MLB Player News

Gomes went 2-for-3 with a three-run home run in Tuesday's win over Toronto, with two runs scored and a walk.

Following his off day Monday, Gomes hit a bomb in the eighth inning to extend the Cleveland lead to six and essentially put the game on ice. He is now 7 for his last 16 at the dish, and has drawn praise recently from manager Terry Francona for his approach at the plate. His .269 BABIP suggests he's had a little bit of bad luck in the first month; he should continue to make strides statistically as the season progresses.

Vazquez is not in the lineup Tuesday against the Brewers, Tim Britton of the Providence Journal reports.

Vazquez has just one hit over the last four games (1-for-14), so he'll head to the bench to clear his head as Sandy Leon gets the nod behind the dish. Vazquez, known more for his defensive skills, is still off to a healthy start at the plate this season, slashing .333/.362/.467 through 29 games.

Ohlman, who was called up to fill the shoes of Russell Martin (shoulder) on Monday, received praise from manager John Gibbons upon arriving in Toronto, Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun reports.

Over eight-plus minor-league seasons, the 26-year-old hit .260/.348/.395 while never seeing big-league action during that time. Through 23 games this year with Triple-A Buffalo, Ohlman hit seven homers en route to a career-best .594 slugging percentage. "I like the way he caught the ball [in Buffalo] and I really liked the way he swung the bat," Gibbons said. "He's a big dude, a big strong guy who looks like he can hit." This opportunity might be Ohlman's one and only chance at sticking in the big leagues. "Here's his break," added Gibbons. "You sign guys as minor-league free agent and you don't always anticipate they're going to get a shot. But you give a guy an opportunity and who knows what happens?" Although Martin isn't expected to be out terribly long, the backup to him is far from a sure thing -- Luke Maile currently owns the gig after Jarrod Saltamacchia was cut loose last week. If Ohlman can put forth an impressive effort during the next week or so, then he could certainly steal the reserve role from Maile.

Sanchez went 3-for-3 with two RBI in Monday's 10-4 win over the Reds.

Sanchez (biceps) went hitless in his return from the disabled list last Friday, but he's recorded six hits in the three games since, raising his average to .281 in 39 plate appearances. The talented young catcher has just one homer on the year, but the power should come around eventually. After all, Sanchez smacked 20 dingers in just 53 games in 2016. He's one of the best young catchers in the game.

Ohlman had his contract purchased from Triple-A Buffalo on Monday, Mike Wilner of BlueJaysTalk reports.

Ohlman was added to the roster to take the place of Russell Martin (shoulder), who was recently placed on the 10-day disabled list. The 26-year-old was slashing .246/.388/.594 with seven homers and a 28:15 K:BB through 23 games with Buffalo before earning the promotion. He should serve as the backup to Luke Maile as long as the veteran is sidelined.

Gomes is not in the lineup Monday against the Blue Jays.

Despite heating up at the plate recently (5-for-13 over the last four games), Gomes will head to the bench as Roberto Perez gets the nod behind the dish. He should be back in the lineup for Tuesday's contest against the Jays.

Gomes' recent approach at the plate has impressed manager Terry Francona, Paul Hoynes of Cleveland.com reports.

The backstop has been plagued by injuries in recent seasons, and he's far removed from the Silver Slugger Award he captured in 2014. However, Gomes has continued to play well when healthy behind the dish, affording himself steady at-bats. After a terrible offensive start to his sixth MLB season, the 29-year-old's bat is beginning to shows signs of life: Gomes is slashing .353/.463/.471 over his last 13 games. "No. 1, he's using the whole field," manager Terry Francona said. "He's shot some balls to right field, which is always a good sign. When you hit the ball hard the other way, you've got to be on balance. No. 2, I think he's been on time (with his swing) more and he's pulled some balls through the hole. I think with some confidence, you'll start to see some better swings." Gomes opened the season best suited for AL-only leagues, but his recent efforts make him worthy of a roster spot in some mixed formats as well.

Leon went 2-for-4 with a pair of two-run home runs during Sunday's win over Minnesota.

Leon started the final two games of the series against Minnesota, and he went 5-for-9 with three home runs, five RBI and four runs. He's also started four of seven May games, and Leon should continue to receive plenty of starts against right-handed hurlers. Christian Vazquez is the superior defender, and he's off to a solid start at the plate with an .828 OPS. Barring an injury or other struggles for Vazquez, Leon isn't likely in line to see an uptick in playing time, regardless of how well he fares at the dish.

McCann went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in Sunday's loss to the Athletics.

McCann has been essentially alternating starts with Alex Avila behind the plate, which limits the appeal of both players in standard leagues. McCann is also hitting just .149 this season, but he does now have six home runs.

Perez (forearm) is in the starting lineup Sunday against the Indians, Joel Goldberg of FOX Sports Kansas City reports.

Perez left Saturday's game in the eighth inning after taking a foul ball off his left forearm, but the heavily used backstop won't miss any time as a result. He'll bat fifth and start behind the plate for the fifth straight game.