MLB Player News

Maldonado went 1-for-3 with a pair of RBI in Tuesday's win over the Athletics.

The 30-year-old has started behind the dish for both of the Angels' games this season. Manager Mike Scioscia was vague when he discussed his two catchers' playing time during spring training, but early indications are that Maldonado will be seeing the lion's share of starts. Known for his defensive ability rather than his bat, the veteran catcher is only worth a look in deeper two-catcher formats.

Gomes went 0-for-3 with a walk and scored a run while striking out twice against the Rangers on Tuesday.

After tearing up the Cactus League, Gomes is hitless through his first seven at-bats of the regular season. His backup, Roberto Perez, has yet to see the field, but will likely get his chance to produce soon. Although the team has committed to Gomes as its regular catcher, Perez is no slouch and is more than capable of stealing time behind the plate if he can produce in the batter's box.

Leon went 2-for-3 with a run scored in Monday's 5-3 win over Pittsburgh.

Leon is a notorious candidate for regression in 2017 after posting an .845 OPS in 2017, more than 350 points higher than his career OPS over the first four seasons of his career. However, he's off to a good start as he tries to prove the doubters wrong.

Narvaez will draw the start at catcher and bat seventh in Monday's season opener against the Tigers.

Narvaez looks to be option 1A in the White Sox's unimpressive catching platoon, with Geovany Soto presumably opening the season as the backup following a meager spring. The 25-year-old Narvaez climbed the minor-league ladder quickly last season and eventually earned a call to the White Sox in the second half, with whom he registered a .350 OBP over 117 plate appearances. That small sample was encouraging, but it included a dearth of production in the power department, which will probably make him no more than a low-end option in AL-only or mixed leagues that start two catchers.

McCann (hand) will get the starting nod behind the plate and bat seventh in the order in the Tigers' season opener Monday against the White Sox, MLB.com's Jason Beck reports.

McCann was cleared of any structural damage to his left hand after he was hit by a pitch during an exhibition Saturday, prompting the Tigers to give him the green light to assume catching duties for Opening Day. While Alex Avila is back with the Tigers this season, he's no longer much of a threat to consistently poach starts from McCann like he was in 2015. McCann, who batted .221 with 12 homers and 48 RBI last season, should be on tap for about four or five starts most weeks.

Perez signed a four-year, $9 million contract extension with the Indians on Sunday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

The extension includes a club option for 2021 and 2022, and a breakdown of the deal can be found here. Perez is coming off a 2016 campaign in which he hit .183 and posted an ugly wRC+ of 58 in 61 games played. He'll serve as a backup to Yan Gomes during the 2017 season.

Maile was designated for assignment Sunday, Roger Mooney of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

After deciding to open the season with Derek Norris and Jesus Sucre behind the plate, the Rays optioned Maile to the minor leagues Wednesday. This transaction removes the 26-year-old to clear a spot on the 40-man roster. If he passes through waivers, he'll likely open the season with Triple-A Durham.

Gomes ended his Cactus League campaign with an impressive .370/.426/.696 slash line over 54 plate appearances in 18 games.

Across the board, Gomes' spring numbers were some of the best among his teammates with 40-plus at-bats. The Tribe's top catcher has a history of impressive Cactus League seasons, so his performance doesn't justify inflating his stock prior to Opening Day. On the other hand, Gomes -- who's deservedly earned the "injury-prone" tag over his five years in MLB -- certainly looked healthy in March, and he appears ready to rebound from last season's career-worst .167 batting average.

Nicholas was placed on the 10-day disabled list Saturday, Stefan Stevenson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Nicholas was expected to miss time to start the season after he underwent surgery earlier in March for a torn meniscus in his left knee, so the move was more procedural. He'll serve as organizational depth when he returns.

McCann is dealing with a left hand contusion after being hit by a pitch Saturday, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

McCann was replaced after being plunked on the wrist, though post-game X-rays revealed there was no structural damage to the wrist, which is good news. Manager Brad Ausmus is expecting McCann to be in the Opening Day lineup, according to Anthony Feneche of the Detroit Free Press. If the 26-year-old is unavailable Monday, Alex Avila would start behind the dish.