MLB Player News

Catcher Hector Sanchez, who was just called back up to the Giants from Triple-A to replace the injured Andrew Susac, had a big blast Tuesday, crushing a grand slam in San Francisco's win over the Padres. 

Sanchez hit a high drive in the sixth and flipped his bat to celebrate the home run, which drew the ire of San Diego's pitchers. After grounding out in the ninth, Sanchez exchanged words with Padres pitcher Shawn Kelley and the benches cleared. 

"I just tried to enjoy it. It's a grand slam. You don't see it every day," Sanchez said. "I just enjoyed the moment.

The home run was his first of the year and the four RBIs lifted his total to five.

Dodgers catcher Yasmani Grandal is back in action Wednesday, hitting fifth after sitting out the last two games after taking a foul ball to the mask in Sunday's game. 

Grandal, who suffered a jaw injury, was held out of the lineup for precautionary measures given his history of concussions. He's hitting .282 with 14 homers this season. 

Mets catcher Travis d'Arnaud has taken batting practice over the last two days, and no issues have been reported thus far. d'Arnaud is recovering from a sprained elbow, and is likely to begin a rehab assignment on Thursday, according the the New York Daily News. 

d'Arnaud has been out of action for a month, but it appears he is getting closer to making his return to the lineup.

Dodgers catcher Yasmani Grandal is once again out of the lineup on Tuesday against the Braves. Grandal miss Monday's game after taking a foul ball off the mask on Sunday. The injury is not considered serious, but given Grandal's recent experience with concussion symptoms, the Dodgers are giving him at least one more day of rest.

Rookie Austin Barnes will be behind the plate for Tuesday's contest, while Grandal continues to recover.

Red Sox catcher Christian Vasquez will begin throwing on Thursday, according to WEEI.com.

It will be the first time throwing for Vasquez since undergoing Tommy John surgery in March.

“I’ll be nervous, excited, everything. I’m happy,” Vazquez said. “It’s been a long time since I’ve thrown a ball. The last time I threw it wasn’t right so I don’t know how it’s going to feel the first time after surgery. I just hope I don’t spike the ball.”

Vasquez is expected to throw the ball 15-20 times from roughly 40 feet.

Dodgers catcher Yasmani Grandal isn't in the Dodgers lineup on Monday. 

Grandal left Sunday's game after getting hit in the mask by a foul ball. He was expected to undergo more testing on Monday. 

Austin Barnes gets his third start of the season in Grandal's place. It's his first start since June 2. Barnes was recalled from Triple-A earlier in the day. 

The Reds recalled RHP Dylan Axelrod from Triple-A Louisville. Axelrod was 6-6 with a 4.05 ERA with Louisville, per the Cincinnati Enquirer. 

Axelrod will replace Manny Parra, who the Reds placed on the 15-day disabled list with a sprained left elbow. The team currently has no timetable for Parra's return.

To clear space on the 40-man roster, the Reds moved catcher Devin Mesoraco to the 60-day disabled list. Mesoraco is out for the season after hip surgery. 

The Red Sox activated catcher Blake Swihart from the disabled list, manager John Farrell said on Monday, per Comcast.

Swihart hit .241 in previous stints with Boston this year. He was hitting .311 at Pawtucket. 

To make room, the Red Sox designated catcher Sandy Leon for assignment. Leon hit .180 in 33 games with Boston this year. 

Rays catcher Curt Casali is in the starting lineup for Monday's game. It's his third start in the last five games but just his 13th on the year.

He replaces Rene Rivera, who has started 66 games behind the plate for the Rays.  

Dodgers catcher Yasmani Grandal was forced to leave Sunday's game after taking a foul ball off the mask. 

Manager Don Mattingly was concerned after watching Grandal get injured. "I thought he broke his jaw," Mattingly said, per the LA Times.

X-rays were negative. Grandal will undergo more testing on Monday.