MLB Player News

Vazquez will be on the bench for the first game of Friday's twin bill against Toronto, Bill Koch of The Providence Journal reports.

It's no surprise to see that Vazquez won't be asked to start twice behind the plate in one day. Kevin Plawecki gets the nod for the afternoon contest, but Vazquez will likely return to the lineup for the nightcap.

Trevino went 2-for-4 with a double and two RBI in Thursday's 8-4 loss to Houston.

The 28-year-old catcher has started three of the last four games (one at DH) since the Rangers dealt Robinson Chirinos at the trade deadline. Trevino, who has a career-best .806 OPS, will serve as the primary backstop going forward.

Maldonado went 2-for-3 with a solo home run, a double, two runs scored and a walk in Thursday's win over Texas.

The backstop took Lance Lynn deep for a solo shot in the sixth. It marked Maldonado's fourth homer of the season. Although he has typically hit near the bottom of Houston's lineup, he has provided steady production, slashing .272/.416/.457 to go along with 18 RBI.

Grullon was claimed off waivers by the Red Sox and optioned to the team's alternate training site Thursday.

Grullon was designated for assignment by the Phillies on Monday, and he'll now serve as organizational catching depth for the Red Sox. The 24-year-old had a .850 OPS with 21 home runs and 77 RBI with Triple-A Lehigh Valley last year, but he'll need to work on his defensive abilities.

Sanchez is not in Thursday's lineup against the Mets.

Sanchez has seven home runs on the season, but he has just 13 total hits while striking out at a 39.1 percent clip. At this point, it will be a challenge for him to finish the season above the Mendoza Line (current .135 average). Kyle Higashioka will start behind the dish and bat eighth.

Perez was removed from Wednesday's game against the Royals with right shoulder fatigue, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

The 31-year-old missed the about three weeks after suffering a right shoulder strain in late July, so Cleveland is liable to remain cautious with any issues in the same area. Perez will have Thursday's scheduled off day to aid in his recovery before potentially missing any games, but a potential aggravation of his previous injury is a problematic development.

Perez is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Yankees.

After starting behind the plate in the first two games of the series, Perez will give way to Kevan Smith in the finale. Perez is expected to serve as the Rays' top backstop for the foreseeable future with Mike Zunino (oblique) on the shelf.

Vazquez isn't in Wednesday's lineup against Atlanta.

Vazquez recorded hits in each of the past two contests, but he'll get a day off for the series finale against Atlanta. Kevin Plawecki will take over at catcher.

Trevino isn't in the lineup Wednesday against the Astros.

Trevino took two walks Tuesday, but he's gone 0-for-9 in his past three games and will take a seat for the second time in the past four games. Jeff Mathis will start behind the dish.

Perez went 2-for-4 with a home run, a double, three RBI and one scored Tuesday against the Royals.

Perez delivered his first home run of the season in the second inning, taking Matt Harvey deep for a two-run shot. He's been poor at the plate to this point in the campaign, as he's managed just a .170/.291/.255 line across 55 plate appearances. Given Cleveland's recent acquisition of Austin Hedges, Perez could also be pushed for playing time.