MLB Player News

Perez went 2-for-4 with four RBI from a two-run single and a two-run double in a win over the Red Sox on Friday.

The rookie backstop churned out a career-high number of RBI from the nine hole, leading the Rays' impressive offensive charge. Perez can't yet match fellow catcher Jesus Sucre's defense and experience, but he's been appreciably better than the veteran on the offensive end. Factoring in Friday's production, Perez is slashing a serviceable .297/.324/.406 with a home run and eight RBI, and he's drawn starts in 14 of 21 games since the trade of Wilson Ramos to the Phillies.

Perez had his contract purchased from Triple-A Round Rock on Saturday.

Perez returned from an ankle injury in mid-July and was outrighted to Round Rock as Isiah Kiner-Falefa took over the job of backup catcher for the Rangers. The 27-year-old is slashing .159/.197/.238 in 68 plate appearances across stints with the Braves and Rangers this season.

Sanchez (groin) went 0-for-3 with a walk and one run scored while serving as the DH for the Yankees' Gulf Coast League affiliate Saturday, Meredith Marakovits of YES Network reports.

This marked the beginning of Sanchez's rehab assignment after being placed on the disabled list just over a month ago. He will partake in a workout Sunday and then join Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes Barre on Monday to resume his rehab assignment. If all goes according to plan, he could be back in action with the Yankees on Sept. 3, when New York begins a three-city road trip in Oakland.

Perez went 1-for-3 with a walk and a three-run homer in Friday's win over the Indians.

Perez clubbed a three-run shot -- his 22nd of the year -- in the first inning off Mike Clevinger. Perez ranks second among all MLB catchers in home runs and RBI (64), yet he's putting up the lowest batting average (.232) of his career. The backstop had a career-high 27 homers and 80 RBI last year, and he's proving a similar level of productivity this year even though he's hitting well below his career .267 batting average.

Sanchez will serve as the designated hitter for Saturday's GCL game, and he'll progress to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Monday, Erik Boland of Newsday reports.

Sanchez landed on the disabled list July 24 due to a strained right groin. Although he hasn't been penciled into the lineup for the Yankees' GCL affiliates so far, the plan is for him to enter the starting nine over the weekend. Barring any setbacks, Sanchez will advance to Triple-A on Monday, with the potential for a return to the big leagues as early as Sept. 3 against Oakland.

Plawecki will be put on paternity leave "any day now," Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

With Devin Mesoraco nursing a neck sprain, Tomas Nido is the only healthy catcher on New York's active roster at the moment. Until his wife goes into labor, Plawecki will likely continue to receive regular starts behind the plate, which is where he's situated for Friday's series opener against Washington.

Leon is not in the lineup for Friday's game at Tampa Bay, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

Leon will head to the bench for the fourth time in the last eight games as Blake Swihart again starts behind the plate for the Red Sox. Leon is 3-for-31 over his last 11 games (nine starts) as his offensive struggles continue.

Jansen is not starting Friday against the Phillies, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

The young catcher has gone 8-for-23 in seven games since getting called up. Russell Martin will catch for the first time in a week in Jansen's place.

Mesoraco was diagnosed with a neck sprain and will require a few days off to recover, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

Mesoraco added that he doesn't expect to go on the DL, but that may become an option if he's still dealing with discomfort by the end of the weekend. Prior to Friday's game, the Mets recalled Tomas Nido from the minors in order to serve as Kevin Plawecki's backup while Mesoraco is sidelined.

Mesoraco is still considered day-to-day as he is evaluated for neck stiffness, Matt Ehalt of The Bergen Record reports.

Mesoraco was speculated to be placed on the disabled list earlier Friday, but the Mets instead optioned Dominic Smith and Jack Reinheimer to the minors to create roster space. Mesoraco was set to undergo an MRI after exiting Thursday's game, Ehalt reports, although the results are not yet known.