MLB Player News

Stassi (forearm) is not in Thursday's lineup but is feeling better since being hit by a pitch Wednesday, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

The team seemed to strike an optimistic tone regarding Stassi's injury, as manager Joe Maddon said he may be available as a defensive replacement off the bench Thursday. Stassi also took swings in the cage prior to the game, per Daniel Guerrero of MLB.com. Despite the optimism, it remains unclear whether Stassi will be able to return at some point during the team's weekend series against the Astros, or if he'll require a trip to the injured list. Kurt Suzuki is drawing the start behind the plate and batting ninth Thursday.

Heim isn't starting Thursday's game against Seattle.

Heim had started each of the last three games, and he went 2-for-11 with a run, a walk and two strikeouts. Jose Trevino will start behind the dish and bat ninth.

Hedges isn't in the lineup Thursday against Oakland.

Hedges will rest after he went 0-for-5 with a walk and three strikeouts across the last two games. Wilson Ramos will start at catcher and bat fifth.

Plawecki has earned a bump in playing time lately, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Plawecki was getting increased playing even before Christian Vazquez landed on the bereavement list Wednesday. "On a team that offensively has struggled the last month or month and 10 days, we need his at-bats," manager Alex Cora said Wednesday. "They're quality at-bats. It's not a knock on Christian [Vazquez]. It's actually where we're at." Plawecki is hitting .385 (15-of-39) since the All-Star break and has made four consecutive starts (one at DH).

Stassi had X-rays on his left forearm come back negative after being hit by a pitch during Wednesday's game against the Blue Jays, Daniel Guerrero of MLB.com reports.

Stassi went 0-for-2 with a pair of strikeouts before being hit by a pitch during the sixth inning and exiting the contest. The 30-year-old should be considered day-to-day since he appears to have avoided a serious injury.

McGuire is not in the lineup Wednesday against the Angels.

McGuire took a seat for Game 2 of Tuesday's doubleheader after starting the matinee, and he'll sit for the second straight contest Wednesday. Alejandro Kirk will work behind the plate for Toronto.

Wong was recalled from Triple-A Worcester on Wednesday, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

The 25-year-old was sent to the minors Sunday, but he'll return to the major-league club as catching depth after Christian Vazquez was placed on the bereavement list Wednesday. Wong has gone 3-for-12 with a double, two runs, a walk and seven strikeouts in five big-league appearances this year.

Vazquez was placed on the bereavement list Wednesday, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Vazquez was held out of Wednesday's lineup versus the Rays, and he'll actually be away from the team for a few days to spend some time with his family. Connor Wong was promoted from Triple-A Worcester in a corresponding move to bolster Boston's catching depth.

Murphy isn't starting Wednesday's game against Cleveland.

Murphy drew starts in each of the last two games and went 2-for-8 with two doubles, three RBI and two strikeouts. Yan Gomes will start at catcher and bat fifth.

Vazquez isn't starting Wednesday's game against the Rays, Bill Koch of The Providence Journal reports.

Vazquez will head to the bench for the second time in the last three contests, and manager Alex Cora said prior to Wednesday's matchup that Kevin Plawecki could be used more frequently in the near future. Plawecki will take over behind the dish and bat sixth.