foul balls off his leg and likely explains his third absence from the lineup in seven games. The Royals figure to rest him more regularly going forward so that the tightness doesn't turn into a strain, an injury that would likely require a stint on the disabled list.
Jul 10 2013Perez is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Yankees, FOX Sports Kansas City's Joel Goldberg reports.Perez will give way to George Kottaras for the second time in four games. Perez is 0-for-13 in his last three games, but this is probably nothing more than a normal effort to keep him well-rested. He could see more time off as the summer progresses, particularly when the Royals are at home in the oppressive Missouri heat.
Jul 7 2013Perez is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Athletics.Perez started a day game following a night game Saturday, but he'll catch some rest Sunday and likely be back in the lineup Monday in New York. He was voted into the All-Star Game by his peers as the backup to Minnesota's Joe Mauer.
Jul 4 2013Perez is not in the starting lineup Thursday against the Indians.Perhaps manager Ned Yost decided he was asking too much of Perez, as he's giving the 23-year-old a rest Thursday after just eight consecutive starts behind the plate. He caught 18 straight games before getting his last day off.
Jun 27 2013Perez went 2-for-4 with a solo home run Thursday against the Twins.Perez was responsible for the Royals' only run Thursday against Twins starter Samuel Deduno. The long ball was his fourth of the season, and with a .303 average, he's been a solid producer at the plate.
Jun 15 2013Perez went 2-for-5 with a double, two RBI and a run scored against the Rays on Friday.Perez extended his hit-streak to a season-high 10 games with an RBI-single during a four-run fifth inning and then helped break the game open later on with an RBI-double in the ninth off Fernando Rodney. He is batting .359 (14-for-39) with one home run, 10 RBI and nine run scores during this streak and has pushed his average up to .319 for the season.
Jun 14 2013Perez went 1-for-4 with a run scored and an RBI against the Rays on Thursday, extending his hitting streak to nine games.This hit streak matches the nine-game run he had back in mid-May and he continues to post a well-above average contact rate with a strong .314 average. Over this recent run, Perez has one home run, eight RBI and eight runs scored and is starting to fill out the stat sheet in more than just the batting average column. His strikeout rate is still a little high compared to his history, but his swinging-strike rate is still right around five-percent which means that he's getting called out on strikes more than swinging through pitches. It's something that should be easily corrected as the season progresses and he makes the necessary adjustments to the varying strike zones we've seen from the umpires this year.
Jun 7 2013Perez went 1-for-3 with a home run, two RBI, a run scored and a walk against the Astros on Friday.Perez is now batting .311 on the season and while most complaints center around it being an empty average, things have started to fill out a little more lately. He's 4-for-10 with a home run, four RBI and four runs scored over his last three games and seems to be thriving in the Royals new batting order that has him hitting third. If he should continue to hit there the rest of the way, Perez, a fantastic contact hitter, should see plenty of RBI chances and provide you with excellent numbers from behind the plate.
Jun 5 2013In his return to the lineup on Tuesday, Perez went 0-for-3 against the Twins.Perez had an extended stay on the bereavement list due to the death of his maternal grandmother. He stayed a few days past what MLB allows as he worked to help his mother make a permanent move to the United States, so he's obviously distracted by the personal matter still. He'll continue to play, but may need a couple of games to get back on track.
Jun 4 2013Perez was activated and will start Tuesday against the Twins, the Kansas City Star reports.Perez has been in the bereavement list since May 25 but will make his valiant return to the lineup, taking over catching duties and batting seventh in the order. It remains to be seen how he'll perform after dealing with his personal concern.
Jun 3 2013Perez remains on-track to rejoin the Royals on Tuesday after missing nine days on the bereavement list, Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star reports.Club officials say the delay stemmed from Perez's efforts to arrange for his mother to live permanently in the United States. It was her mother who had just passed. Perez should be back in the lineup for Tuesday's game against Minnesota, and thus can be activated for this week's action.
May 31 2013It's uncertain when Perez (personal) will return from the bereavement list, the Kansas City Star reports.The Royals have had difficulty reaching Perez over the phone to check on his status, as the catcher has been coordinating the process of bringing his mother to America. Manager Ned Yost guessed that Perez would be back in the lineup Monday, but with his stay on the bereavement list due to expire Sunday, the team should have a clearer indication of his availability at that time.
