MLB Player News

Sanchez isn't in the lineup for the second game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Rays.

Sanchez will hit the bench after going 0-for-2 with two walks and one strikeout in the first game of Saturday's twin bill. Erik Kratz will start behind the plate and bat ninth.

Nola isn't starting Saturday against the Rockies.

Nola had a home run and a double in Friday's loss, but he'll sit for the second time in the last three games. Joe Hudson is starting at catcher and batting ninth Saturday.

Perez came on as a pinch hitter in the eighth inning against the Yankees on Friday and hit what would prove to be the game-winning sacrifice fly.

The young backstop carried out his role effectively, with his flyball to center plating Yoshi Tsutsugo with the only run of the night. Perez is still seeing very sporadic action -- he has only two starts on the season -- but he's firmly locked in as Mike Zunino's primary backup behind the dish.

Maldonado isn't in the lineup Saturday against the Athletics.

Maldonado drew walks in each of the past four contests, but he'll take a seat after Saturday's 13-inning loss. Dustin Garneau will start behind the dish and bat ninth.

Higashioka was placed on the 10-day injured list Saturday with a right oblique strain.

Higashioka's last start came Wednesday, but he apparently suffered an oblique injury during the contest. To take his place as the backup catcher behind Gary Sanchez for the time being, the Yankees signed Erik Kratz to a major-league contract. It's unclear how much time Higashioka will miss.

Leon isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the White Sox.

Leon has been in an 0-for-15 slump over his past six contests, so he'll retreat to the bench for the second time in the past three games. Beau Taylor is starting behind the dish, batting eighth.

Grandal (foot) is starting Saturday's game against Cleveland.

Grandal was held out of Friday's win while dealing with a minor foot issue. However, he'll reclaim his spot in the starting lineup for the second game of the series, batting fourth.

Collins started at designated hitter and went 0-for-3 in Friday's 2-0 win over Cleveland.

Collins, who is still looking for his first hit of 2020, found himself in the lineup for a second straight game as as a replacement for the injured Edwin Encarnacion (shoulder). White Sox manager Rick Renteria is hoping Encarnacion, who took dry swings Friday, can elevate to normal work Saturday. That suggests Collins' window of opportunity will close soon. Prior to his two-game run in the starting lineup, Collins had just nine plate appearances.

Nola went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run and an RBI double during Friday's loss to the Rockies.

Nola swatted a two-run homer off Antonio Senzatela in the sixth inning, then added an RBI double in the eighth to cap off a successful night at the plate. The long ball was the first of the year for the 30-year-old backstop, who is slashing .324/.395/.588 across 12 games.

Grandal's absence from the lineup for Friday's game against Cleveland is due to an irritation in his left foot, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

The issue is evidently a minor one, as Grandal will be available off the bench and is expected to return to the lineup Saturday. James McCann starts behind the plate in his absence.