MLB Player News

Sanchez (groin) hasn't yet begun his rehab assignment despite the initial plan being for him to start it Thursday, Erik Boland of Newsday reports.

Sanchez wasn't in the lineup for the Yankees' GCL affiliates on either Thursday or Friday. There haven't been reports of a setback, so it's possible that the team has simply elected to give him a few more days to rest, though as recently as Wednesday manager Aaron Boone was saying that his catcher would begin his assignment Thursday. The groin injury has been a troublesome one for Sanchez, as he returned from it July 20 only to head back to the disabled list three games later, so the Yankees certainly have reason to be cautious.

Garver is not in the lineup against Oakland on Thursday.

Garver will retreat to the bench after going 1-for-4 during Wednesday's loss to the White Sox. In his absence, Bobby Wilson will pick up a start behind the plate.

Contreras is not in the lineup versus the Reds on Thursday.

Contreras will get a little breather after starting 11 of the past 12 games. Victor Caratini will catch Cole Hamels and bat seventh in the order. Look for Contreras to rejoin the starting nine Friday.

Perez is out of the lineup Thursday against the Royals, Steve Carney of Sports Radio 620 WDAE reports.

Perez will give way to Jesus Sucre behind the dish for Thursday's series finale after catching the previous three games, going 3-for-11 with three runs scored over those starts. The 26-year-old is hitting .288/.317/.390 with one homer and four RBI through his first 19 big-league games.

Mesoraco was removed from Thursday's game against the Giants due to neck stiffness, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

Kevin Plawecki replaced Mesoraco in the top of the sixth inning. Mesoraco will head in for further evaluation following the conclusion of Thursday's game. Consider him day-to-day for the time being.

Hedges is not in the lineup versus Colorado on Thursday.

Hedges will take a seat for a standard day off after starting six of the previous seven games. A.J. Ellis will handle the catching duties during Thursday's matinee.

McCann is not in the lineup against the White Sox on Thursday, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

McCann will head to the bench for a standard breather following three straight starts behind the dish. In his absence, Grayson Greiner will handle the catching duties and bat seventh.

Gomes is out of the lineup versus the Red Sox on Thursday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Gomes will receive a standard breather after starting the first three games of this series, during which he's gone 5-for-12 with one home run and two RBI. Roberto Perez will catch Adam Plutko in the matinee.

Plawecki is not in the lineup against the Giants on Thursday.

Plawecki will retreat to the bench for a regular day off after starting the past two games behind the plate. In his absence, Devin Mesoraco will catch Jacob deGrom and bat seventh in the order.

Maldonado went 3-for-5 with a double, a homer, two runs and three RBI in Wednesday's win over the Mariners.

It was quite the game for the veteran catcher, who hasn't been much of an asset with the bat this season. He hit an RBI single in the second, an RBI double in the fourth and added his eighth homer of the season with a solo shot in the fifth. Despite the strong game, he's still hitting just .226/.283/.370 on the season.