May 31 2013Perez (personal) is not expected back from the bereavement list until Tuesday, Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star reports.That would push Perez beyond the seven-day limit for the bereavement list, meaning he may be docked a few days' pay. Don't expect to see him this weekend against Texas, but it sounds like Perez will be available for the majority of next week.
May 25 2013Perez is not in the Royals' lineup Saturday against the Angels.Perez recently sat out Tuesday and Wednesday due to a bruised hip, so it's not surprising to see him on the bench in a day game following a night outing. George Kottaras will act as Kansas City's catcher Saturday.
May 25 2013Perez will be placed the bereavement list Sunday, Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star reports.Perez will miss between three and seven days following the passing of his grandmother. Adam Moore will be recalled from Triple-A Omaha to help out behind the plate while Perez is away.
May 24 2013Perez returned to the lineup Thursday and went 3-for-4 with one RBI against the Angels.Perez had missed the last two games with a bruised him but didn't seem to be experiencing any lingering issues either up at bat or behind the plate. While we'd like to see him hit for some more power, the fact that he's batting .320 after starting off the season cold has been helpful.
May 23 2013Perez (hip) is back in the lineup Thursday, the Kansas City Star reports.After checking out fine while testing out his bruised hip by sprinting between home and first during pregame warmups, Perez will make his return to the lineup. The 23-year-old caught fire prior to suffering the injury, recording multi-hit games in three of his last six starts.
May 22 2013Perez (hip) will remain out of the lineup Wednesday against the Astros, the Kansas City Star reports.Perez is still slowed a bit by the deep bruise, but doesn't seem to be bound for the DL at this point. If he's unable to return behind the plate Thursday against the Angels, expect him to receive further examination so the team can pinpoint his exact issue. In the meantime, George Kottaras will handle catching duties for the Royals.
May 21 2013Perez (hip) will not start Tuesday at Houston but will be available off the bench, the Kansas City Star reports.Perez's deep right hip bruise may afflict him for the foreseeable future, and his status as a catcher could result in some unique lineups over the next few days. George Kottaras will man the backstop as long as Perez is unable to do so.
May 21 2013Perez (hip) admitted to being sore but dismissed the suggestion he might miss a game or two, the Kansas City Star reports. "I think I'll be able to go (Tuesday) We're here to play, right? We're here to play. It's just tight. I hit (the post) with my side. I'm just sore."While you like the enthusiasm, ultimately the decision belongs to Ned Yost. Considering the overall drop-off in talent between Perez and back-up George Kottaras, it would probably be a wise move to give him the day off just to err on the side of caution, but we'll just have to wait and check in with the lineups. Players have talked their way into lineups with worse injuries than this. On an even more positive note, at least there's no talk of a stint on the disabled list. It sounds as if Perez will be just fine.
May 20 2013Perez left Monday's game with discomfort in his right hip after running into a post while pursuing a foul ball, Bob Dutton of Kansas City Star reports.The 23-year-old catcher was chasing a pop up near the Astros' dugout when the injury occurred. George Kottaras stepped in to replace Perez, who should be considered day-to-day until more information becomes available.
May 19 2013Perez is not in the Royals' lineup Sunday at Oakland, the Kansas City Star reports.Perez is merely receiving a day of rest, so there's nothing to worry about. He'll look to extend a nine-game hitting streak his next time out.
May 16 2013Perez went 2-for-4 with his eighth double of the season and a pair of RBI against the Angels on Wednesday.Perez has now hit safely in seven straight and in 10 of 12 games here in the month of May. He's now batting .303 on the season which is much closer to where he should be hitting this season and while he has no home runs and just five RBI this month, the power seems to be on its way back as he has three doubles and four RBI over his last five games.
May 13 2013Perez went 3-for-4 with a double, a run, and two RBI in Monday's 11-4 stomping of the Angels.Perez is batting .368 since the beginning of May, although 11 of his 14 hits for the month are singles, and the other three are doubles. A low strikeout rate is arguably Perez's greatest strength, so fantasy owners should be pleased that he's regularly putting the ball in play again, after whiffing 18 times in April. Perhaps there will be more power to come down the line.
