MLB Player News

Perez, who injured his knee in a collision at home plate Saturday, is headed for X-rays to determine the severity, Jon Morosi of MLB.com reports.

Perez said he was unable to put any weight on his leg after sustaining the injury, forcing him to be helped off the field by multiple trainers. The Royals and their star backstop are holding their breath for the time-being.

Perez was injured during a collision at home plate during Saturday's WBC game, Kyle Glaser of Baseball America reports.

Although specifics of the injury aren't yet known, it would be a big blow for the Royals if their star catcher had to miss extended time. Perez had to be helped to the clubhouse by trainers after the incident, and it appeared to be an ankle injury. His status will be updated when more information is made available.

Gomes is just 3-for-12 this spring with one walk and three strikeouts over six Cactus League games.

Gomes has started behind the plate for five of his six spring contests so far, and although he's been subdued at the dish, the veteran catcher has looked good defensively, including throwing out two of three attempted basestealers. Catchers spend most of camp on the back fields handling bullpen sessions, so the counting stats aren't expected to be noteworthy. Throughout his career, Gomes has shown the ability to get better with his bat as the campaigns grow old. Over his five MLB seasons, Gomes has slashed .275/.320/.465 post All-Star break, which is significantly better than the .224/.261/.390 mark he's compiled in the first half.

Collins was reassigned to White Sox minor league camp Friday.

Collins' future as a backstop remains in question as he needs to polish his defensive skills, and catchers have so much to work on in their early years that a true breakout with their bat can come later in their careers. That being said, Collins' bat projects as plus, and he could still have plenty of value even if he eventually shifts out from behind the plate, in much the same way as his North Side counterpart, Kyle Schwarber.

Higashioka is 5-for-10 with a pair of home runs through eight spring training appearances.

Previously a fairly unheralded prospect, Higashioka had a breakout season in 2016, as he mashed 21 home runs and hit .276 (up from a .242 career average) across Double-A and Triple-A and was ultimately added to the 40-man roster after the season. Even following the offseason trade of Brian McCann, Higashioka still faces a tall task to win the backup catcher job on the parent club over Austin Romine, but if he continues to hit at this pace he'll force the Yankees brass to take notice.

Thaiss was reassigned to minor league camp Thursday, Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register reports.

Thaiss's bat was as good as ever at spring training. Over 10 games, he went 5-for-11 and drew two walks. It should become clear where the 21-year-old will start the 2017 season in the coming weeks, but he'll likely be sent to High-A Inland Empire or Double-A Mobile.

Nicholas is undergoing surgery on his left knee Friday, Stefan Stevenson of the Star-Telegram reports.

His recovery timetable and the extent of the procedure are so far unknown, though the backup catcher is only relevant in AL-only fantasy games.

Vazquez went 0-for-3 and threw out a base stealer in Sunday's game against the Braves. He's 2-for-10 with a double and an RBI so far this spring.

Seeing the strength come back to Vazquez's arm after Tommy John surgery is significant. The young catcher threw out 52 percent of runners (15 of 29) in 2014 before his surgery, but he dropped down to just 35 percent (8-for-23) in 2016. His hitting remains suspect, so Vazquez needs to be at his peak defensively, including his ability to control the running game. He's expected to open the season in Boston and share catching duties with Sandy Leon.

Deglan will not participate in the World Baseball Classic due to shoulder surgery, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

The native Canadian recently latched on with the Yankees on a minor league deal at the end of January. Due to his recent flare-up of shoulder soreness, he won't be able to participate in the WBC, leaving Canada with George Kottaras as the only catcher currently on the roster. Given the Yankees' depth at catcher on the active roster, Deglan will likely begin the year in the minors.

Casali went 2-for-3 with a two-run home run and two runs overall in Tuesday's 19-0 Grapefruit League victory over the Twins.

The Rays' backstop opened what would be a 19-run barrage by blasting a two-run homer to left with Rickie Weeks, Jr. aboard in the first. Casali is battling Luke Maile and non-roster invitee Jesus Sucre for a backup catcher spot, and given that prized offseason signing Wilson Ramos isn't expected back from knee surgery until at least May and may be limited to designated hitter duties for some time thereafter, he would appear to have a solid chance of securing a spot on the Opening Day roster. The 28-year-old's unsightly .186/.273/.336 line last season belied some solid pop in his bat, as Casali collected 18 extra-base hits, including 10 round-trippers, over 256 plate appearances.