Pirates forced to use emergency catcher — it did not go well
Josh VanMeter had to play catcher for the first time since high school and his struggles helped the Reds beat the Pirates.MAY 7, 2022
On bench for nightcap Perez (hamstring) isn't starting the second game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Reds.
Impact Perez had to be helped off the field during Saturday's matinee due to left hamstring discomfort, and he was seen using a crutch after the game. It seems unlikely that he'll be available off the bench in the nightcap, so Josh VanMeter will likely serve as the emergency catcher behind starter Andrew Knapp.
MAY 7, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
Dealing with hamstring discomfort Perez's early exit from the first half of Saturday's doubleheader against the Reds was due to left hamstring discomfort, Justice delos Santos of MLB.com reports.
Impact Perez didn't start the game but entered after Andrew Knapp was ejected. His exit left Josh VanMeter to serve as the emergency catcher for the end of the game. Knapp will presumably start the nightcap behind the plate while the Pirates determine how serious Perez's injury is.
MAY 7, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
With Roberto Perez hurt, Pirates must turn to emergency catcher CINCINNATI — A nightmare scenario for the Pirates played out Saturday afternoon in Cincinnati. Not only did starting catcher Roberto Perez a...
MAY 7, 2022 • POST-GAZETTE.COM
Helped off field Perez was removed from the first game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Reds in the top of the eighth inning due to an apparent left leg injury, Alex Stumpf of DKPittsburghSpo...
Impact Perez slipped on second base while attempting to run from first to third in the top of the eighth inning, and he struggled to put much weight on his left leg as he was helped off the field. Prior to his departure, he went 2-for-3 with a run and a strikeout. Andrew Knapp was ejected from Saturday's matinee while in the dugout, so Josh VanMeter is expected to take over behind the dish for the remainder of the game.
MAY 7, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
Takes seat Friday Perez isn't starting Friday against Cincinnati, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.
Impact Perez started in three of the last four games and went 3-for-11 with a homer, two runs and two RBI. Andrew Knapp will start behind the dish and bat ninth.
MAY 6, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
Retreats to bench Perez isn't starting the first game of Wednesday's doubleheader against the Tigers.
Impact Perez started in the last two games and went 2-for-7 with a run, an RBI and two strikeouts. Andrew Knapp will start behind the plate and bat ninth in Wednesday's matinee.
MAY 4, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
Not in Friday's lineup Perez isn't starting Friday against the Padres.
Impact The 33-year-old was initially scheduled to get a day off Thursday before Andrew Knapp was scratched from the lineup due to an illness. Perez will retreat to the bench in Friday's series opener since Knapp is starting behind the dish and batting ninth.
APRIL 29, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
Starting after all Perez is now set to start at catcher and hit ninth in Thursday's game against the Brewers, Alex Stumpf of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.
Impact Perez was scheduled to receive a breather for the day game after the night game, but he was pressed into action on short notice after Andrew Knapp was scratched from Thursday's lineup due to an illness. Assuming Knapp is feeling better Friday, Perez could get a day off in the Pirates' series opener with the Padres.
APRIL 28, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
Resting Thursday Perez is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Brewers.
Impact Perez will get a breather for the matinee contest after he started behind the plate in Wednesday night's 3-1 loss, as well as both of the two games before that. No. 2 backstop Andrew Knapp will step in as the Pirates' catcher, forming a battery with starting pitcher Jose Quintana.
APRIL 28, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
Knocks in pair Perez went 1-for-4 with a double, a walk and two RBI on Tuesday against the Brewers.
Impact Perez enjoyed one of his more productive performances of the season, which began with an RBI double in the second inning. He later grounded into a fielder's choice in the final frame to knock in his second run. Perez is hitting only .231 on the season, though he has collected at least one hit in three of his last four starts, and he also boasts a .362 on-base percentage.
APRIL 27, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
Roberto Perez, Pirates teammates celebrate catcher's offensive breakout in victory over Cubs Pirates players love Roberto Perez. On Friday, he found some offense. Both he and his teammates were thrilled for it.
APRIL 23, 2022 • POST-GAZETTE.COM
Launches first homer Perez went 2-for-3 with a solo home run and two additional RBI during Friday's 4-2 win against the Cubs.
