MLB Player News

The Reds optioned catcher Tucker Barnhart to Triple-A Louisville Sunday to clear a roster spot for starting pitcher Tony Cingrani, who was activated off the 15-day disabled list. Barnhart hit .107 (3 for 28) with one home run and one RBI in 10 games for the Reds.

Royals catcher Salvador Perez is grabbing some pine Saturday night. He's not in the lineup for the game against visiting Baltimore.

Perez lost his five-game hitting streak with an 0-for-4 performance Friday. He was 9 for 18 during the streak and now owns a stat line of .269/.329/.434.

What do Yan Gomes, Mark Teixeira, Yangervis Solarte, Pablo Sandoval, Asdrubal Cabrera and Seth Smith have in common? They're all "starts" in Fantasy Week 8 (May 19-25).

Of course, whether or not you actually start them depends on what else you have. Find all the context you need in the latest Start and Sit Hitters.

Mets catcher Travis d'Arnaud was close to being benched before suffering his concussion, according to SNY.tv. 

The 25-year-old got off to a slow start, hitting just .196 over his first 102 at-bats. He's considered to be the future of the franchise at the position, so it's surprising the team would want to go away from him after a month and a half. Over the course of his minor-league career, d'Arnaud emerged as a strong prospect. He made the Baseball America top-100 list five times. He's currently on the seven-day disabled list due to a concussion. It's unclear if d'Arnaud will receive regular playing time once he's ready to return.

Reds catcher Devin Mesoraco made his impact felt immediately in his return from the disabled list Friday against the Phillies.

Mesoraco clubbed his fourth home run in the first inning, a three-run shot that provided the margin of victory in a 3-0 win. He went 1 for 3 with a walk and two strikeouts otherwise.

Mesoraco was unbelievably hot prior to his hamstring injury, and picked up right where he left off. He is now hitting .460/.509/.820 in 50 at-bats, with four home runs and 16 RBI in 14 games.  

Reds catcher Devin Mesoraco has been activated from the disabled list Friday.

Mesoraco will immediately get back to work. He's slated to catch and hit fifth against Kyle Kendrick. Through 47 at-bats, Mesoraco is hitting .468. He is coming off a hamstring injury.

Nationals catcher Sandy Leon has been optioned to Triple-A Friday.

Leon had a tough time in the majors, hitting .182 in 44 at-bats. With Wilson Ramos back, the team was carrying three catchers. Leon has been replaced by Greg Dobbs. 

Mets catcher Travis d'Arnaud has been placed on the 7-day disabled list reserved for concussion victims. Juan Centeno will take his place in the lineup Thursday against the Yankees.

The 25-year-old d'Arnaud sustained the concussion when he took a backswing to the head Tuesday night.

Padres catcher Yasmani Grandal is out of the lineup for the nightcap of the Thursday doubleheader in Cincinnati. He went hitless in Game 1 to lower his batting average to .209.

Indians catcher Yan Gomes went 2 for 6 with a home run, three RBI and two runs scored in his team's 15-4 win over the Blue Jays Wednesday.

Gomes smacked a three-run home run in the ninth inning that ended up being his team's final runs in a huge offensive effort. He has hit .269/.313/.487 with six home runs and 17 RBI in 119 at-bats.