MLB Player News

Perez will start at catcher on Opening Day against the Cubs.

Perez will get the nod instead of Geovany Soto, who is slotted to be the backup catcher in 2016. The 25-year-old will have a tough matchup against reigning NL Cy Young winner Jake Arrieta, so don't expect him to produce much from a fantasy perspective.

Thole is in the lineup against the Rays on Monday.

This is a very interesting move, as Thole has historically received very few at-bats against left-handed pitchers such as Drew Smyly, the Rays' starter Monday. However, this is likely just a day off for everyday catcher Russell Martin, so Thole will probably head back to the bench following this game.

Casali is in the lineup Monday against the Blue Jays, Marc Topkin of The Tampa Bay Times reports.

Casali will get the start against R.A. Dickey after Hank Conger started the Opening Day game. It seems that the catching duo will split time throughout the course of the season.

Perez (concussion) said he's feeling better of late, but is still awaiting MLB clearance, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Perez has been dealing with a concussion since taking a ball off the bask in a spring game, but he played catch and took batting practice Sunday without issue. Expect the backup catcher to gain clearance to return to live action within the next few days.

Perez took a foul tip to the mask in a recent spring training game and may be dealing with a concussion, Ryan Lewis of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

The Indians have made no roster moves yet involving Perez or the other catchers in the organization, but that could happen Monday while the team puts the backstop through the concussion protocol. If Perez is ultimately moved to the 7-day DL, the Indians would likely bring minor leaguer Adam Moore onto the roster to serve as the backup to Yan Gomes.

Vazquez (elbow) was placed on the 15-day DL on Sunday, Jason Mastrodonato of the Boston Herald reports.

Since Vazquez's DL stint was backdated to March 25, the Red Sox can bring the catcher back on the 25-man roster as soon as April 9. However, it's unclear if the team will go that route, as Vasquez could probably benefit from some more at-bats in the minors after missing all of 2015 following Tommy John surgery.

The White Sox assigned Sanchez to minor league camp Saturday, the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

There was no room on the big league roster with both Dioner Navarro and Alex Avila in the fold, so Sanchez will report to Triple-A Charlotte.

Stassi (wrist) was placed on the 15-day disabled list Friday.

He is expected to miss at least the first month of the season after being diagnosed with a broken hamate bone in his left wrist a couple weeks ago. While Stassi is sidelined, Erik Kratz, whom the Astros acquired via trade on Monday, will serve as the backup to Jason Castro.

Casali will not be the starting catcher on Opening Day, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The 27-year-old easily outplayed veteran Hank Conger, but manager Kevin Cash decided to start Conger based on the matchup against Marcus Stroman. That being said, if Casali can keep up his .273 average beyond spring training, he could garner more starts as the season goes along.

Heineman was reassigned to minor league camp Monday.

Heineman hit .217 over 23 Grapefruit League at-bats and will likely report to Triple-A Fresno to open 2016.