MLB Player News

Sanchez went 1-for-5 with a solo homer Friday against the Red Sox.

Sanchez ripped his 23rd bomb of the year to pull the Yankees even in the seventh inning of a divisional loss. He's absolutely on fire, as he's homered six times over his last 10 games, and his yearly totals continue to make him an extremely valuable fantasy option at the catcher position.

Garver could see time in left field, Phil Miller of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

While he wasn't making any concrete lineup plans, manager Paul Monitor said he wouldn't hesitate to put Garver in left field if the situation arose. Garver does have some slight experience in the outfield, starting 14 games there this season with Triple-A Rochester despite never playing there in any lower levels.

Garver will be called up by the Twins from Triple-A Rochester on Friday, Brandon Warne of Zone Coverage reports.

The backstop's former collegiate coach congratulated him, and his family is traveling to watch his debut, so that's just as good a confirmation as any. He has smashed opposing pitching with a .291/.387/.541 line, 17 home runs and 45 RBI across 372 plate appearances for the Red Wings. Upon his arrival, Garver, 26, will be listed as the third catcher (assuming the Twins keep Chris Gimenez) but may have the inside track at regular playing time as the designated hitter, especially with Robbie Grossman (thumb) on the disabled list.

Nicholas went 2-for-3 with a home run, a walk and three RBI in Thursday's 9-8 win over the White Sox.

Nicholas hit a two-run shot in the first inning and forced in what turned out to be the winning run on a bases-loaded walk in the seventh. The catcher has now homered in each of his past two games played while driving in six runs over that span. Nicholas has already made six starts behind the plate this month and will take an even larger share of the work away from Robinson Chirinos if he continues to produce at the dish.

Sanchez went 2-for-5 with a home run during the Yankees' win against the Mets on Thursday.

Sanchez had Steven Matz's number in this one, taking him deep with two runners on in the first before forcing the Mets to take their pitcher out on a two-run single in the fourth. The home run makes it 22 on the year, which leads all big-league catchers.

Gomes is not in the lineup for Game 2 of Thursday's doubleheader against the Twins.

Gomes will head to the bench after going 3-for-3 with a homer and four RBI in Game 1. Roberto Perez will take over behind the dish in his stead, batting eighth.

Murphy, 22, is hitting .212/.275/.288 with two home runs and 17 RBI in 39 games since being promoted to Double-A Midland.

The question for Murphy is whether he can hit for average at the higher levels. He performed admirably at High-A Stockton prior to the promotion, slashing .297/.343/.527 with nine home runs and 26 RBI in 45 games. He has some power from the right side, but his plate discipline leaves something to be desired. The A's seem to like Bruce Maxwell behind the dish, so it remains to be seen where Murphy fits long-term.

Gomes went 3-for-3 with a two-run home run, four RBI and two runs scored during Thursday's win over Minnesota.

This was just the eighth homer of the season for Gomes, and the backstop's .226/.319/.374 slash line isn't moving the fantasy needle, either. Gomes is also splitting time behind the plate, so he's probably best left to the deepest fantasy settings at this stage of game.

The Blue Jays designated Ohlman for assignment Wednesday, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

An earlier report suggested Ohlman was just being optioned back to Triple-A Buffalo to make room for Miguel Montero's (groin) return from the disabled list, but the 26-year-old backstop will actually lose out on a 40-man roster spot. Ohlman still seemingly has a good chance at remaining in the Blue Jays organization as catching depth at Triple-A, provided he goes unclaimed off waivers.

Ohlman was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo on Wednesday, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Ohlman was banished back to the minors to make room for Miguel Montero (groin), who was the first of the Blue Jays' three injured catchers to return from the disabled list. During his brief stay with the big club, Ohlman picked up four at-bats while serving as the primary backup to Raffy Lopez.