MLB Player News

Vazquez (finger) is expected to move his minor-league assignment to Triple-A Pawtucket on Tuesday and catch for rehabbing pitcher Steven Wright (knee) in the contest, Guerin Austin of NESN reports.

Vazquez reported to Double-A Portland last week to begin his assignment, but it wasn't until Monday that he actually appeared in a game. He logged five innings behind the dish, finishing 1-for-2 with three RBI. Vazquez, who has been on the shelf since July 8 after requiring surgery to repair a fractured right pinkie finger, will likely need to play at least a full game or two at catcher in the minors before rejoining the Red Sox, likely when rosters expand Saturday or shortly thereafter.

Jansen is not in the lineup Monday against the Orioles, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Jansen will grab a breather following two straight starts over the weekend. The rookie backstop is hitting .333/.382/.600 with one homer and five doubles in nine games since joining the Blue Jays earlier in the month. Luke Maile is starting behind the dish in this one.

Perez went 1-for-4 with a two-run double and a run in a win over the Red Sox on Sunday.

The young backstop drove in six runs against the Red Sox over the three-game set, pushing his August total to nine. Perez figures to continue logging the bulk of playing time behind the dish over Jesus Sucre as long as he keeps building on his .282/.307/.394 line, one that's partly comprised of six extra-base hits (five doubles, one home run) and 10 RBI.

Wynns is out of the lineup Sunday against the Yankees, Jon Meoli of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Wynns started three consecutive games behind the plate before sitting out the second half of Saturday's doubleheader. He'll be on the bench again Sunday, but Wynn could settle into a rough timeshare with Caleb Joseph for the final few weeks of the season. That would dampen the fantasy appeal of both catchers, which was already limited with Wynns managing a .665 OPS on the season and Joseph supplying a .583 OPS.

Maldonado is out of the lineup Sunday against the Angels, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Maldonado will take a seat after making three consecutive turns behind the plate. Max Stassi will replace Maldonado at catcher, working in a battery with starting pitcher Framber Valdez.

Grandal is not in the lineup Sunday against the Padres, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

Grandal started the past four games for Los Angeles, but he'll take a seat on the bench with lefty Robbie Erlin taking the hill for San Diego. Austin Barnes will assume catching duties for the afternoon.

The Braves designated Stewart for assignment Sunday, Kevin McAlpin of 680 The Fan Atlanta reports.

Stewart's removal from the active and 40-man rosters clears a spot with the big club for corner infielder Rio Ruiz, who was promoted from Triple-A Gwinnett in a corresponding move. The 35-year-old backstop had been serving as the Braves' backup catcher the last few days, but he fell to No. 3 on the depth chart after Kurt Suzuki (triceps) returned to the lineup Saturday against the Marlins.

Gomes is out of the lineup Sunday against the Royals, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

The backstop will receive a routine breather in the series finale after logging nine innings behind the plate both Friday and Saturday. Roberto Perez will spell Gomes in the starting nine Sunday, catching for Shane Bieber.

Realmuto is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against Atlanta, Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald reports.

Realmuto will head to the bench after starting the last 12 games for the Marlins, but continues to struggle with a .173/.284/.280 slash line in August. Bryan Holaday will start at catcher and bat seventh for the series finale against the Braves.

Plawecki is out of the lineup for Sunday's series finale against the Nationals, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Plawecki could be moved to the paternity list "any day now," but at this point no official move has been announced. Tomas Nido will start behind the plate and bat eighth for the Mets.