MLB Player News

Thaiss started at catcher for Triple-A Salt Lake on Saturday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Per Ardaya, the last time Thaiss served as backstop in a game was during his final collegiate season at Virginia in 2016. It's not clear whether Saturday's appearance behind the dish was simply an experiment or part of a broader effort to expand the organization's catching depth. For what it's worth, the Angels recently traded for journeyman backstop Drew Butera after temporarily losing the services of Max Stassi (concussion) and Anthony Bemboom (back).

Jansen is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Astros.

Jansen will get a routine breather in favor of Reese McGuire after starting at catcher in the past three games -- and slugging a home run in each of them. The 26-year-old has still been one of the majors' worst everyday players this season with a .104/.178/.254 slash line, but Jansen's recent power surge should at least give him a short-term boost in job security.

Higashioka is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Nationals.

After wresting the No. 1 catching job away from Gary Sanchez in late April, Higashioka appears to have fallen back into a timeshare at the position upon falling into a 2-for-20 slump at the plate over his last six games. Higashioka and Sanchez have now alternated starts over the past five contests.

Vazquez is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Orioles, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

Vazquez is presumably getting a routine breather for the day game after he caught four of Boston's past five games. Kevin Plawecki checks in behind the dish for Vazquez, who should be back in the lineup for Monday's series finale in Baltimore.

Garver (shoulder) will start at catcher and bat cleanup Sunday against the Tigers.

Garver is back in action after the right shoulder injury he sustained Friday only kept him out of the lineup for one game. Before sustaining the injury, Garver had been dialed in at the plate after an ice-cold start to the season. Over his last eight games, Garver has gone 7-for-22 with four home runs, four walks and seven RBI.

Jansen went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in the Blue Jays' 8-4 win over the Astros on Saturday.

Jansen has homered in each of his last three games after not having a single long ball in his first 62 plate appearances. The catcher is a double-digit home run threat, but it took him a while to get going this year. He has a rough .104/.178/.254 slash line through 73 plate appearances and had just one RBI in his first 21 games.

Kirk (hip) was transferred to the 60-day injured list Saturday.

General manager Ross Atkins indicated Thursday that Kirk could return in approximately four weeks, but the catcher will now be out until at least July due to his strained left hip flexor. Danny Jansen should continue to serve as the primary catcher with Reese McGuire available as a depth option.

Trevino isn't starting Saturday against the Mariners.

Trevino will retreat to the bench for the second time in the last three games. Jonah Heim will start at catcher and bat ninth.

Mejia (ribs) was placed on the 10-day injured list Saturday, retroactive to May 6, Justice delos Santos of MLB.com reports.

Mejia was scratched from Friday's lineup due to left intercostal discomfort, although it wasn't believed to be a serious injury. He apparently wasn't feeling better Saturday and will now spend time on the injured list. Mike Zunino should serve as the primary catcher in Mejia's absence while Kevan Smith should be available as a backup.

Murphy isn't starting Saturday against the Rays.

Murphy had started in each of the last six games, but Austin Allen will start behind the dish and bat eighth Saturday. Murphy went 3-for-11 with a double and four RBI in his last three games.