MLB Player News

Tigers catcher James McCann is making his third straight start behind the plate Monday against the Yankees.

Alex Avila started seven of the team's first eight games at catcher, but he's been limited to pinch-hit and defensive-sub duty in recent days as the Tigers have faced three straight lefty starters. He's hit .182/.400/.318 in 22 at-bats.

McCann is starting behind the plate for the fifth time this season, all against left-handed opposing pitchers. He's 2 for 8 against lefties and 1 for 11 against righties this season.

The Tigers are favorites (-118) against the Yankees Monday.

Tigers catcher James McCann was hitless in his last 13 at bats, entering Sunday's game. 

He broke the slump in a big way, hitting his first triple since July 28, 2013, when he was with Double-A Erie. 

"To be honest, when I was getting close to second I was a little surprised I could keep running," McCann said, per MLive. "I almost missed second. But I'm just glad I could hit the ball hard a few times today and help get our team a W."

McCann said it was just the third triple he's hit since college, counting one he hit in the Dominican Winter League in November, 2013. 

Manager Brad Ausmus was impressed with McCann's swing.

"I think we're seeing that James McCann is a strong human," he said. "Although he didn't hit for a lot of power in the minors, it wouldn't shock me if a few years down the road he was hitting for more power."

Indians catcher Roberto Perez is 6 for 16 with two home runs and three RBI against right-handed pitchers this season. However, the catcher is hitless in seven at-bats against lefties.

Perez is serving as the team's starting catcher while Yan Gomes is on the disabled list, and he's continuing to struggle against southpaws after going 4 for 24 against them last season. The Indians will square off against lefty John Danks and the White Sox Monday.

The Indians are slight favorites (-109) against the White Sox, per VegasInsider.com.

Royals catcher Salvador Perez and left fielder Alex Gordon are both out of the team's starting lineup for Sunday. 

Both players are being rested. Erik Kratz will catch, in just his second game appearance of the year. Kratz is batting seventh in the lineup. 

Jarrod Dyson will play left and bat ninth.

Second baseman Dustin Pedroia and catcher Ryan Hanigan are out of the Red Sox's starting lineup for Sunday's game against Baltimore. 

Pedroia is hitless in his last two games with three strikeouts. He's getting a rest on Sunday. Brock Holt replaces him at second base, leading off. 

Hanigan also gets a day off. Sandy Leon replaces him behind the plate, batting ninth.

Tigers third baseman Nick Castellanos is back in the starting lineup after serving as a pinch-hitter Saturday, while catcher Alex Avila is not in the starting lineup for a second straight day.

Castellanos managed an RBI single in his only at-bat Saturday to extend his hitting streak to six games. He has hit .282/.341/.462 with one home run and four RBI in 39 at-bats.

Avila entered Saturday's blowout loss in the seventh inning to play three innings at first base, just his second career appearance at the position. He has hit .190/.414/.333 in 21 at-bats. James McCann, who is 2 for 15 after going hitless in four at-bats Saturday, is behind the plate for a second straight game.

The Tigers are favorites (-135) against the White Sox Sunday, per VegasInsider.com.

Royals catcher Salvador Perez didn't get the day off Thursday against the Twins, but may receive one over the weekend, manager Ned Yost told reporters, per the Kansas City Star.

Perez is off to a fast start, hitting .364/.382/.667 with a double, three homers, nine RBI, a stolen base and a walk over his first 33 at-bats. When Perez does receive a day of rest, Yost will likely give Erik Kratz a start. Kratz has yet to receive an at-bat this season.

Indians catcher Roberto Perez said he is ready for the everyday role behind the plate with starter Yan Gomes sidelined 6-8 weeks due to a knee injury.

"My mentality hasn't changed," Perez said, per MLB.com. "I always come to the field ready to play. I pretend like I'm going to play that day, so nothing changes."

The Indians appear to have full confidence in Perez, who was lauded for his defense in the minors.

"He's a backup here because we have Yan Gomes," said Sandy Alomar Jr., the Indians' first-base coach and a former major-league catcher. "Anywhere else, he could start.

"He's a good catcher, man. He's prepared. We're in good hands behind the dish until Gomer gets back. It's a big loss for us having Yan Gomes out, but I think Roberto is going to do a good job."

The Indians are also confident Perez can get the job done offensively. Perez hit .305 with eight home runs and 43 RBI in 53 games at Triple-A last season.

"He really kind of turned it around," manager Terry Francona said. "His batting average or whatever, that's not the end all, be all. But the fact that he's a threat when he's hitting is important, because he can drive the ball out of the ballpark. He has improved dramatically."

The Indians don't plan to seek a starting catcher with Yan Gomes sidelined 6-8 weeks due to an MCL sprain, according to FOX Sports reporter Ken Rosenthal. 

The team views Roberto Perez as a capable starter, but the team could look for an upgrade at backup catcher over Brett Hayes.

Royals center fielder Lorenzo Cain might get a day off Wednesday against the Twins, with Jarrod Dyson replacing him in the starting lineup, manager Ned Yost said Monday.

Yost also indicated Erik Kratz might also get a start in place of catcher Salvador Perez on Thursday.

Cain and Perez have started all seven games, including Monday at Minnesota.