MLB Player News

Wallach (concussion) is feeling much better and is on track to return Monday against the Orioles, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Wallach was placed on the 7-day injured list Tuesday, but thankfully his concussion appears to be a minor one. His return will presumably push Chris Okey back to the minors.

White Sox manager Pedro Grifol told reporters that Grandal (hamstring) could return to the lineup Sunday against the Astros after being scratched from the lineup Saturday, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

"Better to be safe, yeah," Grifol said. "Especially with the off day on Monday. We'll reassess it tomorrow. If he can play [Sunday], I might put him in there. If not we'll give him the extra 48 hours so he can be ready to go on Tuesday." Grandal hurt his hamstring Thursday and sat out Friday's contest, and while he was originally in the lineup Saturday against Houston, the White Sox exercised additional caution with the late scratch. In order to take advantage of Monday's team off day, there's a strong chance Grandal won't be back in the lineup for Sunday's contest.

Angels manager Phil Nevin told reporters Saturday that Stassi (personal/hip) remains without a return timetable, but he has resumed participating in baseball activities and working out, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Stassi has been out for the entirety of the 2023 season due to both a family issue as well as a hip injury that occurred just before Opening Day. The backstop has a chance to earn significant playing time when he does rejoin the Angels with several of their catchers dealing with injuries, but he may not return to Los Angeles until deeper into the summer.

Realmuto (finger) will sit Saturday against the Rockies.

Realmuto left Friday's series opener with a sprained right pinky, and while he isn't expected to miss much time, manager Rob Thomson indicated that at least one day off was to be expected. Garrett Stubbs will catch Ranger Suarez on Saturday, but Realmuto may have a chance to return Sunday.

Perez (eye) will bat third and start behind the plate Saturday against the Brewers.

Perez sat Thursday and then was scratched Friday with blurred vision. The Royals said they expected the issue to clear up soon, however, and it seems like it already hs. That's great news for Kansas City, as Perez is swinging a hot bat this season, slashing .289/.338/.511.

Grandal was scratched from the lineup for Saturday's game against Houston.

Grandal exited Thursday's game against the Royals with right hamstring tightness and sat out Friday, but he was initially pencilled in for a return Saturday. The White Sox haven't officially given a reason for their updated lineup, which now features Seby Zavala behind the plate, but it's likely that Grandal wound up needing at least one more day to recover.

Maldonado will sit Saturday against the White Sox.

Maldonado has provided his typical unimpressive performance at the plate this season, slashing .186/.278/.291, but he's nonetheless started 28 of Houston's first 39 games. Cesar Salazar will be the backstop Saturday.

Moreno is not in Saturday's lineup against the Giants.

Moreno is hitting .333 with zero home runs and one steal in 27 at-bats this month. Jose Herrera will start behind the dish and bat ninth.

Grandal (hamstring) is starting at catcher and batting seventh Saturday against the Astros, Vinnie Duber of AllCHGO.com reports.

This is excellent news, as Grandal's hamstring issue was indeed minor after being pulled from Thursday's game and sitting out Friday. Grandal is hitting .344 with three runs and two RBI in 10 games this month.

Alvarez will sit Saturday against the Nationals.

With Tomas Nido (eye) joining Omar Narvaez (calf) on the injured list this week, Alvarez has handled a heavy workload behind the plate, starting six consecutive games. Michael Perez will take over Saturday.