MLB Player News

Nicholas went 2-for-3 with a home run, a walk and three RBI in Thursday's 9-8 win over the White Sox.

Nicholas hit a two-run shot in the first inning and forced in what turned out to be the winning run on a bases-loaded walk in the seventh. The catcher has now homered in each of his past two games played while driving in six runs over that span. Nicholas has already made six starts behind the plate this month and will take an even larger share of the work away from Robinson Chirinos if he continues to produce at the dish.

Sanchez went 2-for-5 with a home run during the Yankees' win against the Mets on Thursday.

Sanchez had Steven Matz's number in this one, taking him deep with two runners on in the first before forcing the Mets to take their pitcher out on a two-run single in the fourth. The home run makes it 22 on the year, which leads all big-league catchers.

Gomes is not in the lineup for Game 2 of Thursday's doubleheader against the Twins.

Gomes will head to the bench after going 3-for-3 with a homer and four RBI in Game 1. Roberto Perez will take over behind the dish in his stead, batting eighth.

Murphy, 22, is hitting .212/.275/.288 with two home runs and 17 RBI in 39 games since being promoted to Double-A Midland.

The question for Murphy is whether he can hit for average at the higher levels. He performed admirably at High-A Stockton prior to the promotion, slashing .297/.343/.527 with nine home runs and 26 RBI in 45 games. He has some power from the right side, but his plate discipline leaves something to be desired. The A's seem to like Bruce Maxwell behind the dish, so it remains to be seen where Murphy fits long-term.

Gomes went 3-for-3 with a two-run home run, four RBI and two runs scored during Thursday's win over Minnesota.

This was just the eighth homer of the season for Gomes, and the backstop's .226/.319/.374 slash line isn't moving the fantasy needle, either. Gomes is also splitting time behind the plate, so he's probably best left to the deepest fantasy settings at this stage of game.

D'Arnaud is making his first career start at third base and hitting fifth Wednesday against the Yankees.

This is a pretty shocking turn of events, but with Wilmer Flores and Jose Reyes each late scratches with sore ribs, the Mets were put in a tough spot. D'Arnaud doesn't even hit enough (75 wRC+) to be a solid offensive option at catcher, so at third base he carries almost no value with his bat or glove, so this doesn't really change things from a fantasy perspective.

Grandal is out of Wednesday's lineup against the White Sox, Eric Stephen of TrueBlueLA.com reports.

While Grandal is a switch hitter, the Dodgers will flood the lineup with righties against southpaw Carlos Rodon. Austin Barnes starts behind the dish and will hit sixth.

The Blue Jays designated Ohlman for assignment Wednesday, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

An earlier report suggested Ohlman was just being optioned back to Triple-A Buffalo to make room for Miguel Montero's (groin) return from the disabled list, but the 26-year-old backstop will actually lose out on a 40-man roster spot. Ohlman still seemingly has a good chance at remaining in the Blue Jays organization as catching depth at Triple-A, provided he goes unclaimed off waivers.

Ohlman was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo on Wednesday, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Ohlman was banished back to the minors to make room for Miguel Montero (groin), who was the first of the Blue Jays' three injured catchers to return from the disabled list. During his brief stay with the big club, Ohlman picked up four at-bats while serving as the primary backup to Raffy Lopez.

Maldonado is out of the lineup Wednesday against the Nationals, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

After having been behind the plate for the past five contests, Maldonado will take a seat as the Angels play a day game after a night game. Backup Juan Graterol will check in a catcher, serving as the batterymate for Ricky Nolasco.