MLB Player News

McCann went 2-for-2 with two walks, a solo home run and a second run scored in Saturday's 9-5 win over the Cubs.

McCann snapped an 0-for-16 skid, going back to Sept. 15 when he laced his sixth home run, with his seventh homer in the second inning. He's had a second consecutive strong season, batting .289/.360/.536 over 31 games in 2020 as the backup to Yasmani Grandal.

Vazquez went 3-for-5 with a grand slam in Saturday's 8-2 win over Atlanta.

Vazquez sent a pitch from Atlanta reliever Grant Dayton into the left-field seats to finish an eight-run rally by the Red Sox in the second inning. Vazquez also had a double in the contest. The catcher is slashing .283/.344/.457 with seven homers, 23 RBI, 22 runs scored and four stolen bases in 47 games this year.

Gomes is out of the lineup for Game 2 of Saturday's doubleheader against the Mets.

Gomes went 3-for-3 during the matinee but won't start both games of the twin bill. Kurt Suzuki takes over behind the plate for Washington in the nightcap.

Garver will sit Saturday against the Reds.

Garver hasn't come close to repeating his .995 OPS from his breakout 2019 campaign, as his .498 OPS this season is barely more than halfway to that mark. He's remained the Twins' top option behind the plate when available, however, but not by a particularly large margin. Ryan Jeffers will be the catcher Saturday.

Maldonado isn't starting Saturday against the Rangers.

Maldonado drew two walks in four plate appearances Friday, but he'll take a seat for the second time in the last three games. Dustin Garneau will take over as the catcher Saturday.

Jansen is not in the lineup Saturday against the Orioles.

Jansen has remained the top option behind the plate despite the recent promotion of catching prospect Alejandro Kirk. He's started 10 games behind the plate since Kirk's arrival, while Kirk makes just his sixth start at catcher Saturday. The added competition appears to have galvanized Jansen, as he's hitting .300/.382/.533 in those 10 games.

Bart isn't in Saturday's lineup against the Padres.

Bart will get a breather after recording hits in four of the last five contests. Tyler Heineman will start behind the dish as Johnny Cueto is expected to take the mound for the Giants on Saturday.

Barnhart isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Twins.

Barnhart started the last two games and went 0-for-6 with one walk and one strikeout during that time. Curt Casali will handle the catching duties Saturday.

Grandal will sit Saturday against the Cubs.

Grandal returned from a brief absence due to a hand injury Thursday and started a pair of games, going hitless in both. He'll get a rest in this one, with James McCann taking over behind the plate.

Smith went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run, a walk and another run scored during Friday's win against the Angels.

Smith gave the Dodgers the lead with a two-run shot against Matt Andriese in the fifth inning. It was the seventh home run of the season for the 25-year-old backstop, who is slashing .290/.403/.570 across 35 games.