What’s the latest with Royals catcher Salvador Perez? Here’s the Friday update
Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez did not start Friday’s series opener against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
Perez is considered day-to-day with left-hip soreness. He re-aggravated the injury while rounding first base in Thursday’s game against the Tampa Bay Rays.
“It isn’t new,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said of the injury. “It’s the same hip soreness that he’s had and we feel really fortunate that there wasn’t something new.”
Perez was not placed on the 10-day injured list. The Royals will continue to monitor the injury as he receives treatment.
“Hopefully we can stay away from him for a couple days catching-wise,” Quatraro said.
Quatraro didn’t rule out Perez’s availability off the bench. He could potentially pinch-hit, but allowing him to rest will be the emphasis.
“I think he was aware of how sore he was leaving the game yesterday,” Quatraro said. “And he was very happy things weren’t worse when he got the MRI. Again, it’s a lot because it’s Salvy, but it’s day-to-day and it’s really not that big of a deal.”
The Royals added veteran catcher Luke Maile from Triple-A Omaha. In corresponding moves, the club optioned speedster Tyler Tolbert to the minors and transferred right-hander Alec Marsh to the 60-day injured list.
Maile is a nine-year major-league veteran. He has played for five different organizations and last appeared with the Cincinnati Reds in 2024.
The Royals acquired Maile this offseason. He signed a minor-league contract in February and accepted an invitation to spring training.
Maile batted .286 in 12 games with the Omaha Storm Chasers. And he has some experience in working with the Royals’ pitching staff.
“I’ve had a lot of situations, changing teams and finding myself in spots where the game is on the line,” Maile said. “You got a guy that you might not be the most familiar with, but if you have a little something that you remember, it helps a lot.”
Freddy Fermin was the Royals’ starting catcher for Friday’s series opener. Mark Canha was the designated hitter and Maikel Garcia batted cleanup.
Perez was around, too, watching from the dugout. He said he is feeling better but understands that he needs time to recover.
“I imagine he will be (trying to be available), knowing Salvy,” Quatraro said. “But we are going to do everything we can to not use him.”
This story was originally published May 2, 2025 at 5:31 PM.
