MLB Player News

Grandal is not in the starting lineup for Monday's game against the Mets.

A.J. Ellis will get the nod behind the plate Monday as the Dodgers take on Mets lefty Steven Matz.

Sanchez was designated for assignment by the White Sox on Monday, Scot Gregor of the Daily Herald reports.

Sanchez came up near the end of April with both Kevan Smith and Alex Avila battling injuries. However, with Avila reinstated from the DL on Monday, the Sox will annex Sanchez to clear a spot on the roster. If Sanchez passes through waivers unclaimed, he figures to land back at Triple-A Charlotte.

Casali hit a solo homer and doubled in his four at-bats in Sunday's 3-1 win over the Angels.

Casali's batting average sits at a paltry .203 for the season, but he's at least packed a punch when he has been able to reach base. Seven of his 13 hits have gone for extra bases, including four home runs.

Bethancourt went 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBI in Sunday's 4-3 loss to the Mets.

Bethancourt came into the day with only two extra-base hits on the season, but doubled that total Sunday, contributing a double and a homer. He's still a defense-first catcher, however, and figures to see only limited at-bats behind regular starter Derek Norris.

Perez went 2-for-4 Sunday with two doubles, a run scored and an RBI.

He'd been mired in a 3-for-30 slump coming into Sunday and the RBI was his first since April 25, so hopefully this was a sign that Perez is beginning to find his batting stroke. The Royals don't exactly have another option behind the plate, however, so expect him to get every chance to heat up.

Vazquez is out of the lineup Sunday against the Yankees, Evan Drellich of the Boston Herald reports.

Vazquez will get a day of rest on Sunday after playing in both Friday's and Saturday's games. He has split time pretty evenly with his replacement for Sunday, Ryan Hanigan since Blake Swihart was optioned to Triple-A Pawtucket. Hanigan will bat ninth Sunday.

Moore accepted his designation to Triple-A Columbus on Sunday.

Moore was designated for assignment on May 4 after failing to make an appearance during his brief stint with the team. He'll now return to the Triple-A level to get more reps, and likely won't be back unless an injury at the Major League level forces a need for a backup catcher.

Plawecki, who had his first two extra base hits of the season Saturday, is in the lineup Sunday against the Padres.

Plawecki sat Friday for Rene Rivera but will play in a day game Sunday following a night game Saturday. With Travis d'Arnaud sidelined for a while longer due his rotator cuff injury, Plawecki has a golden opportunity to grab a hold of the catching job. If he falters and d'Arnaud is out long-term, the Mets could explore the trade market - possibly Jonathan Lucroy - to obtain a starting catcher.

Stassi (wrist) was activated from the 15-day DL and was optioned to Triple-A Fresno on Sunday, Angel Verdejo of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Stassi had been on a rehab assignment with Fresno, so he'll just remain in the minors with the Astros content to stick with Jason Castro and Erik Kratz as their two backstops. During his three-game rehab stint, Stassi went 2-for-11 with five strikeouts.

Barnhart is out of the lineup Sunday against the Brewers.

Barnhart was behind the plate for the first three games of the series, but will sit for the afternoon finale. Ramon Cabrera will man the backstop in his stead.