MLB Player News

Narvaez will draw the start at catcher and bat seventh in Monday's season opener against the Tigers.

Narvaez looks to be option 1A in the White Sox's unimpressive catching platoon, with Geovany Soto presumably opening the season as the backup following a meager spring. The 25-year-old Narvaez climbed the minor-league ladder quickly last season and eventually earned a call to the White Sox in the second half, with whom he registered a .350 OBP over 117 plate appearances. That small sample was encouraging, but it included a dearth of production in the power department, which will probably make him no more than a low-end option in AL-only or mixed leagues that start two catchers.

McCann (hand) will get the starting nod behind the plate and bat seventh in the order in the Tigers' season opener Monday against the White Sox, MLB.com's Jason Beck reports.

McCann was cleared of any structural damage to his left hand after he was hit by a pitch during an exhibition Saturday, prompting the Tigers to give him the green light to assume catching duties for Opening Day. While Alex Avila is back with the Tigers this season, he's no longer much of a threat to consistently poach starts from McCann like he was in 2015. McCann, who batted .221 with 12 homers and 48 RBI last season, should be on tap for about four or five starts most weeks.

Perez signed a four-year, $9 million contract extension with the Indians on Sunday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

The extension includes a club option for 2021 and 2022, and a breakdown of the deal can be found here. Perez is coming off a 2016 campaign in which he hit .183 and posted an ugly wRC+ of 58 in 61 games played. He'll serve as a backup to Yan Gomes during the 2017 season.

Maile was designated for assignment Sunday, Roger Mooney of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

After deciding to open the season with Derek Norris and Jesus Sucre behind the plate, the Rays optioned Maile to the minor leagues Wednesday. This transaction removes the 26-year-old to clear a spot on the 40-man roster. If he passes through waivers, he'll likely open the season with Triple-A Durham.

Gomes ended his Cactus League campaign with an impressive .370/.426/.696 slash line over 54 plate appearances in 18 games.

Across the board, Gomes' spring numbers were some of the best among his teammates with 40-plus at-bats. The Tribe's top catcher has a history of impressive Cactus League seasons, so his performance doesn't justify inflating his stock prior to Opening Day. On the other hand, Gomes -- who's deservedly earned the "injury-prone" tag over his five years in MLB -- certainly looked healthy in March, and he appears ready to rebound from last season's career-worst .167 batting average.

Nicholas was placed on the 10-day disabled list Saturday, Stefan Stevenson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Nicholas was expected to miss time to start the season after he underwent surgery earlier in March for a torn meniscus in his left knee, so the move was more procedural. He'll serve as organizational depth when he returns.

McCann is dealing with a left hand contusion after being hit by a pitch Saturday, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

McCann was replaced after being plunked on the wrist, though post-game X-rays revealed there was no structural damage to the wrist, which is good news. Manager Brad Ausmus is expecting McCann to be in the Opening Day lineup, according to Anthony Feneche of the Detroit Free Press. If the 26-year-old is unavailable Monday, Alex Avila would start behind the dish.

McCann has a wrap on his left hand after being hit by a pitch Saturday and leaving the game, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

The timing of this is unfortunate for McCann and the Tigers with Opening Day set for Monday. McCann was hit on his left hand in his first at-bat Saturday and was pulled from the game and replaced by a pinch runner. Woodbery adds that manager Brad Ausmus will provide a further update on McCann's status after Saturday's game. If McCann is unavailable Monday, Alex Avila would draw in behind the plate.

Gosewisch was optioned to Triple-A Tacoma on Friday, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

The 33-year-old was unlikely to beat out Mike Zunino or Carlos Ruiz for a roster spot from the get-go, but his .473 OPS during Cactus League play ultimately sealed his fate. Gosewisch will likely spend 2017 as an organizational depth piece.

Higashioka was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Friday.

Higashioka clubbed a pair of home runs with five extra-base hits in 27 spring at-bats and might earn some emergency at-bats should a need open up with the Yankees.