MLB Player News

Murphy (foot) is still having trouble catching and running, and manager Scott Servais confirmed there have not been any discussions about activating him to exclusively serve as a designated hitter, the Associated Press reports.

Murphy was described as making some modest progress by Servais on Sunday, but the skipper's latest comments underscore how far Murphy still appears to be from having a realistic shot at game action. Fortunately for the Mariners, Austin Nola has proven adept at handling primary backstop duties, and his .283/.348/.500 line that includes eight extra-base hits (five doubles, one triple, two home runs) and nine RBI is arguably at least on par, if not superior, to what Murphy would be providing with his bat.

Plawecki entered Monday's game after Christian Vazquez was removed with a heel injury. He went 0-for-1 in a 6-3 loss to the Yankees.

Boston manager Ron Roenicke said Vazquez's right heel has been bothering him, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports, and the team didn't want the injury flaring up to the point where he would miss significant time. It's uncertain if Vazquez will be ready to catch Tuesday, so Plawecki could draw the start against the Phillies. The backup catcher is batting .375 (9-for-24) with two doubles and six RBI over eight games.

McCann entered Monday's game after Yasmani Grandal was removed due to back stiffness. He went 0-for-1 in a 7-2 win over Detroit.

Grandal is listed as day-to-day, and McCann will be the primary replacement until Grandal is ready to return. Zack Collins is also in the mix for starts behind the plate.

Perez was removed from Monday's game against the Reds after struggling to see the ball at the plate, Lynn Worthy of The Kansas City Star reports.

Perez was unable to take the field Sunday against Minnesota after experiencing blurry vision in his left eye, and it appears the issue is still bothering the veteran backstop. He should be considered day-to-day for the time being, with an update from the team likely coming Tuesday morning after he's re-evaluated.

Vazquez went 2-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored Monday against the Yankees. He was removed early due to a sore heel, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Vazquez drove home a run in the fourth inning with a single to left center, but he was unable to finish out the game after experiencing heel soreness. He'll be considered day-to-day moving forward and will likely be re-evaluated Tuesday morning to determine his availability for the series opener against the Phillies.

Grandal left Monday's game against the Tigers with lower back stiffness and will be considered day-to-day.

Grandal will likely be re-evaluated Tuesday morning to determine his status for his team's next matchup with Detroit. James McCann figures to draw the start behind the dish if Grandal can't go.

Grandal left Monday's game against the Tigers with an undisclosed injury, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Grandal appeared to suffer the injury on a play right in front of home plate, as he left the game immediately after. The team should have an update on the catcher's status shortly.

Murphy is not in the lineup Monday against the Angels.

Murphy hits the bench for the second time in the last three games and the fourth time in the last eight contests. Austin Allen gets the nod behind the plate in his absence.

Maldonado is not starting Monday against the Rockies, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Maldonado has handled a very heavy workload behind the plate in Houston this season, as he's started 18 of the team's first 22 games. Dustin Garneau will be the catcher Monday.

Perez (eye) is back in the lineup for Monday's game against Minnesota, catching and batting third.

Perez was scratched from the lineup for Sunday's contest with a potentially worrying designation of blurred vision, but the issue evidently wasn't considered to be a significant one. He's been seeing the ball quite well this season, hitting .314/.326/.523 in 21 games.