MLB Player News

Murphy, 22, is hitting .212/.275/.288 with two home runs and 17 RBI in 39 games since being promoted to Double-A Midland.

The question for Murphy is whether he can hit for average at the higher levels. He performed admirably at High-A Stockton prior to the promotion, slashing .297/.343/.527 with nine home runs and 26 RBI in 45 games. He has some power from the right side, but his plate discipline leaves something to be desired. The A's seem to like Bruce Maxwell behind the dish, so it remains to be seen where Murphy fits long-term.

Gomes went 3-for-3 with a two-run home run, four RBI and two runs scored during Thursday's win over Minnesota.

This was just the eighth homer of the season for Gomes, and the backstop's .226/.319/.374 slash line isn't moving the fantasy needle, either. Gomes is also splitting time behind the plate, so he's probably best left to the deepest fantasy settings at this stage of game.

The Blue Jays designated Ohlman for assignment Wednesday, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

An earlier report suggested Ohlman was just being optioned back to Triple-A Buffalo to make room for Miguel Montero's (groin) return from the disabled list, but the 26-year-old backstop will actually lose out on a 40-man roster spot. Ohlman still seemingly has a good chance at remaining in the Blue Jays organization as catching depth at Triple-A, provided he goes unclaimed off waivers.

Ohlman was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo on Wednesday, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Ohlman was banished back to the minors to make room for Miguel Montero (groin), who was the first of the Blue Jays' three injured catchers to return from the disabled list. During his brief stay with the big club, Ohlman picked up four at-bats while serving as the primary backup to Raffy Lopez.

Maldonado is out of the lineup Wednesday against the Nationals, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

After having been behind the plate for the past five contests, Maldonado will take a seat as the Angels play a day game after a night game. Backup Juan Graterol will check in a catcher, serving as the batterymate for Ricky Nolasco.

Stassi went 2-for-4 with a solo home run, two RBI and two runs scored in Tuesday's 9-4 win over Arizona.

Stassi, whose contract was recently selected from Triple-A Fresno, made his first start since joining the major-league team, facing Arizona left-hander Anthony Banda. He showed a modicum of power in the minors, having hit 32 home runs over two-plus seasons at Fresno. The 26-year-old catcher should be in the lineup most nights when the Astros face a left-hander, serving as the right-handed hitting complement in a platoon with Juan Centeno. With both Brian McCann (knee) and Evan Gattis (concussion) on the disabled list, it's up to Stassi and Centeno to manage the pitching staff.

McCann is not in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Rangers.

McCann will head to the bench for a breather after starting five straight games at catcher. He has been hot at the dish lately, turning three consecutive multi-hit efforts, so he'll look to keep things rolling when he returns to the lineup. John Hicks will take over catching duties in his place, batting seventh.

Vazquez is not in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Cardinals, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

Vazquez will head to the bench for a breather after starting three of the previous four games behind the dish. Sandy Leon will take over backstop duties for the contest, batting eighth.

Perez (oblique) will play as soon as he is capable and will not require a rehab assignment, Rustin Dodd of The Kansas City Star reports Monday.

The question will be how Perez's side responds to the swings he took Monday. Perez is ready to go behind the plate, so expect him to be back in the lineup as soon as he proves his body is up to swinging the bat.

Stassi has his contract purchased from Triple-A Fresno on Monday, Jake Kaplan of the Houston Chronicle reports.

With Brian McCann (knee) and Evan Gattis (concussion) both on the shelf, Stassi will get a shot with the big club. He's slashing .266/.383/.473 with 12 homers in 241 at-bats for Fresno this season. He'll serve as the backup for Juan Centeno until Gattis or McCann return, but he should see his share of chances before he is dropped from the roster again.