MLB Player News

Higashioka is batting eighth and catching Saturday.

The rookie makes his second career start as the Yankees face Carlos Martinez and the Cardinals. Higashioka went 0-for-4 with a run scored in his debut earlier this week and will continue to serve as the backup catcher until Gary Sanchez (biceps) returns.

Perez went 1-for-3 with a solo home run, his fifth of the year, and two RBI in Saturday's win over the Angels.

Perez's sixth-inning blast tied him with Houston's George Springer for the AL lead in home runs. Furthermore, the seventh-year catcher has reached base safely in all 10 of his games so far. Perez appears well on his way to a third straight season of 20-plus long balls.

Trevino departed Thursday night's game with Double-A Frisco after being hit on the hand by a pitch, Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reports.

This injury comes at an inopportune time, as Trevino had been hitting .350 through the Roughriders first six games. However, he isn't expected to land on the disabled list due to this issue and should be able to return to action after a few days of rest. Consider him day-to-day for the time being.

Gomes is not in the lineup for Friday's contest with the Tigers.

Gomes hit his first home run of the season Thursday night, but given that it was just his second hit all season, he'll get another day off Friday. Roberto Perez will fill in for him for the second time in three days.

McCann is not in the lineup Friday against the Indians.

McCann has only amassed one hit over the past four games, so he'll head to the bench for a day off. Alex Avila will slot in behind the plate in his stead.

Narvaez is out of the lineup Friday against the Twins.

With Geovany Soto (elbow) landing on the disabled list, Narvaez has assumed most of the starts behind the dish as of late. However, he'll head to the bench for a day off Friday after starting the past two games. Kevan Smith will assume the catching duties for the evening.

Higashioka will occupy the Yankees' backup catcher role with Gary Sanchez (biceps) absent, Brendan Kuty of The Star-Ledger reports.

Higashioka will spell starter Austin Romine on occasion (perhaps to pair with fellow rookie Jordan Montgomery), but he's the clear understudy for at least the next few weeks while Sanchez is sidelined. Higashioka likely will return to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre upon Sanchez's activation.

Gomes is out of the lineup Wednesday against the White Sox, Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

With Gomes off to a 1-for-18 start to the season, manager Terry Francona will give the backstopper his second day off in three games. Roberto Perez will enter the lineup at catcher and bat eighth in the lineup.

Higashioka will make his first major-league start against the Rays on Wednesday, starting at catcher and batting eighth.

With Gary Sanchez (biceps) on the mend and Austin Romine slumping to a .111 average, Higashioka will have his chance to shine right away. After spending last season in Triple-A, the 26-year-old impressed with a .296 batting average over 20 Grapefruit League games this spring, so the Yankees have already seen his potential. If he can string together a few solid starts, he may be in line for a permanent promotion upon Sanchez's return.

Vazquez went 4-for-4, finishing a home run shy of a cycle, and added two runs and two RBI in Tuesday's 8-1 win over the Orioles.

A big night for Vazquez, who is not known for his hitting, but is 5-for-5 to start the season. In addition to his offense, Vazquez guided Drew Pomeranz through six strong innings. Try not to be swayed by his hot start; Vazquez is a career .244 hitter that made the roster primarily becuase he's out of minor-league options.