MLB Player News

Perez is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Royals.

Perez went 2-for-3 with a home run, triple, walk, two RBI and two runs Wednesday in the Indians' 4-0 win over the Royals. Now up to 15 home runs on the campaign, Perez has almost doubled up his previous career-best total (eight) from any of his prior five seasons in the majors. His 28.5 percent strikeout rate will continue to make him a batting-average risk, but the power he provides behind the plate is enough to make him a worthy roster option even in most leagues that start only one catcher. Kevin Plawecki will step in as the Indians' backstop in the series finale in what amounts to a maintenance day for Perez.

Maldonado is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Indians.

Maldonado will be getting a much-needed breather after starting each of the past six games behind the plate and going 6-for-21 with a pair of solo home runs and three doubles during that stretch. Cam Gallagher will work in a battery with Homer Bailey in the series finale.

Contreras went 2-for-4 with a walk and two runs scored in Wednesday's 6-5 loss to the Pirates.

Contreras finished June in an 0-for-12 slump, but after getting a day off Monday, he's responded with a 3-for-8 start to July. The All-Star catcher is having a strong season with a .287/.382/.555 slash line.

Gomes is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Marlins.

Gomes will be getting a routine breather with the Marlins and Nationals beginning their Fourth of July game bright and early at 11:05 a.m. EDT. No. 2 backstop Kurt Suzuki will check in behind the plate after Gomes started the previous two days.

Caratini went 2-for-4 with two home runs and three RBI in a 6-5 loss against the Pirates on Wednesday.

The 25-year-old doubled his home-run total with this performance, as he came into the night with two round trippers this year. His four homers this season represent a career high. The backup catcher is batting .298 with 11 extra-base hits overall, 16 RBI and 14 runs in 84 at-bats this season.

Jansen went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run Wednesday against the Red Sox.

Jansen took Chris Sale deep in the fourth inning for his sixth home run of the season. Four of those long balls have come in his past six starts, during which he's also managed eight RBI, five runs scored and two multi-hit efforts. Though his .197/.273/.328 line leaves plenty to be desired, Jansen appears to be getting more comfortable at the plate partway through his first full season in the major leagues.

Vazquez went 2-for-4 with a solo home run Wednesday against the Blue Jays.

Vazquez took Jacob Waguespack deep in the fourth inning to record his 13th homer of the season. He's now recorded a long ball in three consecutive starts and has five home runs in his past 10 contests. Vazquez has emerged as a surprising source of both batting average and power, as he's now hitting .300/.333/.515 across 253 plate appearances for the campaign.

Mejia is not starting Wednesday against the Giants.

Mejia has hit .290/.371/.516 in 10 games since returning to the big leagues. Austin Hedges will start behind the plate in his absence.

Grandal is not in the lineup Wednesday against the Reds.

Grandal has just two hits in his last seven games. Manny Pina gets the nod behind the plate in his absence.

Thaiss is being promoted to the big leagues prior to Wednesday's game against the Rangers, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Since the start of June, Thaiss is hitting .303/.433/.587 with eight home runs and more walks (25) than strikeouts (23) in 27 games at Triple-A. He has played 47 games at third base, 23 games at first base and another 10 at designated hitter, which should accurately represent how he will be used in the majors. Tommy La Stella (shin) is currently banged up, so Thaiss could start right away at the hot corner. With the Angels purchasing his contract, there will need to be corresponding moves, which have not yet been announced.