MLB Player News

Maldonado's $4.5 million team option for 2023 vested Sunday after he appeared in his 90th game of the season, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

The $4.5 million price tag is somewhat steep if Maldonado were to move into a backup role in 2023, but the Astros have thus far shown no inclination to reduce the 36-year-old's playing time, even after acquiring fellow catcher Christian Vazquez from Boston earlier this month. With Vazquez headed to free agency this offseason and likely to command a bigger contract than the Astros may be willing to pay, Maldonado could be poised to enter next season atop the depth chart. Though Maldonado owns a lowly .181 batting average and .245 on-base percentage for the season, he's popped 12 home runs and receives high praise for his game calling, pitch framing and ability to control the running game.

Contreras is out of the lineup for the first game of Tuesday's doubleheader with the Cardinals.

Yan Gomes will be behind the dish for the opening game of the day while Contreras gets a breather. Expect Contreras to check in at catcher for the nightcap.

Jeffers (thumb) is scheduled to receive additional X-rays Monday and could be cleared to start catching bullpen sessions as soon as Friday, MLB.com reports.

Jeffers has been sidelined since undergoing surgery July 20 to repair an avulsion fracture in the joint of the thumb on his throwing hand. Assuming he's able to catch some side sessions this weekend without incident, Jeffers plans to head to the Twins' spring complex in Florida next week to continue his rehab program. He's hopeful that he'll be ready to start a minor-league rehab assignment in the middle of September before returning from the 10-day injured list before the end of the month, which would allow him to get a few games under his belt prior to a potential playoff run. In the meantime, the Twins are expected to get by with a timeshare of Gary Sanchez and Sandy Leon at catcher.

Nido (illness) was activated from the COVID-19 injured list Monday, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports.

Nido was sidelined for the last week, but he is ready to get back on the field. Nido did not require a rehab assignment, but he will work behind James McCann for at least one night.

Barrera was optioned to Triple-A Rochester on Monday, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

Barrera has served as the Nationals' backup catcher since early July, but he posted a paltry .441 OPS in 35 plate appearances over 14 games, so the team decided to send him back to Triple-A for the time being. It remains to be seen who will replace Barrera on Washington's roster, but Riley Adams is the most likely option.

Knizner will return to the bench for Monday's game against the Cubs, Bally Sports Midwest reports.

With Yadier Molina (personal) coming off the restricted list Monday and stepping back in as the Cardinals' No. 1 catcher, Knizner's brief run atop the depth chart comes to an end. Knizner was behind the plate for both of the Cardinals' final two games of the weekend series in Arizona and went 3-for-7 with a double, two walks and four runs.

Herrera was optioned to Triple-A Memphis on Monday.

Herrera was called up Saturday to provide depth behind the dish, but he didn't appear in either of the last two games. While he'll remain on the taxi squad, the 22-year-old will lose his spot on the active roster after Yadier Molina (personal) was reinstated from the restricted list.

Stassi is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Rays.

Stassi was behind the plate for the final two games of the Angels' weekend series in Detroit, but he was on the bench for consecutive games Wednesday and Friday while he works through a prolonged slump at the plate. He didn't take much of a meaningful step forward over the weekend by going 1-for-8, and he's now slashing .088/.139/.088 with a 27.8 percent strikeout rate over his last nine games. Kurt Suzuki will step in at catcher Tuesday and could work his way into a timeshare arrangement with Stassi if the latter's bat fails to heat up anytime soon.

Sanchez will sit Monday versus the Rangers.

Sanchez will take a seat for a second straight game Monday. Sandy Leon will start again behind the plate and bat ninth in the series finale.

White Sox manager Tony La Russa said that Grandal (knee) was able to take some swings in the batting cage Monday, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Grandal was placed on the 10-day injured list Sunday after suffering what initially appeared to be a significant injury in Saturday's win over the Guardians, but the 33-year-old already looks to be making tremendous strides in his recovery just a couple days later. Taking swings in the cage likely presents fewer complications for Grandal compared to running the bases and playing catcher, but the fact that he hasn't been shut down from activity at least bodes well for him making a quick return from the IL. The White Sox are currently expecting Grandal to be sidelined for around 10-to-14 days with the left knee strain.