MLB Player News

Sanchez experienced pain in his face after a foul ball struck his mask Saturday, Brendan Kuty of NJ.com reports.

On the same day that he returned from a bout of neck stiffness, Sanchez was dealt a new batch of ailments. After he was struck with a foul ball, Sanchez was experiencing discomfort in his jaw and ear. At this point in time, there's no word whether or not his latest injuries will affect his availability for Sunday's game against the Rays, although he was able to stay in Saturday after being hit. If Sanchez is omitted from the lineup, Austin Romine will likely fill in behind the dish.

Mesoraco went 2-for-4 with a home run, a walk, two runs and two RBI in Saturday's win over the Rockies.

After missing the previous game with a hamstring issue, Mesoraco clubbed his second home run of the year as part of a big sixth inning that helped the Reds pick up a victory. Although he doesn't start every day, his .289/.400/.474 slash line is extremely valuable from the catcher position.

Updating a previous report, Ohlman was designated for assignment by the Blue Jays on Saturday, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet reports.

Ohlman had been up with the Blue Jays during Russell Martin's stint on the DL, but with Martin returning Saturday, the club needed to clear a roster spot. The 26-year-old catcher will now be subject to waivers, but could return to the Blue Jays' organization if he goes unclaimed.

Ohlman was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo on Saturday, Gregor Chisholm of MLB.com reports.

Russell Martin's return from the DL will end Ohlman's stint with the big-league club for the time being. Ohlman went 2-for-9 with an RBI and three strikeouts over four games with the Blue Jays. He'll return to Buffalo, where he has seven home runs in just 69 at-bats this season.

Manager Joe Girardi said Sanchez was held out of Friday's game due to a stiff neck, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Sanchez is back behind the plate for Saturday's game, so it doesn't appear the issue was anything major. The 24-year-old phenom has already missed time this season with a biceps strain, but he'll avoid an extended stay on the bench this time around. Sanchez will look to build on his four-game hitting streak as the Yankees face Matt Andriese and the Rays on Saturday.

Realmuto went 1-for-2 with two walks and a run in Friday's 7-2 loss to the Dodgers.

Realmuto has hit safely in each of his last eight starts and is proving that last season's .303/.343/.428 line was no fluke. The young backstop is exceeding each of those numbers thus far this season (.309/.356/.441) and has also seen a reduction in strikeout rate (18.3 percent to 16.4 percent) and corresponding increase in contact rate (80 percent to 82 percent). Considering the relative lack of catcher depth fantasy-wise, he's one of the more valued assets at the position in all formats.

Mesoraco (hamstring) is starting at catcher and hitting eighth Saturday against the Rockies, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

He missed three straight games before making a pinch-hit appearance Friday. Mesoraco is hitting .265/.375/.382 with one home run in 40 plate appearances this season.

Contreras went 1-for-4 with two RBI in Friday's loss to the Brewers.

Contreras is slashing just .229/.295/.390, numbers that are all down from his strong 2016 rookie season. However, his 19 RBI puts him fifth among MLB catchers, so he's still delivering some value in a stacked Cubs lineup.

Rupp went 1-for-4 with a three-run homer Friday against the Pirates.

His fourth bomb of the year came off Tony Watson and broke open a Phillies victory in the ninth inning. Rupp's now slashing .255/.343/.468 and is proving to be a strong fantasy option at the catcher position.

Grandal is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Marlins.

The 28-year-old will get what looks like a routine breather after starting back-to-back games and four of the last five. Austin Barnes will take over behind the dish and bat fifth against lefty Justin Nicolino. Grandal has hit safely in each of his last 10 starts, raising his average more than 70 points over that span.