MLB Player News

Thole signed a minor-league deal with Detroit on Friday, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

The veteran catcher last played in the big leagues for the Blue Jays in 2016, posting a .169/.254/.220 line in 50 games. He's expected to report to Double-A Erie.

Barnhart is not in the lineup against the Cubs on Friday.

Barnhart will receive a standard breather following three straight starts. In his absence, Curt Casali will set up behind the plate and bat seventh.

Contreras is not in the lineup against Cincinnati on Friday.

Contreras will take a seat after starting the past three games behind the plate, while going 0-for-11 with one walk and five strikeouts during that span. In his absence, Chris Gimenez will catch Jose Quintana and bat eighth.

Grandal will not start Friday against the Mets, Eric Stephen of TrueBlueLA.com reports.

After a hot start, Grandal has cooled off significantly. Since the start of May, he's hitting .177/.262/.355, though he does have seven home runs. Austin Barnes will start behind the plate Friday.

Zavala was promoted to Triple-A Charlotte on Thursday, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

Zavala will get his first taste of the Triple-A level after playing in 56 games for Double-A Birmingham in 2018. The catcher has hit .271/.358/.472 with 11 home runs and 31 RBI this year, including a recent 4-for-4 showing against Chattanooga last week. Don't expect to see Zavala in the big leagues at any point this season, but he can start to make his case for the 2019 campaign over the next couple months.

Murphy is not in the lineup Thursday against the Mets, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Murphy went 2-for-4 in Wednesday's win -- his fifth start in six games -- but he'll hit the bench with a southpaw (Steven Matz) starting for the Mets in this one. Chris Iannetta will start behind the dish and hit sixth.

Mesoraco is not in the lineup against the Rockies on Thursday.

Mesoraco will head to the bench for a standard day off after going 2-for-4 with a double and two RBI during Wednesday's game. In his absence, Kevin Plawecki will catch for Steven Matz and bat sixth.

Vazquez is out of the lineup against the Twins on Thursday, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports.

Vazquez will take a seat after going 0-for-4 during Wednesday's defeat. In his place, Sandy Leon will catch Rick Porcello and bat eighth.

Garver is not in the lineup against Boston on Thursday, Brandon Warne of Zone Coverage reports.

Garver will receive a standard day off for maintenance purposes following three consecutive starts behind the plate. In his absence, Bobby Wilson will handle the catching duties and bat ninth in the order.

Sanchez is not in the lineup against Seattle on Thursday.

Sanchez will receive a breather after going 2-for-3 with a home run and two RBI during Wednesday's victory. In his place, Austin Romine will catch Luis Severino and bat eighth.