May 8 2013Perez is not in Wednesday's lineup, MASN's Roch Kubatko reports.Perez, who has four multi-hit games in his last six appearances, will get the night off as George Kottaras starts behind the plate.
May 6 2013Perez went 0-for-2 with a run scored and a pair of walks during the Royals' extra-inning win over the White Sox on Sunday.Though he went hitless in this one, Perez still continued to boost his on-base percentage with the two walks. With three consecutive two-hit games leading up to this one, he now has his average up to .281 with a .307 on-base percentage. Those numbers should continue to climb as he heats up here in the month of May.
May 1 2013Perez went 2-for-4 with an RBI against the Rays on Tuesday.With a .267 average and this being just his second multi-hit game in his last 12 starts, Perez hasn't quite lived up to expectations at the plate just yet. Simply put, the discipline just isn't where it should be at with him swinging at more pitches out of the zone than he should and failing to make clean contact, mashing everything into the dirt. His walk rate was never his strong suit and it's actually worse than usual. Couple that with a strikeout rate over 20-percent and it's no wonder both his average and on-base percentage are so far below where we expected. But it's still plenty early and there's more than enough time for this soon-to-be 23-year old to straighten everything out. Be patient. He's far too good a hitter to keep going like this and should straighten everything out soon enough.
Apr 28 2013Perez is not in the lineup for the second game of Sunday's doubleheader with Cleveland, Indians.com reports.Understandably, the Royals don't want their prized young catcher behind the plate for 18 innings Sunday. George Kottaras will make the start at catcher in Game 2.
Apr 27 2013Perez went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in the Royals' win over the Indians on Saturday.The home run was Perez's first since September of 2012, and it was only his sixth extra base on the season (out of 21 total hits). In another positive development, Perez did not strike out in the game -- he only has six K-less starts out of a possible 19.
Apr 25 2013Perez went 2-for-4 with a run scored against the Tigers on Wednesday and pulled his average up to .271 on the season.While Perez isn't off to a terrible start, the year hasn't exactly begun as he or his fantasy owners had hoped. Only five of his 19 hits have gone for extra bases, his ground ball rate is surprisingly high and his 19.7-percent strikeout rate is much higher than what we've come to expect. The season is still young and there's obviously plenty of time to turn things around, but with no home runs, only five RBI and a batting average fluctuating in a range far lower than expected, he's going to have to turn things around sooner than later to start earning a positive value on his draft position.
Apr 21 2013Perez is not in the lineup for the second game of Sunday's doubleheader with the Red Sox, the Kansas City Star reports.The Royals are just giving their young catcher some rest after he was behind the plate for the afternoon game earlier in the day. George Kottaras will make his first start of the season at catcher in place of Perez, serving as the battery mate for starter Jeremy Guthrie.
Apr 21 2013Perez knocked a two-run single during Sunday's win at Boston, which acted as the eventual game-winning hit.Perez has contributed at least one hit in nine of the past 10 contests, raising his batting average from a dreadful .154 to a much more respectable .258. Meanwhile, his 13 strikeouts in 66 at-bats is somewhat concerning, after going down on strikes just 27 times in 289 at-bats last season. The freer swing displayed by Perez has not been accompanied by any semblance of power, as he has failed to launch a long ball to go with just five extra-base hits otherwise. Nonetheless, his potential is tantalizing and ensures must-own status.
Apr 10 2013Perez went 1-for-4 with a run scored and one RBI against the Twins on Tuesday.It was just the second run scored and first RBI of the season for Perez who has gotten off to a bit of a slow start. He's never posted much of a walk rate, but the six strikeouts over 35 plate appearances is definitely high for him. Things should level off soon enough and his average will climb back up to respectability once a few bounces go his way and he finds his groove. Do not worry about him and avoid the temptation from those who are probably trying to buy low from you right now.
