MLB Player News

Jansen left Monday's game against the Rangers after a pitch hit his knee, Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun reports.

The severity of the injury is not yet clear. Alejandro Kirk took over for him behind the plate and would be in line for an increased role should he miss time.

Stassi isn't starting Monday's game against the Astros.

Stassi went 1-for-2 with two walks in Sunday's win over the White Sox, but he'll take a seat for Monday's series opener against Houston. Kurt Suzuki will start behind the dish, batting eighth.

Nola (finger) has recently resumed taking live batting practice, and he could soon be ready to take at-bats in simulated games at the Padres' alternate site, Jim Duquette of Sirius XM Radio reports.

Along with Trent Grisham (hamstring), Nola is one of two projected regulars in the San Diego lineup who opened the season on the 10-day injured list. Grisham has already resumed playing in simulated games and looks on track to return from the IL for this weekend's series with the Rangers, while Nola is slightly behind the outfielder in his recovery from a fractured finger on his left (catching) hand. In addition to picking up regular at-bats at the alternate site, Nola will need to prove that the fractured finger presents no issues for him defensively before the Padres are comfortable bringing him off the IL. Victor Caratini will continue to see the bulk of the work behind the plate while Nola is on the shelf.

Stephenson will return to a bench role for Monday's game against the Pirates.

Though Tucker Barnhart is back behind the plate for the series opener with Pittsburgh, Stephenson may have earned himself a larger share of playing time following a huge game Sunday. Stephenson posted a team-high three hits in the Reds' 12-1 win over the Cardinals, coming around to score three times while also driving in a run. Barnhart's defensive prowess is probably enough to keep him locked in atop the depth chart, but Stephenson's combination of power and on-base skills would likely make him one of the more intriguing fantasy catchers if he can capture a regular role at any point in 2021.

Jeffers will start at catcher and bat eighth Monday against the Tigers.

Jeffers will be behind the plate for the second time in four games to begin the season while Mitch Garver rests. The fact that Monday's series opener is a day game is likely the main reason that Garver is sitting, as the Twins aren't expected to have an even split of the catching starts throughout the season. Jeffers shouldn't be counted on to make more than two starts in most six- or seven-game weeks.

Garver is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Tigers.

The Twins are facing a quick turnaround from the weekend with Monday's game beginning at 1:10 p.m. ET, so Garver will be receiving a routine breather after he caught nine innings in Sunday's 8-2 win over the Brewers. Ryan Jeffers picks up a start behind the dish Monday.

Smith went 1-for-3 with a solo home run and a walk in Sunday's 4-2 win over the Rockies.

After sitting the last two days, Smith came up big in the eighth inning with a solo shot for his first home run of the season. The Dodgers have quite the catcher tandem between Smith and Austin Barnes. Neither catcher will get everyday playing opportunities, but Smith has provided offense in both games he's started so far. He is 4-for-6 with a home run, three RBI and three runs scored to start his season.

Vazquez went 3-for-4 with a double and a run scored in Sunday's 11-3 loss to the Orioles.

Vazquez and J.D. Martinez accounted for five of Boston's six hits in the final game of a bad opening series for the Red Sox. He was back in the lineup Sunday following a rest day Saturday and is expected to play Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday with Kevin Plawecki starting Wednesday's day game after a night game, according to Christopher Smith of MassLive.com.

McGuire cleared waivers and was assigned to the alternate training site Sunday, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

There had been a lot of handwringing over the Jays potentially losing McGuire if he didn't make the team, as he was out of options, but he stays put. He should serve as the third catcher on the depth chart this season.

Hedges went 1-for-4 with a solo homer in Sunday's victory over the Tigers.

The right-handed hitter smashed a solo shot in the ninth inning off Tyler Alexander. The 28-year-old slashed .145/.231/.290 in 2020 and looks to turn his hitting around in 2021.