MLB Player News

Grandal went 1-for-5 with a three-run homer Saturday against the Marlins.

Grandal launched his 12th home run of the campaign as part of a five-run third inning that led the Dodgers to a road victory. His .267 batting average is at its highest level since his rookie year, and he's been a solid lineup option at catcher, as he also has a .474 slugging percentage.

Hedges was held out of Saturday's game after feeling some effects from taking a foul ball to the head Friday, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

It appears to be a precautionary move by the Padres, as they would rather not risk a head injury with their young catcher. Initial hopes are that a stint on the 7-day concussion DL won't be needed, though it will certainly be a situation worth monitoring over the coming days. Hector Sanchez will take Hedges' place as the starting backstop for Saturday's tilt.

Hedges (undisclosed) was scratched from Saturday's lineup for precautionary reasons.

The team has yet to announce an official injury status for Hedges, but the fact remains that he'll be held out of Saturday's lineup. Hector Sanchez will take his place behind the plate and the Padres figure to have a further update on Hedges later in the weekend.

Vazquez is out of the lineup for Saturday's game against the Yankees, Scott Lauber of ESPN.com reports.

Vazquez will take a seat for Saturday's afternoon contest after going 1-for-3 Friday night. In his place, Sandy Leon will set up behind the plate and bat eighth in the order. With a doubleheader on tap for Sunday, Vazquez will likely start Game 1 while Leon takes on the duties in Game 2.

Contreras went 1-for-4 with a three-run homer Friday against the Orioles.

Contreras launched his 12th blast of the year to put the Cubs on the board in the first inning of a winning effort. He's left the yard six times over his last 17 games, and he continues to provide fantasy owners with solid power from the catcher position, as evidenced by his .462 slugging percentage.

Sanchez went 2-for-4 with a homer and three RBI on Friday against the Red Sox.

Sanchez's 14th bomb of the year gave the Yankees a one-run lead in the fifth inning of a game they'd go on to lose. He's followed up his amazing 2016 season with an outstanding .280/.362/.505 slash line, making him one of a very few elite options at catcher.

Grandal (hand) is back behind the plate for Friday's game against the Marlins, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

Grandal wound up missing the final game before the All-Star break due to a minor left hand contusion that he suffered during Saturday's contest against the Royals. With the rest coming at a good time for the 28-year-old, he was able to recover without missing much time and is back in the seventh spot of the order while catching Brandon McCarthy on Friday.

Perez slashed a dismal .178/.264/.252 in 34 games prior to the All-Star break.

The backup catcher has had a rough season, one in which he entered with a chance to take on a larger role. Outside of a cheap play in daily leagues when Yan Gomes needs a rest, Perez should not be rostered.

Smith, 22, hit .232/.355/.448 with 11 home runs, 43 RBI and six steals in 72 games at High-A Rancho Cucamonga before being promoted to Double-A.

Smith is a catcher by trade, but the Dodgers have been trying him out at other positions in order to keep his bat in the lineup. Though the batting average is a bit low, Smith has shown some pop along with the ability to work the count.

Thaiss was promoted to Double-A Mobile on Tuesday, Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register reports.

The 2016 first-round pick will move up to the next level of the minor leagues after 84 games with High-A Inland Empire this season. During 385 plate appearances in 2017, Thaiss has batted .265/.353/.399 with eight home runs and 48 RBI. Although he hasn't been overly impressive, especially in terms of power at the plate, the Angels want to give him a chance to work on his game at a higher level.