Mar 25 2013Since returning from the World Baseball Classic, Perez has gone 12-for-28 (.429) with three doubles and six RBI during Cactus League play.Perez has actually been taking it easy for most of the spring as the Royals are more concerned with the battle for the back-up job between Brett Hayes and George Kottaras. He's playing about every other day to stay sharp, but given last season's knee injury, it is easy to understand the team's desire to keep him out of harm's way. Perez is a strong contact hitter who should be good for an average hovering somewhere close to .300 with roughly 15 home runs for the season, easily putting him in the discussion for top 10 catcher status.
Oct 3 2012Perez is not in the lineup Wednesday, the Royals' official Twitter reports.Perez has started the past nine games in a row, so he'll get a day off in the season finale against the Tigers. Adam Moore will get the start at catcher.
Sep 26 2012Perez is hoping to receive and invitation and play for Venezuela in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, the Kansas City Star reports.The Royals seem fine with Perez playing in the WBC, but it will come at the expense of time spent in spring training which means less time working with the pitchers. Manager Ned Yost dismissed those concerns though, saying, "He knows our pitchers. It's more a case that you worry about him getting hurt in an activity that's not yours."
Sep 24 2012Perez (hand) is back in the lineup Monday against the Tigers, the Kansas City Star reports.Perez returns after missing the entire weekend series against the Indians. He's been fabulous for the Royals since returning in late June from a torn meniscus, batting .300 while slugging 11 homers and driving in 36.
Sep 22 2012Perez (hand) is not in the lineup Saturday, the Kansas City Star's Bob Dutton reports.Perez hasn't ruled out for Sunday's game, although a return some time next week seems a bit more likely. He only has three hits in his last 24 at-bats, but is still batting .309 in September and .300 for the season.
Sep 21 2012Perez is not in the lineup Friday against the Indians, Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star reports.Perez will get to rest his legs after catching eight games in the last nine days. Brayan Pena be behind the plate Friday.
Sep 21 2012Perez is nursing a bruised hand, Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star reports.According to Dutton, Perez could play through the pain, or he might sit out the entire weekend. I guess it's a wait-and-see scenario.
Sep 16 2012Perez went 1-for-4 and hit the game-winning home run off Angels closer Ernesto Frieri on Saturday.Perez may have lost his 17-game hit streak on Friday, but no one in Kansas City is complaining as his 11th home run of the season, which went back-to-back with Billy Butler's game-tying shot, completed the Royals comeback in a 3-2 win. While a .199 ISO might be tough for him to duplicate next season, he is still more than capable of posting numbers to potentially make him a top five catcher by the end of 2013.
Sep 15 2012Perez went 0-for-4 against the Angels on Friday, putting an end to his 17-game hit streak.Given the amount of contact he makes and how little he strikes out, it wouldn't have been a surprise to see this streak continue a little longer. Still, he's been outstanding in his return from late-spring knee surgery and should continue to be a top option down the stretch and in the future.
Sep 14 2012Perez went 1-for-4 with a walk and two RBI against the Twins on Thursday to extend his hitting streak to 17 games.Perez continues to show how valuable he is both behind the plate and at it. He's hitting for both power and average and with just a 7.3-percent strikeout rate, you can probably expect more of the same in the future. He will be a most highly sought after commodity in fantasy drafts next season.
Sep 12 2012Perez went 2-for-5 with a home run and two RBI in Wednesday's 10-5 win over Minnesota, extending his hitting streak to 16 games.Perez doesn't strikeout or walk very often, making him the type of player most likely to put together a long hitting streak. Few players in baseball, if any, possess Perez's combination of power (10 homers) and contact (18 strikeouts in 229 at-bats) skills. Don't be afraid to pay a premium for Perez next season; his peripherals back up his strong numbers, and he has the look of a perennial .300 hitter.
Sep 11 2012Despite missing the season's first 67 games, Perez leads all catchers with four pickoffs, the Kansas City Star reports.While picking off runners at first isn't a fantasy category, owners should at least take note of it if they are trying to stream in stolen base guys down the stretch or in making plans for next season. In addition to the fine snap throws to first, Perez has also thrown out 14-of-18 would-be base stealers this year and should continue to do so at a high rate.
