MLB Player News

McCann is out of the lineup against the Rangers on Thursday, Stefan Stevenson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

John Hicks will handle the catching duties and spell McCann after the latter started the past four games. Look for McCann to return to the starting lineup Friday.

Perez (ankle) had his rehabilitation assignment moved from Double-A Frisco to Triple-A Round Rock, Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reports.

Perez, who was placed on the 10-day disabled list June 16 with a right ankle sprain, went 4-for-16 at Frisco since beginning a rehab assignment June 28. The Rangers can keep him on rehab another 13 days.

Stassi (forearm) is not expected to miss significant time, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Stassi was held out Wednesday after taking a pitch off his right forearm Tuesday. Manager A.J. Hinch is hoping to play Stassi "in the next day or so" as the Astros kick off a home series with the White Sox on Thursday. In the meantime, Tim Federowicz will fill in as the primary catcher while Evan Gattis is the backup.

Grandal went 2-for-3 with a double, three RBI and a run scored in Wednesday's 6-4 win over the Pirates.

Grandal followed up his 12th home run Tuesday with another strong day at the plate Wednesday. The switch-hitting catcher has gotten off to a 7-for-10 start through four July contests, after struggling mightily in the month of June (.162/.197/.324). Grandal will still cede starts to Austin Barnes against southpaws, but the streaky hitter appears to be locked in at the dish for the time being.

Higashioka went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Wednesday's 6-2 win over the Braves.

The catcher has recorded the first three hits of his big-league career in the last four games, and amazingly all of them have left the yard, making Higashioka only the second Yankee in history after Alfonso Soriano to homer for his first three hits. Austin Romine (hamstring) will likely rejoin the lineup soon, but Higashioka's power display could lead to more playing time for the 28-year-old while Gary Sanchez (groin) is on the shelf.

Contreras went 2-for-3 with a walk, a double, a solo home run and three RBI in Wednesday's win over the Tigers.

Contreras played a key role in sending the Wrigley Field crowd home happy on the Fourth of July. His sixth-inning home run broke a 2-2 tie, then he tacked on some insurance runs for the Cubs in the seventh with a double that plated two more. The young catcher has been locked in lately, going 13-for-29 over his last eight games with two home runs and 10 RBI.

Diaz will make his 12th straight start Wednesday and bat cleanup against the Dodgers.

He's slashing .316/.357/.605 in 42 plate appearances since taking over for Francisco Cervelli (concussion). Diaz is proving that he could become a viable full-time option in the event that Cervelli remains out indefinitely or is traded.

Gomes is not in the lineup against the Royals on Wednesday.

Gomes will receive a standard day off after starting the past four games. In his spot, Roberto Perez will catch Trevor Bauer and bat eighth.

Mesoraco (head) passed a second concussion test Wednesday and will be available off the bench for the Mets' game against the Blue Jays, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

The backstop took a couple blows to the head in Tuesday's game, but he was fortunate to avoid any concussion symptoms, which would have necessitated a week-long stay on the disabled list. It appears Mesoraco's absence from the lineup Wednesday is strictly precautionary and he should be ready to step back in behind the plate in Friday's series opener against the Rays.

Stassi (hand) is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game against Texas, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Stassi will remain on the bench after leaving Tuesday's contest following a hit by pitch on his right hand in the first inning. He should be considered day-to-day ahead of Thursday's series opener versus the White Sox.