MLB Player News

Tigers catcher James McCann will get the start over Alex Avila against the majority of left-handers this season, manager Brad Ausmus told reporters on Wednesday, per the Detroit Free Press.

Avila is a career .215 hitter against left-handed hitters. McCann slashed .280/.353/.414 against left-handers in the minors, and has only 12 career at-bats in the majors.

The Angels have optioned catcher Carlos Perez and outfielder Daniel Robertson to Triple-A Salt Lake, the team announced Saturday.

Los Angeles traded for Robertson last November and he hit .256 with two doubles and six RBI in 43 plate appearances this spring. Perez hit .219 with two doubles and five RBI.

The team also reassigned pitcher Ryan Mattheus to their minor league camp. He posted a 3.86 ERA with six strikeouts and two walks in 12 appearances this spring.

Red Sox catcher Christian Vazquez returned to the clubhouse for the first time since undergoing Tommy John surgery on Tuesday. The procedure is expected to keep him sidelined for at leats 12 months.

“I don't know [the rehab plan] yet, but I'm going to find out,” Vazquez said, per ESPN.

Although Vazquez's rehab plan has not been established, manager John Farrell hinted that it will involve studying game plans and opponents.

"We don't have the exact details worked out on that, but [in] situations like this that I've seen, you can do some things to bring along the thought pattern and how it can play out in time," Farrell said. "We don't want this nine to 12 months of time to not be constructive, so we'll put a structure and framework to it to try to do the best we can to keep his knowledge of the league and his interaction with us -- even though it's not going to be in uniform -- to continue to grow."

After undergoing Tommy John surgery, Red Sox catcher Christian Vazquez is expected to be out for about 12 months, reports MLB.com.

"I think we would side toward the pitcher's time frame on this, due to the amount of throwing that he does and how important his arm is to him and his position," said Red Sox manager John Farrell. "We would take him through a rehab protocol consistent to a pitcher."

Vazquez's biggest strength is believed to be his strong arm. For that reason, the team will take its time before bringing him back.

"This is a major interruption to his development at the Major League level," said Farrell. "But given the success rate to the procedure, we're fully expecting a complete recovery and for him to get back on track for a very promising career for an extremely talented catcher."

Vazquez, 24, was hitting .176 this spring prior to injuring his elbow.

The Red Sox announced Wednesday that catcher Christian Vazquez will undergo Tommy John surgery on his injured elbow Thursday, the Providence Journal reports.

Dr. James Andrews will perform the operation on Vazquez, who is without a timetable for return but will likely miss the entire 2015 season. He was placed on the 60-day disabled list Monday.

Red Sox catcher Christian Vazquez is still awaiting further details on his injured elbow after being placed on the 60-day disabled list Monday. 

Manager John Farrell did not have any further details or updates on Vazquez's status. He visited Doctor James Andrew Wednesday and is hoping to have more details later.

The Blue Jays announced Tuesday catcher Josh Thole was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo. Thole's demotion means Russell Martin will be knuckleballer R.A. Dickey's personal catcher, per MLB.com.

Thole's demotion also means Dioner Navarro, who has asked for a trade, will be the backup catcher and get some at-bats at DH.

Red Sox manager John Farrell indicated Monday with the acquisition of Sandy Leon from the Nationals, prospect Blake Swihart will start the season in Triple-A, per ESPN. Leon has the inside track for the backup catcher job behind Ryan Hanigan.

The Red Sox traded for Nationals catcher Sandy Leon on Monday. The Nationals received cash considerations in exchange for Leon.

To clear a spot on the 40-man roster, the Red Sox placed catcher Christian Vazquez (elbow) on the 60-day disabled list.

The 26-year-old Leon has appeared in just 34 games at the major-league level. He has a .236/.324/.329/.653 slash line over eight seasons in the minors.

The Tigers announced Monday catcher Bryan Holaday was optioned to Triple-A Toledo. His demotion means James McCann will start the season as the primary backup to starting catcher Alex Avila, per MLB.com.