Sep 10 2012Perez went 2-for-5 with a run scored and extended his hitting streak to a career-best 14 games against the White Sox on Sunday.Perez is batting .356 through this current hit streak and is now hitting .314 with nine home runs and 30 RBI over 220 at-bats this season.
Sep 9 2012Perez went 1-for-4 on Saturday against the White Sox and extended his hitting streak to 13 games.Perez is now 19-for-54 (.352) during his current streak and has nine runs scored, a home run and eight RBI over that span. He is batting .312 for the season and has more than proven that he will be a highly sought after commodity in drafts next season.
Sep 7 2012Perez went 2-for-3 with two runs scored, a walks, a home run, and two RBI against the White Sox on Friday.Perez extended his hitting streak to 12 games and is now batting .360 with nine runs scored, one home run and eight RBI. He's got his average back up to .313 on the season.
Aug 28 2012Perez went 2-for-5 with two doubles, a run and a RBI on Tuesday as the Royals chased Justin Verlander in the fifth inning.Though he does not qualify because he was injured for much of the season, Perez' .489 slugging percentage would be good enough for fourth among all big-league catchers. He'll certainly be one of the more trendy backstops on draft day next year, and at just 22 years old, he warrants serious consideration of being kept if you own him in a keeper league.
Aug 28 2012Perez went 2-for-5 with two doubles, a run and an RBI on Tuesday as the Royals chased Justin Verlander in the fifth inning.Though he does not qualify because he was injured for much of the season, Perez' .489 slugging percentage would be good enough for fourth among all big-league catchers. He'll certainly be one of the more trendy backstops on draft day next year, and at just 22 years old, he warrants serious consideration of being kept if you own him in a keeper league.
Aug 20 2012Perez went 2-for-4 with a double and drove in three runs to help push the Royals past the White Sox 5-2 on Sunday.Perez continues to impress this season in his return from knee surgery that he had back in spring training. He's now batting .307 with eight home runs, 10 doubles and 22 RBI in 159 plate appearances this season. The 22-year old should continue to be a solid option down the stretch and should be a highly coveted commodity on draft day next year.
Aug 12 2012Perez is not in the lineup Sunday against the Orioles, the Royals' official Twitter page reports.Perez has homered in three of the last four days, but he'll sit Sunday against Orioles right-hander Tommy Hunter. Brayan Pena will catch Bruce Chen.
Aug 12 2012Perez went 2-for-3 with two runs scored, a home run and two RBI against the Orioles on Saturday.Perez has home runs in back-to back games now and three in his last four. He's also hit safely in five of his last six games bringing his average to .313 on the season. With eight home runs in not even half a season's at-bats, he's already been more productive than a number of backstops out there and should continue down this path the rest of the way.
Aug 10 2012Perez was 1 -for-4 with a solo home run in the Royals loss to Baltimore on Friday night.After missing most of the first half, he has quickly gotten back into the groove that made him one of the more talked about young catchers last season. He now has seven long balls, 15 RBI, and he is hitting a robust .305 on the year. His stock continues to rise.
Aug 8 2012Perez went 1-for-4 with a solo home run during Wednesday's 2-1 win over Chicago.Perez's solo shot ended up being the difference Wednesday. It was his first homer since July 16th, although fantasy owners aren't complaining since Perez sports a .317/.341/.512 batting line for the season.
Aug 4 2012Perez returned to the starting lineup and went 3-for-4 with a run scored against the Rangers on Friday.After batting .333 over 24 at-bats in June, Perez batted .329 for July and is off to another good start this month. He should continue to be a strong asset behind the plate the rest of the season and will certainly warrant consideration for protect status in keeper leagues next year.
Aug 2 2012Perez is not in the starting lineup Thursday, the team's official Twitter reports.Perez will yield a start to Brayan Pena, who will catch Bruce Chen on Thursday. Perez is batting .320 with five homers for the Royals since being activated in June.
Jul 28 2012Perez is not in the starting lineup Saturday against the Mariners, the Royals' official Twitter page reports.Perez will sit in favor of Brayan Pena after catching four straight games. Perez is batting .326 with five homers and 10 RBI in 26 games (92 at-bats) this season.
