MLB Player News

Stassi went 3-for-5 with a double and two RBI on Saturday against the White Sox.

Stassi drove in the first and last runs of the game for the Astros to record his fourth multi-RBI game of the season. He should continue to see regular duty behind the plate thanks to the absence of Brian McCann, though he provides limited production across most categories and has only four extra-base hits since June 16.

Sanchez (groin) is catching bullpen sessions and taking batting practice but has yet to run the bases, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Sanchez is expected to be back right around the All-Star break. He's making progress in his recovery, though he'll need to be able to run before he can return. A more concrete timetable should become clear in the coming days.

Mejia hasn't been transitioning to the outfield as well as Cleveland has hoped, Chris Assenheimer of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

The Indians have been working to make Mejia an outfielder as the team has more of a need there than behind the plate, but Mejia hasn't progressed much, apparently because he still views himself as a catcher. Still, once the Indians feel satisfied with him defensively in the outfield, he could earn a promotion and regular playing time with Lonnie Chisenhall (calf) facing an extended absence. The 22-year-old is hitting .279/.327/.435 for Triple-A Columbus this season.

Garver is not in the lineup against Baltimore on Saturday, LaVelle E. Neal of the Star Tribune reports.

Garver will take a seat after going 2-for-2 with a walk during Friday's contest. In his place, Bobby Wilson will catch Kyle Gibson and bat ninth.

McCann went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run in Friday's 3-1 win over the Rangers.

His second-inning shot gave the Tigers a lead they wouldn't relinquish. McCann went the entire month of June without leaving the yard -- his last homer came on May 28 -- and his five home runs and .594 OPS on the year are a disappointment after his solid 2017 performance.

Maldonado is out of Friday's lineup against the Dodgers, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

He had started five of the previous six games. Jose Briceno will start behind the dish and hit ninth.

Stassi (forearm) is back in the lineup against the White Sox on Thursday.

Stassi will handle the catching duties and bat eighth in the order. He was forced to miss Wednesday's game after getting struck by a pitch on his right forearm Tuesday. Over 49 games this year, he's hit .255/.340/.482 with seven home runs and 22 RBI.

Garver is out of the lineup against Baltimore on Thursday.

Garver will take a seat after going 0-for-3 during Wednesday's game after the Brewers. Bobby Wilson will handle the catching duties for the third time in the past four games.

McCann is out of the lineup against the Rangers on Thursday, Stefan Stevenson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

John Hicks will handle the catching duties and spell McCann after the latter started the past four games. Look for McCann to return to the starting lineup Friday.

Perez (ankle) had his rehabilitation assignment moved from Double-A Frisco to Triple-A Round Rock, Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reports.

Perez, who was placed on the 10-day disabled list June 16 with a right ankle sprain, went 4-for-16 at Frisco since beginning a rehab assignment June 28. The Rangers can keep him on rehab another 13 days.