MLB Player News

Contreras went 1-for-4 with a three-run home run in Tuesday's win over the Braves.

That's now 13 home runs this season for the young catcher, and four already this month. Since July 1, Contreras is slashing .380/.436/.700, and he looks locked in as a strong fantasy option at catcher right now.

With Austin Hedges (concussion) being placed on the disabled list Tuesday, Sanchez will serve as the Padres' starting catcher in the interim.

Hedges was experiencing lingering concussion symptoms over the past few days, so the Padres decided to let their starting catcher mend on the 7-day concussion DL. This opens up a short-term window of playing time for Sanchez, who has thrived at the plate with three home runs over his previous three starts. Luis Torrens will spell the veteran backstop -- like he did Tuesday -- but Sanchez should see the majority of starts for however long Hedges remains sidelined, giving the switch-hitting catcher temporary value in two-catcher leagues.

Maldonado went 1-for-3 with his 10th home run of the season in Tuesday's loss to the Nationals.

The defensive-minded backstop is putting together his best offensive season as a major leaguer. The 30-year-old has already set a career high in homers with 10, and he is just three RBI away from doing the same in that category. Maldonado's .245 batting average and poor lineup placement holds him back in standard leagues, but he has done enough in terms of power to remain relevant in deep two-catcher formats.

Hedges was placed on the 7-day concussion disabled list Tuesday.

The 24-year-old missed the past three games due to some lingering issues from when he was hit in the head by a foul ball Friday. He has cleared all concussion protocol thus far, but the team wants to play things safe for now by sending him back to San Diego for further testing. Reliever Jose Valdez was summoned from the minors to fill the void on the roster.

Sanchez started and went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in a loss to the Rockies on Monday.

Austin Hedges (concussion) was expected to return to the lineup, but he was a late scratch after experiencing lingering concussion issues, opening the door for Sanchez to start his third consecutive game behind the dish. The veteran backstop has taken advantage of the opportunity, hitting a homer in each of his past three contests. It's tough to gauge how long he will continue to start for the Padres based on the unpredictable nature of Hedges' injury, but if the latter is forced to go on the disabled list, then Sanchez would gain value in two-catcher formats, especially considering the power binge he is currently on. As for Tuesday, Luis Torrens is getting the start in place of Hedges.

Hedges (head) remains out of the lineup Tuesday against the Rockies.

Hedges seemed nearly ready to return Monday evening, but it appears that he's still not feeling right. He's passed all concussion testing to this point, so it seems like the Padres will be able to deploy him whenever he feels he's ready to go. Luis Torrens will sit behind the dish Tuesday night.

Vazquez is out of Tuesday's lineup against the Blue Jays, Tim Britton of The Providence Journal reports.

He had started five of the last six games, notching three hits over that span. Sandy Leon will start behind the dish and hit eighth against lefty J.A. Happ.

D'Arnaud is not in the lineup Tuesday against the Cardinals.

D'Arnaud has just six hits and possesses a lowly .523 OPS in the past 14 games. He'll hit the bench for the second time in three games to allow Rene Rivera to log a start behind the dish.

Hedges (head) was scratched from Monday's contest with the Rockies.

Hedges reportedly has cleared all concussion tests, but he apparently still doesn't feel completely right. Consider him day-to-day for the time being. Hector Sanchez will hop behind the plate to replace him, batting cleanup.

Sanchez is out of the lineup Monday against the Twins, Pete Caldera of The Record reports.

After he was behind the dish for the second half of Sunday's doubleheader with the Red Sox, Sanchez will be given a breather for the series opener with the Twins as Austin Romine checks in behind the plate. Sanchez finds himself sitting for the second time in three contests following a string of 10 consecutive starts.