MLB Player News

Sanchez (biceps) could return in time for next weekend's series against the Cubs, MLB.com's Bryan Hoch reports.

He threw to the bases Saturday in full catching gear and will begin a rehab assignment Tuesday with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. It would be a little risky to deploy him next week in hopes of cashing in on a couple starts in that series at Wrigley Field, but it does sound like he could return against the reigning World Series champs.

Leon is not in the lineup Saturday against the Cubs, Evan Drellich of CSNNE reports.

Leon will sit in back-to-back games for the first time all year, as Christian Vazquez takes over behind the dish. Leon hasn't recorded a hit in his last five games (0-for-16), while Vazquez is riding a three-game hitting streak. With the two catchers trending in opposite directions, it appears Leon may be losing his grasp on the starting role.

Vazquez went 2-for-4 with an RBI in Friday's 5-4 win over the Cubs.

Vazquez has caught all four of Pomeranz's starts and all three of Eduardo Rodriguez's starts this season and could be in line for more work. Sandy Leon, the team's primary catcher, has slumped with just two hits over his last 35 plate appearances while Vazquez has hit safely in seven of his eight starts.

Trevino (hand) is back in action with Double-A Frisco and is hitting .297/.333/.378 with one home run, one steal and a 4:2 K:BB in 37 at-bats.

He left a game on April 14 after getting hit in the hand by a pitch, but returned April 24 and has continued his strong start for the RoughRiders. The 24-year-old backstop doesn't profile as much of a fantasy force, but most evaluators think he has a big-league future, with a realistic floor as a backup catcher.

Nicholas (knee) was activated from the 10-day disabled list Friday and optioned to Triple-A Round Rock.

After undergoing surgery in March for a torn meniscus in his left knee and getting through a success rehab assignment earlier this week, Nicholas is now on the verge of concluding his recovery. He'll look to provide the Rangers with some organizational catching depth.

Maile was promoted to the Blue Jays' big-league roster Friday, John Lott of the Athletic reports.

The 26-year-old will take the place of Jarrod Saltalamacchia, who was designated for assignment Friday. So far with Triple-A Buffalo this season, Maile has slashed .195/.214/.195 in 42 plate appearances. He'll likely provide mostly defensive value as a backup catcher for the Blue Jays this season.

McCann is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the White Sox.

It appears to be a normal day off for the 26-year-old, as Alex Avila will instead get the start. McCann has gotten off to a hot-and-cold start as a hitter this season. While he has hit for a disappointing .173 batting average, he has also slugged five home runs.

Leon is not in the lineup Friday against the Cubs, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

Leon hasn't recorded a hit in last five games (0-for-16), so he'll take a breather as Christian Vazquez fills in behind the plate. Leon's poor play has opened the door for Vazquez to turn the catching situation into a timeshare, as each of the catchers has three starts over the last six games.

Sanchez (biceps) will begin his rehab assignment Monday, Pete Caldera of the Bergen Record reports.

Sanchez opened the season by playing just five games before being placed on the disabled list with a bicep strain. Over that brief span he went 3-for-20 (.150). To this point he's gradually increased his level of activity and recently began participating in batting practice. Although the team has yet to provide a specific timeframe for his return, it would seem that an early-May activation from the DL would be obtainable if his upcoming rehab assignment goes smoothly.

Sanchez (biceps) took normal batting practice in the cage and threw from 120 feet Wednesday, MLB.com's Bryan Hoch reports.

This represents two major steps in his rehab, after he was most recently hitting off a tee and had been throwing from 60 and 90 feet. Throwing from 120 feet was thought to be the biggest step for him to clear, so it will be interesting to see how his injury responds to the day's activities. He remains without a firm timetable for a rehab assignment.