Jul 22 2012Batting out of the fifth spot in the order for the first time this season, Perez went 0-for-3 with a walk and left three men on base against the twins on Saturday.Obviously not the most auspicious start, but it was nice to see the hot-hitting catcher get moved up in the batting order. Royals manager Ned Yost said the five-hole doesn't belong to Perez permanently. "Yeah, for a day, and that's what we're doing," Yost told the Kansas City Star. "We'rere going day-to-day with it. He's been swinging the bat good." Perez is hitting .370 in 75 plate appearances, but his power numbers stand out even more, slugging .644, up from .473 last year.
Jul 17 2012Perez went 1-for-3 with a walk and a home run during Monday's 9-4 loss to the Mariners.Perez connected for his fifth home run of the season in the third inning to put the Royals on the board and has now hit safely in all but two games since returning from knee surgery. With a .391 on-base percentage, it would beg the questions as to why manager Ned Yost doesn't hit him higher in the lineup. That would certainly boost an already solid fantasy value.
Jul 8 2012Perez provided all the offense for the Royals in Sunday's 7-1 loss to the Tigers, hitting a solo homer in the third inning.With a .383 batting average over 44 at-bats since being activated from the DL in June, the young catcher has made several observers take notice. He'd become even more valuable if he were to ascend in the batting order from his current position in the lower third of the Royals' lineup.
Jul 6 2012Perez will not be in the lineup for Friday's game, reports Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star on Twitter.Nothing more than a planned day off. In today's Kansas City Star Dutton reports that manager Ned Yost is ready to let Perez assume full time duties behind the plate and that the catcher is 100% back from his knee surgery that sidelined him for most of the first half. Perez owners will just have to wait until Saturday to see if the backstop can extend his current hit streak to 12 games.
Jul 5 2012Perez went 4-for-5 with two runs scored against the Blue Jays on Thursday.The four hits tied a career-high for Perez who has now hit in a career-best 11 straight games. He is now batting .425 since his his return from the disabled list with three home runs, seven RBI and eight runs scored.
Jul 3 2012Perez went 2-for-4 with two runs scored and a two-run home run as the Royals trounced the Blue Jays 11-3 on Monday.What's not to love about this kid? He's 22 years old and has bounced back from knee surgery to take over primary catching duties and hit safely in each of his eight games played. He's always been known to hit for a high average, but the fact that he's kicked in three home runs already is both unexpected and welcomed. If you're looking to upgrade your catcher position for the second half, he makes for a real nice trade target as he's probably not available off waivers anymore.
Jun 30 2012Perez is not in the lineup for Game 1 of Saturday's doubleheader with the Twins, according to the Royals' official Twitter page.Perez will sit out the opener, but expect him to be behind the plate for the nightcap.
Jun 29 2012Perez went 2-for-4 with a solo home run against the twins on Friday.Perez has hit safely in all five games he's played since coming off the disabled list and is batting .350 with two home runs and five RBI. He should be one of the more productive backstops during the second half this season and while he may not hit for a ton of power, you can expect a great batting average along with some other quality supporting stats.
Jun 26 2012Perez is not in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Rays, according to the Royals' official Twitter page.Perez started the last two games behind the plate and recently declared his knee pain-free, but the Royals will continue to ease him back into everyday action. Brayan Pena will get the nod behind the dish Tuesday night.
Jun 26 2012After catching two full games in his return, Perez says that his knee is pain-free, the Royals' official site reports."My knee feels 100 percent, I feel nothing in my knee," Perez said on Monday. "It's unbelievable what they did." Perez underwent left knee surgery to repair a torn meniscus on March 16. He returned on Friday night for the Cardinals series and caught all nine innings before taking off on Saturday. Perez again caught nine innings on Sunday -- with the temperature hovering at 100 degrees. He was back in the starting lineup for Monday night's series opener against the Rays. In his first two games, Perez was 3-for-8 with a home run and three RBI. He'll be making plenty of fantasy owners very happy the rest of the way.
