MLB Player News

Leon will start at catcher and bat eighth Sunday against the Mariners, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

The pendulum has been swinging in Leon's direction lately in the Red Sox's catching timeshare, with the switch hitter garnering his fourth nod in six games Sunday. Leon has been unable to match the impressive numbers he posted in the second half of the 2016 campaign, but he's been a decent producer in two-catcher mixed or AL-only leagues, contributing a .245 average to go with four home runs and 15 RBI.

Gomes is out of the lineup Sunday against the Royals.

After starting behind the plate in back-to-back games and failing to record a hit in seven at-bats, Gomes will cede catching duties to backup Roberto Perez in the series finale. Look for Gomes to check back into the lineup for Monday's game against the Athletics.

Maldonado went 2-for-4 with a double and a two-run home run in Friday's 8-5 loss to the Marlins.

It's a rare sight to see Maldonado -- who is known for his defensive abilities -- lead the Angels' offense on a given day, but he did just that against Dan Straily. A career .223 hitter, the 30-year-old has been offering more from an offensive standpoint this season, batting .271 with three homers and 12 RBI in 42 games. While those numbers aren't forcing owners in standard leagues to rush to the waiver wire, those in two-catcher formats could certainly do worse.

Sanchez is not in the starting lineup Friday against the A's.

It's the second time in the past three games that Sanchez heads to the bench, though it may be due to his unimpressive numbers against left-handed pitching (.167/.318/.167). Look for the catching phenom to be back behind the plate Saturday while Austin Romine takes over in his stead.

Gallagher is slashing .243/.310/.320 through 31 games with Triple-A Omaha in 2017.

Gallagher's minor-league career .235 batting average isn't what the Royals expected when selecting him in the second round of the 2011 draft. Although the catcher remains on the 40-man roster, Gallaher's highly unlikely to make his MLB debut any time soon. He'll continue to work through his first season at Triple-A while providing the organization with depth in case of an emergency situation.

McCann (hand) was placed on the 10-day disabled list Thursday, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

John Hicks has been recalled to take McCann's spot on the roster ahead of Friday's doubleheader against the White Sox. McCann suffered a laceration on his left hand after being hit by a pitch Thursday, and while there's still no report of any injury beyond that, he'll still require a DL stint. Alex Avila should see the bulk of the starts behind the plate in McCann's absence, but the upcoming schedule should ensure some starts for Hicks as well.

McCann exited Thursday's game against the Astros with a left hand laceration.

The 26-year-old was hit on the left hand by a Mike Fiers offering earlier in Thursday's contest and was visibly bleeding as he left the field. The timing of his injury is particularly unfortunate for the Tigers, who have a doubleheader on tap for Friday followed by a day game Saturday. According to John Wagner of the Toledo Blade, catcher John Hicks will be called up from Triple-A Toledo to add catching depth for at least Friday.

McCann exited Thursday's game against the Astros after being hit on the wrist by a pitch, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

Alex Avila has come on to replace McCann, who left the field with blood on his left hand after being hit by a Mike Fiers offering. More updates on McCann will be available after he is examined by the Tigers' training staff, but if he's unable to play Friday, it could put the team in a precarious position at catcher with a doubleheader against the White Sox on tap.

McGuire underwent successful arthroscopic surgery for a meniscus tear in his right knee, John Lott of The Athletic Toronto reports.

This explains why McGuire was on the disabled list with Double-A New Hampshire. He'll head to Dunedin to rehab for the time being, and while the Blue Jays expect McGuire back this season, they have yet to put a timetable on his return.

Maldonado is out of the lineup Thursday against the Rays.

Maldonado has started four consecutive games behind the plate, but is hitless in back-to-back contests to bring his average down to .264. He'll get a maintenance day Thursday, giving way to Juan Graterol behind the plate for the series finale.