MLB Player News

Escarra went 2-for-4 with a double, a walk, one stolen base and one run scored in Friday's 10-2 win over the Athletics.

The steal was Escarra's first in the big leagues. The catcher has two multi-hit efforts over his last five games dating back to April 27. He won't see all that much playing time with two other catchers (Austin Wells and Ben Rice) on the Yankees' roster, though Rice rarely catches. Escarra is batting .212 with a home run, four RBI, three runs scored and a steal over 40 plate appearances this season.

Wells isn't in the lineup for Friday's game against the Athletics.

Wells will take a seat Friday after going 3-for-12 with a home run, five RBI, two runs scored and a stolen base in New York's previous series against the Padres. J.C. Escarra will start behind the plate and bat seventh.

Kirk isn't in the lineup for Friday's game against the Mariners.

An 0-for-4 performance against the Angels on Thursday put an end to Kirk's six-game hitting streak, and he'll now get a chance to rest Friday while Tyler Heineman catches for Kevin Gausman.

Lee (ankle) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Charlotte on Friday, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Lee has missed the last month of action with a left ankle sprain but is ready to test things out in a game setting. With Edgar Quero now with the big club, Lee is not guaranteed to be added to the major-league roster once he's deemed physically ready.

Dingler is out of the lineup for the first game of Thursday's doubleheader in Colorado.

Tomas Nido will handle the catching duties for the first game of the day, but Dingler is expected to be back behind the plate for the nightcap.

Rutschman is not in the lineup for Thursday's game in Minnesota.

Rutschman had started each of the previous eight contests, so he'll be given a rest for Thursday's matinee. Maverick Handley is starting at catcher and batting ninth for the Orioles in the series finale.

Heim is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Red Sox.

After starting at catcher or designated hitter in each of the Rangers' last 11 games, Heim will get a much-needed day off as Texas wraps up its series in Boston. Dustin Harris will get a turn as the Rangers' DH on Thursday while Tucker Barnhart handles catching duties.

Thaiss is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Royals.

Though Edgar Quero is viewed as the team's top backstop, the White Sox's willingness to deploy him as a designated hitter has allowed Thaiss to see more work than the typical No. 2 catcher. The left-handed-hitting Thaiss had started each of the last three games, but he'll be excluded from the lineup Thursday while the Royals send southpaw Kris Bubic to the hill.

Zavala, who is on Triple-A Worcester's 7-day injured list due to a left oblique strain, began a rehab assignment in the rookie-level Florida Complex League on Monday and went 1-for-3 with a double and a walk in his first game.

After failing to win a backup catcher job with Boston after attending spring training as a non-roster invitee, Zavala reported to Triple-A Worcester and batted .129 over nine games before being shelved in mid-April. Just under a month later, Zavala looks to be nearing a return to action, but he'll likely stick around in Florida for a few more rehab games before linking back up with Worcester.

Jeffers is not in the lineup for Thursday's contest against the Orioles.

It's a routine day off for Jeffers, who started each of the previous five tilts. Christian Vazquez will do the catching and bat ninth as the Twins try to complete the sweep.