MLB Player News

Royals catcher Salvador Perez went 3 for 3 with a double, a home run and three RBI in his team's 9-5 win over the Reds Tuesday.

Perez entered Tuesday's action 2 for 7 with no extra-base hits in four games before his offensive explosion, which leaves him with a .500 batting average in the early-going. He has a .301/.331/.451 career line over his first 933 career regular-season at-bats.

Orioles newcomers such as second baseman Jemile Weeks and catcher Johnny Monell must show their versatility by playing multiple positions to maximize their chances of making the team out of spring training, according to the Baltimore Sun.

Weeks will compete with Ryan Flaherty for the starting job, but could earn a spot if he proves himself at shortstop and third base, where Alexi Casilla is also competing. Monell will battle Steve Clevenger for the backup role to Matt Wieters, but could also score points with Buck Showalter if he proves himself worthy at other positions.

Royals catcher Salvador Perez spent part of his offseason playing in the Venezuelan Winter League. He hit .289 with a .385 slugging percentage, .705 OPS, one home run, eight doubles and 17 RBI in 31 games.

Surprisingly, Perez didn't spend much time behind the plate, making 22 appearances at first base.

"Salvy's going to catch the bulk of the games here, and it was more for the at-bats than anything," assistant general manager J.J. Picollo told MLB.com. "It's something that Salvy takes a lot of pride in, and he wanted to help his team and play down there, so it was a way to get him at-bats and not have him get beat up behind the plate."

Yan Gomes is on track to open the season as the Indians' starting catcher, barring a complete meltdown during spring training. Though the Indians plan to move forward with Gomes as the team's starting catcher, Gomes isn't taking anything for granted, according to The Plain Dealer.

"I’m not taking it like I have a roster spot," Gomes said. "I’m still taking it like I’m earning a spot. I’m still trying to earn the respect of the fans, the media, whatever it is. I’m going to come in the same way I came in last year ... working hard and preparing for the year."

After appearing at 85 games at catcher for Cleveland in 2013, Gomes could see an increase to 120-130 games behind the plate in 2014.

"I’m excited for the challenge," he said. "That’s exactly what you work for and I spent the offseason working my butt off for it. I’m ready to go."

The Indians announced Wednesday they invited six players to spring training as non-roster invites. Among the players receiving invites were shortstop Francisco Lindor, who is considered the team's top prospect by Baseball America, and outfielder Tyler Naquin, who is considered the Indians' fourth-best prospect.

The remaining players receiving invites were catcher Jake Lowery, catcher Roberto Perez, infielder Joey Wendle and catcher Tony Wolters.

The Braves were unwilling to meet the Rays' asking price of pitcher Alex Wood, catcher Christian Bethancourt and at least two other top prospects to acquire David Price, nor were they willing to trade outfielders Justin Upton or Jason Heyward in a package for Cubs pitcher Jeff Samardzija, MLB.com reports.

The Braves instead signed Gavin Floyd to a one-year deal rather than trade multiple significant pieces to acquire a proven ace. It appears to be a seller's market with regards to starting pitching that could potentially be traded this offseason.

MLB.com reports that the Yankees traded catcher Chris Stewart to the Pirates on Monday. In exchange, the Yankees will receive a player to be named later.

Stewart was the Yankees' primary catcher in 2013, starting 97 games behind the plate while batting .211 with four home runs and 25 RBI. He will presumably be the backup to starting catcher Russell Martin.

The Giants have traded catcher Johnny Monell to the Orioles for cash considerations on Saturday, according to Comcast SportsNet Bay Area. Monell will likely compete for the team's backup job. He went .275/.364/.494 with 20 homers and 64 RBI last season in Triple-A Fresno.

Royals catcher Salvador Perez became the third Kansas City player to take home a Gold Glove Tuesday night in the American League, the Kansas City Star reports.

Perez beat out Matt Wieters of the Orioles and Joe Mauer of the Twins, both previous winners, to take home his first award. 

First baseman Eric Hosmer and left fielder Alex Gordon also won Gold Gloves for the Royals Tuesday. 

Royals catcher Salvador Perez hit his 13th home run in Sunday's win over the White Sox.

Perez went 3 for 4 with a run and two RBI. He'll finish the season at .292/.323/.433. He hit third in Sunday's finale, and one would imagine his performance will see him hitting in the heart of next year's Royals lineup.