Impact The veteran backstop delivered a two-run single during the second inning and followed with a solo homer in the fifth to power Pittsburgh's offense. Perez was 0-for-10 with six strikeouts over his past five games entering the series in Chicago, but he's 3-for-6 with a home run, a walk, three RBI and two runs through two games versus the Cubs.
APRIL 23, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
Perez's 3 RBIs, home run push Pirates over Cubs 4-2
Roberto Perez drove in three runs, Michael Chavis broke a tie with a home run in the fourth inning, and the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Chicago Cubs 4-2APRIL 23, 2022 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Resting for series finale Perez is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Brewers.
Impact The Pirates are wrapping up their series in Milwaukee with an afternoon game after a night game, so Perez will receive a breather after catching in each of the past three days. Andrew Knapp checks in for Perez behind the dish.
APRIL 20, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
Back in action Perez (quadriceps) will start at catcher and bat seventh Sunday against the Nationals.
Impact Perez was withheld from action in Saturday's 6-4 win due to a bruised left quad, but he may have been scheduled to get a rest day anyway after he started both of the Pirates' previous two contests. The day out of the lineup was apparently enough to resolve Perez's quad issue, as he'll check back in behind the dish for the series finale while forming a battery with starting pitcher Jose Quintana.
APRIL 17, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
Expected back Sunday Perez (quadriceps) is expected to return to the lineup Sunday, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
Impact Perez was hit in his left quadriceps by a foul ball Friday and was out of the lineup Saturday. That move was made out of precaution due to the lack of catching depth within the organization, though the issue is not deemed serious. Andrew Knapp would be the playing time beneficiary if Perez is out longer than expected, or if the team opts to give him continued rest.
APRIL 17, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
Roberto Perez out of lineup, but Pirates encouraged by his progress A day after absorbing a foul ball, the swelling had gone down in Roberto Perez’s quad, creating a sense of optimism for the Pirates catcher.
APRIL 16, 2022 • POST-GAZETTE.COM
Day-to-day with bruised quadriceps Perez is considered day-to-day after getting hit in his left quadriceps by a foul ball Friday, Justice delos Santos of MLB.com reports.
Impact Perez hasn't been diagnosed with anything worse than a contusion, but he could still get a day or two to rest. Andrew Knapp will take over behind the plate Saturday against Washington.
APRIL 16, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
Bell, Cruz have 3 RBIs each, Nats beat Pirates 7-2
Nelson Cruz and Josh Bell drove in three runs each and Washington Nationals beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 7-2APRIL 16, 2022 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Takes seat Wednesday Perez is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Cubs.
Impact Perez is getting a breather due to the Pirates and Cubs closing their series with a game that begins at 12:35 p.m. ET. Andrew Knapp will step in for Perez and form a battery with starting pitcher Zach Thompson.
APRIL 13, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
Gets first day off Perez is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Cardinals.
Impact Perez started behind the plate in each of the Bucs' first three games, going 3-for-10 with two walks and two runs. He looks to be the Pirates' clear No. 1 backstop, though he'll still likely be subject to at least one or two days off per week. Andrew Knapp will replace Perez in the lineup for the first time in 2022, catching for Zach Thompson in the series finale in St. Louis.
APRIL 11, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
Hitless in loss Perez went 0-for-2 with a strikeout in a 5-1 loss Tuesday against Philadelphia.
Impact Batting eighth in the lineup, Perez grounded out and struck out before being replaced by Taylor Davis. The Pirates signed the 33-year-old backstop to a one-year, $5 million contract to serve as their primary catcher following the trade of Jacob Stallings. A career .206 hitter, Perez slashed just .192/.267/.346 with one home run in 11 spring games. While he should get the majority of playing time behind the plate for Pittsburgh, he'll likely be a bottom-of-the-order, low-producing hitter.
APRIL 6, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
Pirates 3B Hayes eyes smoother 2022 after rocky rookie year
Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes is hoping for smoother sailing in 2022MARCH 28, 2022 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Pirates catcher Roberto Perez, confident shoulder issues are fixed, is eager to help pitchers Roberto Perez said his right shoulder feels great, and he’s eager to build relationships with the Pirates young pitching staff.
MARCH 15, 2022 • POST-GAZETTE.COM
