MLB Player News

Rupp will be back in the starting lineup Monday against the Padres, Matt Gelb of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Manager Pete Mackanin was planning to start Carlos Ruiz in the Phillies' home opener, but wants to keep Rupp paired up with Aaron Nola. Rupp has three hits in 12 at-bats thus far this season.

Stewart went 2-for-4 Sunday with a solo shot, his first home run of the season.

He was making his first start of the season behind the plate, as Francisco Cervelli played in the first five games and went 7-for-18 (.289). As long as Cervelli stays hot at the plate, at-bats will be few and far between for Stewart.

Vazquez (elbow) could be activated when his 20-day rehabilitation assignment runs its course, the Providence Journal reports. His rehab assignment at Triple-A Pawtucket can last until Apr. 28. "Everything points to [the 20-day rehab timeline] being more than enough time for him right now," manager John Farrell said.

Vazquez caught the first two games of the season before serving as the PawSox's designated hitter Sunday when he had three hits. Given some of the rocky starts Boston's starters have delivered, having Vazquez, noted for his advanced game-calling and ability to control the running game, would improve the starters' results.

Grandal (forearm) went 0-for-2 and caught for six innings for Triple-A Oklahoma City on Sunday, Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register reports.

Grandal was sent to Triple-A Oklahoma City for a rehab assignment after starting the season on the disabled list. Holding up for six innings is a good indicator that he's ready to return to the major leagues, perhaps as early as Tuesday's game against the Diamondbacks.

Grandal (forearm) is scheduled to play one more rehabilitation game for Triple-A Oklahoma City before being activated for Tuesday's home opener against Arizona, Eric Stephen of SB Nation reports.

Grandal was 2-for-2 on Saturday, and with A.J. Ellis (2-for-15) and Austin Barnes (1-for-10) both off to slow starts, Grandal's return to the lineup will be very welcome.

Nicholas' contract was purchased Sunday from Triple-A Round Rock, Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

It's the first call to the big leagues for Nicholas, who is in line to serve as the backup at catcher behind Bryan Holaday after regular starter Robinson Chirinos (forearm) was placed on the 60-day DL and ruled out for 10-to-14 weeks. With the Rangers fancying themselves as contenders this season, it seems likely the team will explore the trade market as a means of adding depth at catcher, and any acquisition would likely result in Nicholas immediately heading back to the minors. The 27-year-old slashed .268/.314./.412 and hit 12 homers over 403 at-bats at Round Rock last season.

Perez is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Rangers, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Perez is just getting a routine maintenance day after he was behind the plate for games Friday and Saturday, paving the way for backup Geovany Soto to make his second start of the season. Over 14 plate appearances to date, Perez has recorded just one hit.

Pirates GM Neal Huntington said Sunday that Diaz (elbow) is still feeling discomfort, but that it isn't ligament related.

Speaking on his weekly radio show, Huntington believes there's "still a good, positive prognosis in there." The Pirates continue to rest his throwing arm to allow the elbow time for recovery.

Gomes is out of the lineup Sunday against the White Sox.

Gomes had been behind the plate in the Tribe's preceding six games, so manager Terry Francona will look to give him a break in Sunday's matinee. Backup Roberto Perez will slot in at catcher for starting pitcher Josh Tomlin on Sunday while batting seventh in the order.

Casali will be behind the plate for Sunday's matchup with the Orioles, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

It's Casali's second start in a row and fourth in the Rays' six games, as he seems to have established himself as manager Kevin Cash's preferred option at catcher ahead of Hank Conger. As is tradition for the Rays, both catchers are more defensive-oriented than assets with the bat, so Casali shouldn't be expected to make waves in the fantasy realm even if retains the regular starting job throughout the campaign.