MLB Player News

Plawecki went 2-for-3 with three runs scored and one RBI in the 8-2 win over Philadelphia on Sunday.

After going 0-for-4 against Miami on Aug. 12, Plawecki has raised his season batting average from .216 to .241 in 158 total at-bats. He should continue seeing most of the action behind the dish with Devin Mesoraco serving as his backup. The 27-year-old has 24 RBI and 26 runs scored in 2018.

Maldonado went 3-for-4 with a double, triple and solo home run to go along with three runs scored Sunday against the Athletics.

Maldonado homered for the second consecutive game, taking Emilio Pagan deep in the seventh inning. He now has seven home runs for the season, though his first two home runs as an Astro came on Saturday and Sunday, respectively. Brian McCann (knee) has begun a rehab assignment, so Maldonado's time as the team's primary catcher is likely coming to an end soon.

Hedges is on the bench Sunday against Arizona.

Hedges will sit after starting four straight games. A.J. Ellis will get the call behind the plate.

Grandal is not in the lineup Sunday against the Mariners, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

The switch-hitter isn't sitting against every lefty, but the last five times he's sat have come against southpaws. Austin Barnes will catch Sunday.

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.