MLB Player News

Pinto went 2-for-3 with a two-run homer in an 8-4 loss Tuesday against the Mariners.

Pinto entered the game in the fifth inning as a defensive replacement after Mike Zunino left with a biceps strain. After striking out in his first at-bat, he homered off Matt Koch in the seventh for his first major-league hit. The 25-year-old has been in the Rays organization since 2014, compiling a .278/.334/.434 batting line across eight minor-league seasons. With Zunino leaving the game with an injury and Francisco Mejia on the COVID-19 injured list, Pinto may be in line for more playing time in the near future.

Sanchez (abdomen) could still be placed on the injured list if he doesn't feel good Wednesday, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

Sanchez has already been out for six days, well past the point at which the Twins could backdate any injured list move to the beginning of his absence. He's expected to try to ramp up with some light activity Wednesday, but if that doesn't go well, he'll be placed on the injured list.

Jansen (oblique) will begin hitting off a tee Tuesday, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Jansen has missed over two weeks already with a strained left oblique. He's seemingly making progress but doesn't appear to be particularly close to a return to action.

Stassi will sit Tuesday against Cleveland, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Stassi hits the bench for the second time in the last three games. He's gotten off to a decent start at the plate this season, hitting .222/.333/.417 in 11 games. Kurt Suzuki will catch for Patrick Sandoval in Stassi's absence.

Raleigh is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Rays.

Raleigh and Tom Murphy will continue their pattern of alternating turns behind the plate, as both backstops have now drawn three starts at catcher apiece over the Mariners' last six games. The recent return of Luis Torrens from the COVID-19 injured list gives Seattle yet another option at catcher, so Raleigh could be more likely to see his playing time decrease than grow moving forward.

Jeffers (knee) will bat eighth and start behind the plate Tuesday against the Tigers, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

Jeffers was scratched Sunday with a bruised left knee, but he's ready to go following Monday's off day. He'll look to build on his performance over his last two games, when he went 3-for-6 with two doubles and a homers while scoring four runs.

Sanchez (abdomen) remains on the bench for Tuesday's game against the Tigers, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

Sanchez hasn't played since Wednesday while dealing with abdominal tightness. He's evidently still not ready to go following Monday's scheduled off day, so Ryan Jeffers (knee) will start behind the plate.

Garver will be on the bench for Tuesday's game against the Astros.

Garver and Jonah Heim have alternated starts behind the plate over the last eight games, though Garver has served as the designated hitter twice over that stretch. He'll get a true day off Tuesday, with Heim at catcher and Willie Calhoun taking the DH spot.

Kirk will sit Tuesday against the Red Sox.

Kirk finds himself sitting in favor of Zack Collins for the second time in three games. Kirk's .227/.327/.227 season slash line is poor, though he's at least seeing the ball well, striking out just four times to go along with seven walks. He's not hitting the ball with much authority, however, as his barrel rate has dropped from 11.0 percent last season to 2.4 percent this year. He's yet to record an extra-base hit.

Trevino will be on the bench for Tuesday's game against Baltimore.

Trevino started just three of the Yankees' first 12 games, but he appeared to be moving into the starting role due to Kyle Higashioka's underperformance, getting the nod in three of the next four contests. Higashioka will get the call Tuesday, so it may still take some more time to figure out which backstop is the preferred option.