MLB Player News

Thaiss went 3-for-4 with a run scored in Sunday's 16-8 loss to the Rangers.

This was Thaiss's second three-hit effort in his last three games. The catcher's productive hitting of late has raised his batting average from .207 at the end of April to .300 after Sunday's contest. He's added a home run, six RBI, nine runs scored and two doubles through 46 plate appearances this season. Thaiss and Chad Wallach are seeing a roughly even split of playing time behind the dish over the last week.

Sabol went 3-for-4 with a double and a run scored in Sunday's 7-3 loss to the Brewers.

Sabol appears to be settling in a bit, as he's hit safely in six of his last seven games with three multi-hit efforts in that span. The 25-year-old's playing time has dropped since Joey Bart returned from a groin injury, and Sabol can't be expected to start more than twice a week behind the dish. He's also spent less time in the outfield with Mitch Haniger taking over a starting role in left field. Sabol is slashing .264/.312/.500 with five home runs, two stolen bases, 11 RBI, 10 runs scored and two doubles through 77 plate appearances.

Contreras went 3-for-5 with a two-run home run in Sunday's 7-3 win over the Giants.

Contreras opened the scoring in the second inning with his blast off Ross Stripling. This was Contreras' first multi-hit effort since April 24 -- he'd gone 4-for-27 over eight games prior to Sunday's breakout. The catcher is up to two homers, 10 RBI, 12 runs scored and seven doubles while slashing .289/.373/.423 through 110 plate appearances this season.

Grandal will serve as the White Sox's designated hitter and No. 6 batter in Sunday's game against the Reds and may not catch for the next few days while he works through a minor back spasm, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Fortunately for Grandal, the White Sox have a regular spot available at DH after Eloy Jimenez (appendectomy) landed on the injured list Sunday, so the 34-year-old isn't expected to miss out on any starts on account of the back issue. Seby Zavala will serve as the White Sox's primary backstop until Grandal feels physically ready to resume duties behind the plate.

Wallach is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Rangers, Sarah Valenzuela of the Los Angeles Times reports.

On the bench for the third time in four games, Wallach may have ceded the Angels' No. 1 catcher role to Matt Thaiss for the time being. Both backstops will likely see their opportunities take a hit whenever Max Stassi (hip/personal) is cleared to return from the 10-day injured list, though that's not likely to happen for several weeks.

Gomes (concussion) was spotted taking batting practice Sunday, Mike McGraw of the Chicago Daily Herald reports.

The activity is a sign that Gomes is making progress in his recovery from the concussion he suffered last Monday, though he still hasn't received official medical clearance from the head injury. Once he's activated from the 7-day injured list, Gomes should settle back in as the Cubs' No. 1 catcher, but Tucker Barnhart and Miguel Amaya will split time at the position for now.

Bart is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Brewers, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

Bart started the past four games and will receive a day off after he went 4-for-13 with two doubles, a walk, two RBI and a run. Blake Sabol will step in behind the plate for Sunday's series finale.

Haase is starting in left field and batting sixth in Sunday's game against the Cardinals.

Haase started Saturday's game behind the plate. He'll give way to Jake Rogers there Sunday, but his versatility will allow him to make another start. Rogers has seemingly inched ahead as the team's top catcher, though Haase will continue to see plenty of time there and in the outfield.

Rogers is starting at catcher and batting ninth in Sunday's game against the Cardinals.

Rogers has seemingly inched ahead of Eric Haase as the primary starter behind the plate, though the latter will start in left field Sunday. Both players should continue to split playing time, at least until someone gets hot and earns a larger role. Rogers has some pop but is slashing only .200/.313/.418 this year.

Moreno is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Nationals.

Moreno went 3-for-8 with an RBI and a run in the first two games of the series, but he'll take a breather for Sunday's finale. Jose Herrera will step in behind the plate and bat ninth.