MLB Player News

Leon is out of the lineup Sunday against the Rays, Evan Drellich of NBC Sports Boston reports.

He'll sit for the second time this series with Blake Swihart garnering the nod behind the plate. Leon still looks to be the Red Sox's No. 1 backstop, but the 29-year-old doesn't carry much appeal outside of AL-only formats these days. Since July 20, Leon has gone 8-for-62 (.129 average) with one home run, two RBI and eight runs in 21 games.

Perez is out of the lineup Sunday against the Red Sox, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

With Jesus Sucre having recovered from a right wrist injury, Perez will get a well-deserved day off after starting each of the past four games behind the plate. Though Sucre is now healthy, Perez seems poised to retain top catcher duties the rest of the way for the Rays due to his youth and the higher offensive upside he possesses.

Gomes is out of the lineup Sunday against the Orioles.

It's just a routine off day for Gomes after he was behind the plate for both of the previous two games of the series. Roberto Perez will get the start at catcher in place of Gomes, working as the battery mate for Mike Clevinger.

Narvaez is not in the lineup Saturday against the Royals.

Narvaez will take a seat in favor of Kevan Smith. Welington Castillo is eligible to return from his suspension Thursday, so Narvaez is likely about to lose his starting job even though he's outhit Smith by a considerable margin, so he'll presumably remain the backup behind the plate.

McCann is not starting Saturday against the Twins, Brandon Warne of ZoneCoverage.com reports.

McCann will sit for just the second time in Detroit's last 13 games. Grayson Greiner will start in his place.

Maldonado is not in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Athletics.

Since entering Houston's lineup on July 29, Maldonado has made 10 starts behind the plate, with fellow catcher Max Stassi receiving seven. Stassi will get the call Saturday.

Plawecki is not in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Phillies.

Plawecki will sit after starting on four straight days. Devin Mesoraco will get the call behind the plate Saturday.

Grandal went 1-for-3 with his 21st home run of the season in Friday's 11-1 win over Seattle.

Grandal got a rare start against a lefty, and he responded with just his second homer from the right side of the plate this season. The 29-year-old is batting just .205 against southpaws compared to .261 with 19 long balls against righties, but Friday's power showing could earn him additional starts against left-handed starters down the stretch.

Sanchez (groin) took batting practice in the cage, worked on defensive drills and threw to bases Friday in New York, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Manager Aaron Boone stated that Sanchez had "a good day" mixing in various drills and activities after the Yankees sent him in for an additional MRI, just to make sure everything is healing as planned. Looking ahead, Sanchez will soon return to Tampa, where he's set to begin a rehab assignment by the end of next week.

Jansen is not in the lineup against the Yankees on Friday.

Jansen will head to the bench after going 1-for-3 with a sac fly during Thursday's game versus Kansas City. In his place, Russell Martin will catch Marcus Stroman and bat fifth.