MLB Player News

The Indians announced Monday that catcher Yan Gomes has officially been signed to a six-year extension through the 2019 season with options for the following two years, MLB.com reports.

Gomes has taken over as the team's everyday catcher, providing good offense for the position while representing an upgrade defensively over former catcher Carlos Santana. He was initially acquired by the Indians in a trade with the Blue Jays after the 2012 season.

Royals catcher Salvador Perez was locked in during Monday's season opener against the Tigers, going 4 for 4 with one run and one RBI in a 4-3 loss. Perez doubled twice off Tigers starting pitcher Justin Verlander, which included an RBI double that tied the game at 1 in the fourth inning.

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.

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.

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.

Josh Thole batted just .175 last season, but the Blue Jays are not keeping him on their roster in 2014 for his bat. The team has announced that Thole will be the personal catcher for knuckleballer and ace R.A. Dickey.

Thole's batting average has dropped every season since he hit .321 with the Mets in 2009. The Jays, however, want to make certain they have someone to handle the elusive knuckler thrown by Dickey.