Jun 18 2012The Royals have not set a return date for Perez (knee), who is currently on a rehab assignment at Triple-A Omaha, according to the Royals' official site."Probably won't see him during this trip," manager Ned Yost said before Sunday's series finale against the Cardinals. Perez, in his first nine games for Omaha, batted .333 (13-for-39) with two doubles and seven RBI. "I don't care what he's hitting, I just check the health of his knee," Yost said. "He feels great after every day. He caught seven innings in the first game of a doubleheader [Saturday] and he'll catch nine innings [Sunday]." If you've been stashing Perez, continue to do so and if he is available in your league and you need help behind the dish, then he makes for an excellent pick-up. It may be frustrating to his owners that his return continues to be delayed, but at least you know the return is much sooner than later right now.
Jun 12 2012Perez (knee) could return as early as next week if he avoids a setback with his rehab assignment, Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star reports.For those in need of a catcher, there's a chance that Perez will return enough value during the second half of the season to be utilized in one-catcher formats. His workload initially may be a bit smaller than normal, but the 22-year-old has long-term star potential and could exceed expectations in Year 2.
Jun 9 2012Perez (knee) caught all nine innings and went 5-for-5 with four runs scored and an RBI against Triple-A Round Rock on Friday.It was the perfect rehab day for Perez who continues to hit well, going the opposite way on three of his five hits, and played a full game behind the plate. The Royals will evaluate him Saturday to determine if he can catch a full game on back-to-back days. Once he's able to do that, his return to Kansas City will likely come.
Jun 8 2012Perez (knee) went 2-for-4 with a double during his first rehab start against Triple-A Round Rock on Thursday.Perez served as the designated hitter for Thursday's game but he should be behind the plate for most of the weekend. While there is no set timetable for how long before he returns to the big club, it is obviously sooner rather than later. The Royals will want him to catch full games on back-to-back days before returning. It was encouraging to see him leg out that double though.
Jun 6 2012Perez (knee) will begin a minor league rehab assignment with Triple-A Omaha on Thursday, the Kansas City Star's Bob Dutton reports.Perez is almost all the way back after suffering torn cartilage in his knee during spring training. After completing some starts at Triple-A, he will likely be activated to assume the Royals' everyday catching duties. A highly-regarded catching prospect, Perez could be an intriguing fantasy pickup upon joining the Royals.
Jun 1 2012Perez (knee) could be ready to start a rehab assignment in approximately one week, Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star reports.If everything continues to go well, Perez will be ready to return by the end of June. For those in deeper leagues, it may be worth picking him up and stashing him away as Perez should be useful during the second half of the season as the Royals' primary catcher.
May 28 2012Perez went 2-for-5 as a designated hitter in an extended spring training game on Saturday, the Kansas City Star reports.Perez has looked good in his recovery, having caught three innings on Friday as well. There is no official word on how long he will continue at extended spring training, but once he is catching on consecutive days, he should be able to move onto a rehab assignment shortly thereafter. The return target is still mid to late June.
May 26 2012Perez caught three innings and went 4-for-4 at the plate with a home run Friday during extended spring training, his first game action since suffering a knee injury.Perez will serve as a DH on Saturday and will likely head out on a rehab assignment soon before returning to the Royals. If all goes according to plan, he should be behind the dish in Kansas City by mid-June.
May 25 2012Perez (knee) will play three innings in an extended spring training game Saturday, Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star reports.Saturday's activity will be Perez's first game action since he tore cartilage in his knee in March. He will still need some sort of rehab assignment before rejoining the big club, but it appears he will make his season debut sometime in June.
May 19 2012Perez (knee) is ahead of schedule in his recovery and could head to extended spring training as early as next week, Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star reports.If Perez's rehab goes as planned, he could return to the Royals within a month. Billed as the Royals' catcher of the future, Perez could be an under-the-radar fantasy pickup.
Apr 13 2012Perez was off his crutches and moving freely about the clubhouse on Thursday, the team's official site reports.Perez is wearing a knee brace while he continues to recover from surgery to repair a torn lateral meniscus in his knee, but is clearly excited about his current progress. "Everything has gone great in the rehab. The knee is getting stronger and I'm getting anxious," he said via translator and bench coach Chino Cadahia. Given the fact that the club had just signed him to a long-term deal, they have to be happy with the current progress as well. The Royals are hoping for an early-July return still.