MLB Player News

Sanchez went 2-for-4 with a double and a two-run home run Friday against the Astros.

Sanchez smacked a ball well over the Astros' bullpen in the bottom of the third inning, giving his team an early 2-0 lead. The 26-year-old backstop is now tied for American League lead in home runs with 23 over 56 games this season, as he continues to put on a display of power at the dish.

Wallach (concussion) was transferred to the 60-day injured list Friday.

Wallach has been out since late May. He recently resumed baseball activities but will now be ineligible to return before late July. The transaction clears a spot on the 40-man roster for Wilkin Castillo, whose contract was selected after Jorge Alfaro landed on the injured list with a concussion of his own.

Castillo's contract was purchased by the Marlins on Friday.

The 35-year-old has just 37 big-league plate appearances to his name, none of which have come since 2009. He'll back up Bryan Holaday with both Jorge Alfaro and Chad Wallach recovering from concussions.

Stubbs was optioned to Triple-A Round Rock on Friday, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Stubbs slashed .160/.192/.200 in 26 plate appearances since being called up in late May after Max Stassi (knee) landed on the injured list. Stubbs received six starts during his first major-league stint and makes his way back to the minors with Stassi returning to action.

Stassi (knee) was activated off the 10-day injured list Friday, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Stassi has been playing in minor-league rehab games over the past week, clearing the way for his return to the Astros after missing nearly a month with a sore left knee. The 28-year-old will resume his role as the No. 2 catcher behind Robinson Chirinos.

Grandal is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Reds.

Grandal is in the middle of a small slump, grabbing just three hits in his last seven games. Manny Pina will start behind the plate Friday.

Vazquez is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Blue Jays, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

Vazquez will hit the bench for the second straight game with Sandy Leon garnering another start behind the plate. Vazquez currently has a modest six-game hit streak in which he is 11-for-30 with one double and one home run.

Garver (heel) is not in the lineup for Friday's game at Kansas City.

Garver exited Thursday's game due to left heel soreness and will need at least one day out of the lineup to recover. Jason Castro will start behind the plate and bat sixth in his absence.

Hedges remains on the bench for the third straight game Friday against the Pirates.

There haven't been reports of Hedges battling an injury, so it's possible he's simply fallen behind Francisco Mejia on the depth chart. His .185/.251/.315 slash line would make that seem like a reasonable move if not for the fact that Mejia is hitting .177/.212/.306 himself.

Barnhart is not in the lineup for Friday's game against Milwaukee.

Barnhart and Curt Casali have alternated starts behind the plate for the last seven games. Casali takes his turn Friday, but Barnhart could be back in action Saturday if the pattern continues.