MLB Player News

Vazquez (elbow) is scheduled to catch nine innings at Triple-A Pawtucket on Thursday, Scott Lauber of ESPN reports.

Vazquez will take a major step forward in his recovery from Tommy John surgery by catching a full game. That said, it will likely be the first of many games for Vazquez at the minor league level given that he was sidelined for the entirety of last season.

Perez (concussion) has been medically cleared after passing the league's concussion protocols, MLB.com reports.

Perez will be able to open the season as the backup to catcher to Yan Gomes after taking a foul ball off the mask over the weekend.

Mesoraco said he felt initially woozy after getting hit in the head by Maikel Franco's bat in Monday's game, but it cleared up quickly and he was able to remain in the game, the Cincinnati Enquirer's Zach Buchanan reports.

Given Mesoraco's history of several concussions, it is important to keep an eye on this situation even though it appears that he made it through Monday's game OK. Incidentally, Mesoraco went 0-for-4 with a strikeout against the Phillies on Monday.

Perez will start at catcher on Opening Day against the Cubs.

Perez will get the nod instead of Geovany Soto, who is slotted to be the backup catcher in 2016. The 25-year-old will have a tough matchup against reigning NL Cy Young winner Jake Arrieta, so don't expect him to produce much from a fantasy perspective.

Thole is in the lineup against the Rays on Monday.

This is a very interesting move, as Thole has historically received very few at-bats against left-handed pitchers such as Drew Smyly, the Rays' starter Monday. However, this is likely just a day off for everyday catcher Russell Martin, so Thole will probably head back to the bench following this game.

Casali is in the lineup Monday against the Blue Jays, Marc Topkin of The Tampa Bay Times reports.

Casali will get the start against R.A. Dickey after Hank Conger started the Opening Day game. It seems that the catching duo will split time throughout the course of the season.

Perez (concussion) said he's feeling better of late, but is still awaiting MLB clearance, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Perez has been dealing with a concussion since taking a ball off the bask in a spring game, but he played catch and took batting practice Sunday without issue. Expect the backup catcher to gain clearance to return to live action within the next few days.

Rupp is not in the lineup for Monday's season opener against the Reds, MLB.com's Todd Zolecki reports.

Rupp will be the Phillies' regular catcher this season, but he will give way to Ruiz on Monday, as manager Pete Mackanin wants to give the veteran Ruiz the honor of starting Opening Day. Expect Rupp to be behind the plate for the Phillies' next game Wednesday.

Perez took a foul tip to the mask in a recent spring training game and may be dealing with a concussion, Ryan Lewis of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

The Indians have made no roster moves yet involving Perez or the other catchers in the organization, but that could happen Monday while the team puts the backstop through the concussion protocol. If Perez is ultimately moved to the 7-day DL, the Indians would likely bring minor leaguer Adam Moore onto the roster to serve as the backup to Yan Gomes.

Vazquez (elbow) was placed on the 15-day DL on Sunday, Jason Mastrodonato of the Boston Herald reports.

Since Vazquez's DL stint was backdated to March 25, the Red Sox can bring the catcher back on the 25-man roster as soon as April 9. However, it's unclear if the team will go that route, as Vasquez could probably benefit from some more at-bats in the minors after missing all of 2015 following Tommy John surgery.