Perez gets scheduled night off behind plate

KANSAS CITY -- Catcher Salvador Perez got a break from the Royals' starting lineup on Tuesday night, but it wasn't because his calf was sore again.

His calf, bruised by foul balls and pitches in the dirt, has healed, according to Perez.

"Since the All-Star Game, it's been good," Perez said. "No problem."

Manager Ned Yost just wanted to give Perez a night off.

"His leg does feel fine," Yost said. "We've got two days off in the next 50 games and I'm going to have to find spots to rest him."

George Kottaras made his 17th start behind the plate against the Orioles.