MLB Player News

The Royals released their lineup for opening day against the Tigers. Right fielder Norichika Aoki will hit leadoff, and he will be followed by second baseman Omar Infante, first baseman Eric Hosmer, DH Billy Butler, left fielder Alex Gordon, catcher Salvador Perez, third baseman Mike Moustakas, center fielder Lorenzo Cain and shortstop Alcides Escobar.

Diamondbacks catcher Tuffy Gosewisch beat out veteran Henry Blanco for the team's backup catching duties, MLB.com reports.

Gosewisch slashed .316/.316/.579 with one home run and four RBI in 19 Cactus League at-bats. Blanco will use the next 24 hours to search for a big-league job. If he's unable to find a team to play for, he'll likely become Arizona's seventh coach.

The Indians and catcher Yan Gomes have agreed to a six-year, $23 million contract with two club options on Saturday, according to FOX Sports. The extension won't be announced by the team until they return home on April against the Twins, the Plain Dealer reports.

Gomes hit .255/.293/.455 with three homers and nine RBI over 55 at-bats this spring. He batted .294 with 11 homers and 38 RBI over 293 at-bats last season with the Indians.

Royals catcher Salvador Perez worked past a minor injury scare on Saturday against the Brewers in an exhibition game, the Kansas City Star reports.

A foul tip caught him on the left hand in the bottom of the fourth inning. Trainers came in to check on him, but he remained in the game. Perez finished 0 for 3 in a 7-2 defeat. He is hitting .370 with six home runs and 23 RBI this spring.

Royals catcher Salvador Perez went 1 for 2 with one walk and two runs in his team's 5-4 win over the Brewers Friday.

Perez was struck in the head by a pitch Wednesday but escaped serious injury and jumped right back into action after a day of rest. He's posted a .392 average and hit four home runs during an excellent spring campaign.

Orioles catcher Johnny Monell has cleared waivers and will begin the regular season at Triple-A Norfolk.

Monell reached the majors for the first time last season and managed one hit in eight at-bats.

The Nationals announced Wednesday that infielder Jeff Kobernus has been optioned to Triple-A and catcher Sandy Leon has been optioned to Double-A Harrisburg.

Royals catcher Salvador Perez is fine after being hit in the head by a curveball Wednesday, according to the Kansas City Star. The trainer described it as "non-concussive" and Perez confirmed that he's OK.

Royals starting catcher Salvador Perez was hit in the head by a pitch in an exhibition game Wednesday, but appears OK, per the Kansas City Star, which further reported he walked off the field under his own power after sitting for a few moments.

Perez emerged as one of the better hitting catchers in the game last season. He batted .292 with 13 home runs and 79 RBI.

Reds catcher Devin Mesoraco is unlikely to play in a game Thursday, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.

Mesoraco has been dealing with an oblique injury, but has been able to take swings the past two days. His opening day status is already in question. Mesoraco hit .238/.287/.362 in 323 at-bats last year.