MLB Player News

Sanchez (biceps) threw for the first time Wednesday, Newsday's Erik Boland reports.

In the photo that Boland tweeted, Sanchez looked to be playing catch from roughly 60 feet before the game -- the first time he has thrown in his recovery. Sanchez tweeted Wednesday that his rehab is going well and he hopes to be swinging soon. Manager Joe Girardi said Sanchez has been catching five or six-inning "games" from a pitching machine. It is unclear exactly when he will be able to go on a rehab assignment, but he appears to be progressing well.

Maldonado reached base three times Tuesday, going 2-for-3 with a walk and a run scored in a 5-2 win over Houston.

The Angels' catcher position looked like it was heading for a timeshare between Maldonado and Carlos Perez when both catchers were struggling during spring training. Things have changed since then, with the former getting off to a hot start (.294/.385/.324) and seizing the starting job. Maldonado is still providing nothing in the counting stat categories, but an empty batting average may be good enough for owners to roster in two-catcher formats.

Sanchez (biceps) has begun swinging a bat with his left hand and is set to begin throwing Wednesday, Sweeny Murti of Sportsradio 66 WFAN reports.

Sanchez is slowly working his way back from a Grade 1 bicep strain, but he says that he's been feeling good. His ability to resume throwing Wednesday is a positive sign but it's difficult to say exactly when the slugging catcher will be ready to return to the lineup. More information should become available as he progresses through his rehab program.

Grandal is out of the lineup Tuesday against the Rockies, J.P. Hoornstra of the Southern California News Group reports.

Austin Barnes will take over behind the plate, pushing Grandal to the bench following back-to-back starts. Grandal has hit safely in each of his last four starts, but he's managed just one extra-base hit in 32 at-bats since his two-homer game on Opening Day.

Gomes is not in the lineup Tuesday against the Twins.

After starting behind the dish for the last three games, Gomes will give way to Roberto Perez. He's hitting just .091 on the season through 33 at-bats, so he'll get a breather to clear his head.

Leon is not in the lineup Tuesday against the Blue Jays, Tim Britton of the Providence Journal reports.

After going 1-for-4 in the series finale against the Rays, Leon will head to the bench in favor of Christian Vasquez. Leon is 9-for-34 (.265) with one homer and six RBI this season.

Contreras is not in the lineup Tuesday against the Brewers.

Contreras hasn't gotten a hit in the past four games (two starts), so he'll get the night off. Miguel Montero will slot in behind the dish in his stead.

Hedges had his strongest offensive performance of the season Monday, going 2-for-3 with a double, a home run and two RBI in a 5-4 loss to the Braves.

The homer was Hedges' second in as many games, and he now has six hits over his last four. After an abysmal 0-for-23 start to the season, the 24-year-old catcher is starting to deliver on some of the offensive promise he showed at the Triple-A level last season. His slash line is still an unappealing .158/.238/.368, but Hedges could be worth a look in deeper formats, especially considering how fickle the catcher position can be in fantasy.

McCann is not in the lineup for Tuesday's contest with the Rays, Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Tuesday's absence marks the second game in a row McCann will head to the bench for a night off. The 26-year-old does have three home runs on the season, but he only has one hit outside of that, ultimately producing a lowly .143 batting average. Alex Avila will fill in for him behind the plate once again.

Thole underwent surgery this spring to repair a torn hamstring and won't be able to ramp up activities until at least early August, the Arizona Republic's Nick Piecoro reports.

He was in camp on a minor-league deal with Arizona, but it seems unlikely that he will be able to play in a game this season. Thole expressed a desire to play in winter ball as a way to limit his time away from competition.