MLB Player News
-
Gary Sanchez C | MIL
Twins' Gary Sanchez: On bench for nightcap
Sanchez is out of the lineup for the second game of Tuesday's doubleheader with the Guardians.
Sanchez was behind the plate for the Twins' 3-2 loss in Game 1, finishing 1-for-4 with two strikeouts. Ryan Jeffers will catch for starting pitcher Josh Winder in the nightcap, and with Luis Arraez serving as Minnesota's designated hitter, the team won't have a spot in the lineup for Sanchez. The Twins also activated Jorge Polanco (back) from the 10-day injured list ahead of Game 2, and his return could result in Sanchez losing out on more opportunities to DH on his non-catching days.
-
Max Stassi C | SF
Angels' Max Stassi: Out of Tuesday's lineup
Stassi is not in Tuesday's lineup against the White Sox, Sam Blum of The Athletic reports.
Stassi is hitting .185 with zero home runs, 20 strikeouts and 11 walks in 22 games this month. Kurt Suzuki will start behind the dish and hit seventh.
-
Mitch Garver C | SEA
Rangers' Mitch Garver: Not starting Tuesday
Garver will sit Tuesday against the Royals.
Garver finds himself on the bench for the second time in three games. He hasn't been able to catch since early May due to a forearm issue that is expected to eventually require surgery. The injury may also require an above-average number of off days even while he serves strictly as a designated hitter. Adolis Garcia will rest his legs and operate as the Rangers' DH on Tuesday.
-
Alejandro Kirk C | TOR
Blue Jays' Alejandro Kirk: Resting Tuesday
Kirk will sit Tuesday against the Red Sox.
Kirk has broken out this season to the tune of a .322/.411/.525 slash line, with his 9.7 percent strikeout rate and 10.5 percent barrel rate representing a rare combination of contact and power. That's earned him frequent opportunities as a designated hitter whenever he isn't needed behind the plate, but he won't start at either spot this time around. Gabriel Moreno will catch for Ross Stripling while George Springer rests his legs in the designated hitter spot.
-
Francisco Mejia C | TB
Rays' Francisco Mejia: Sitting in series opener
Mejia is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Brewers, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.
Mejia was behind the plate for four of the Rays' last five games, so he's likely just getting a maintenance day Tuesday. Rene Pinto will catch for starting pitcher Shane Baz in the series opener with Milwaukee.
-
Adley Rutschman C | BOS
Orioles' Adley Rutschman: Swats third homer
Rutschman went 2-for-5 with a solo home run and an additional RBI in Monday's 9-2 win against the Mariners.
Rutschman got the scoring started for Baltimore in the contest, plating a run with a first-inning single. He also kicked off a homer barrage against Seattle starter George Kirby, launching a solo shot in the third frame that was the first of four long balls the team hit over the third and fourth innings. Rutschman has collected at least one hit in nine of his past 10 games and is slashing .351/.385/.784 with three homers, seven doubles and nine RBI over that span.
-
Cal Raleigh C | SEA
Mariners' Cal Raleigh: Belts 10th homer
Raleigh went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Monday's loss to the Orioles.
Baltimore starter Tyler Wells had a perfect game going for 4.2 innings Monday before Raleigh broke it up with his solo shot to right field. The homer was his 10th of the season, which is tied for second most among American League catchers. Raleigh's .199 average and 30.3 percent strikeout rate aren't ideal, but he's gained fantasy relevance thanks to his power stroke.
-
Yasmani Grandal C | PIT
White Sox's Yasmani Grandal: Resumes swinging
Grandal (back) is taking swings off a tee but has yet to start running, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.
Grandal still has no timetable as he is experiencing at least some discomfort in his back. He'll likely be able to begin a rehab assignment shortly after he is cleared to run, but it remains unclear when that may occur. As a result, Grandal's absence could stretch into mid-July.
-
Luke Maile C | KC
Guardians' Luke Maile: Takes over as No. 1 catcher
Maile is out of the lineup for the first game of Tuesday's doubleheader with the Twins.
Though Sandy Leon will be behind the plate for the front end of the twin bill, Maile looks poised to operate as Cleveland's No. 1 catcher this week after Austin Hedges (concussion) was placed on the 7-day injured list Tuesday. Maile had already started both of the Guardians' last two games, going hitless in both contests.
-
Sandy Leon C | ATL
Guardians' Sandy Leon: Traded to Cleveland
Leon was sent from the Reds to the Guardians on Tuesday in exchange for cash considerations, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.
Leon will make the short trip across Ohio to play for the team he hit .136/.296/.242 for in 25 games in 2020. He's yet to appear in a major-league game this season, though that will change Tuesday, as he'll bat eighth and start behind the plate in the first half of the doubleheader against the Twins.