MLB Player News

Thole has been promoted to Triple-A Oklahoma City, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

Austin Barnes sustained a groin injury Sunday, so Thole's promotion is a likely sign that catching prospect Will Smith is headed to the big leagues, per Gurnick. Thole was slashing .277/.368/.400 for Double-A Tulsa before the move.

Smith is expected to be promoted to the Dodgers on Monday, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

Smith is expected to earn his first promotion to the majors in the wake of Austin Barnes' battle with a groin injury. Smith has hit well at Triple-A Oklahoma City, slashing .290/.404/.551 across 166 plate appearances this season.

Vazquez is not in the lineup Monday against Cleveland.

Vazquez is hitting .383/.393/.550 over his last 17 games. Sandy Leon gets the call behind the plate in his absence.

Perez (oblique) will take batting practice Monday, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

Perez has been out with an oblique strain since early May but says he now feels 90-to-95-percent healthy. He's expected to begin a rehab assignment over the weekend if all goes well until then. Fellow catcher Mike Zunino (quadriceps) is expected to begin a rehab assignment around the same time.

Jansen is not in the lineup Monday against the Rays.

Jansen and Luke Maile have been splitting time evenly behind the plate recently, each catching five times in the last 10 games. Maile will take his turn Monday.

Zavala started and went 0-for-5 in Sunday's 7-0 loss to the Twins.

Zavala made his major-league debut Sunday after he was promoted from Triple-A Charlotte on Saturday. He's filling in while Welington Castillo (head) is on the injured list.

Barnes was removed from Sunday's game against the Pirates in the sixth inning due to left groin soreness, Alanna Rizzo of Spectrum SportsNet LA reports.

Barnes went 0-for-1 with a pair of walks and an RBI before the injury forced his early departure. Russell Martin entered the contest in his stead and will catch the remainder of the game for the Dodgers.

Narvaez is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Athletics, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

Narvaez will merely be getting a routine rest in the series finale after taking each of the past four turns behind the plate. Tom Murphy will step in as the catcher for starting pitcher Mike Leake.

Stallings had his contract selected from Triple-A Indianapolis by the Pirates on Sunday, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports.

Stallings was outrighted to Triple-A earlier in May but makes his return to the Pirates after Francisco Cervelli suffered a concussion Saturday. The 29-year-old should serve as the backup catcher to Elias Diaz until Cervelli is good to go.

Barnhart is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Cubs.

Barnhart has swung a hot bat over the last five games by going 7-for-17 with two home runs and five RBI, but he nonetheless will take a seat Sunday. Curt Casali will start behind the dish and bat eighth in the series finale.