MLB Player News

Sanchez has been suspended four games for his role in Thursday's brawl with the Tigers, Jack Curry of YES Network reports.

Major League Baseball will punish Sanchez with both a suspension and a fine for throwing punches. While the video speaks for itself, Sanchez will appeal the suspension regardless in hopes of having it reduced. He's listed in the starting lineup for Friday's game against Seattle, catching and batting third against lefty Ariel Miranda.

Diaz was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis on Friday.

Francisco Cervelli's return will force Diaz to the minors, but he should be back once rosters expand in September. Diaz went 4-for-21 with five strikeouts in his most recent stint with the major-league club and is now batting .250/.283/.350 in 36 games with Pittsburgh, which is similar to his line with Indy.

Vazquez is not in Friday's lineup against the Orioles, WEEI.com's Evan Drellich reports.

Vazquez will give way to Sandy Leon for the second straight game, and fifth time in the last seven contests. Since July 29, Vazquez is hitting .412/.455/.627 with two home runs and seven RBI, and figures to be back in the lineup for Saturday's affair.

Contreras (hamstring) took batting practice Friday, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.

In addition to hitting for the second consecutive day, Contreras practiced throwing to second base from behind the plate. Barring any setbacks, Contreras will look to return to action in mid-September. Until then, Alex Avila and Rene Rivera are in line to spend time in the Cubs' lineup.

Realmuto went 1-for-4 with a home run and three RBI in Thursday's win over the Phillies.

Getting the start at first base -- and seeing action there for the fifth time in 2017, giving him extra position eligibility in many fantasy formats -- Realmuto hit his third homer in the last week and 16th of the season. His .200 (16-for-80) batting average in August may be due to fatigue, however, so don't be surprised if he gets a few more rest days, or partial rest days while he mans first, down the stretch.

McCann went 1-for-3 with a solo home run, a walk and three runs scored in Thursday's win over the Yankees. He also got a scare when he took a Dellin Betances fastball to the helmet, but he remained in the game.

Betances hit McCann with a 98 mph fastball in the seventh inning, and McCann remained on the ground for a few moments. After the benches had already cleared in a wild brawl an inning earlier, the beaning brought both benches onto the field again, though there was no second brawl. McCann stayed in the game and got the last laugh when he launched his home run in the eighth inning. Getting hit in the head is always a serious matter, so even though he remained in the game, McCann will likely get evaluated further and could get some time off in the near future.

Perez went 3-for-4 with a double, a walk and two RBI against the Red Sox on Thursday.

Perez was one of six Cleveland batters to finish with multiple hits in the 13-6 rout. The backup catcher has mustered seven RBI in his past three games after driving in only 17 runs in his first 48.

Grandal went 1-for-4 with a walk and a solo home run in Thursday's win over the Pirates.

The 28-year-old has been on a power surge lately, smacking four homers in his last seven games to bring his total to 18. Grandal has historically been a low-average player, but thanks to the power, he's well on his way toward finishing as a top-seven catcher for the second straight season.

Bethancourt could be among the minor leaguers called up to the Padres when rosters expand in September, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

This is despite the fact that Bethancourt has been terrible in the minors. He owns an 8.12 ERA over 37.2 innings for Triple-A El Paso and has walked 28 batters against just 20 strikeouts. That said, the Padres need to make a decision about Bethancourt's long-term future with the club soon, so what better time than the present to see what he's got?

Maldonado is not in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Rangers, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Maldonado will get the series finale off after starting the first three games of the series and going 4-for-13. Juan Graterol will take over behind the dish, batting eighth.