MLB Player News

Gomes went 3-for-5 and drove in a run Sunday as the Indians defeated the Orioles 7-3.

Although Gomes has started the majority of Cleveland's games behind the dish, it's not uncommon for him to share time with Roberto Perez. Despite this, he's been effective when in the lineup and has hit .261 with three home runs. However, that batting average may not be sustainable, as he's struck out in 34 percent of his plate appearances.

Sanchez went 1-for-3 with a walk and two runs scored Sunday against the Blue Jays.

Saturday's day off seemed to benefit Sanchez, as he hit his fifth double of the season and scored twice in his return to the lineup. Although he's gotten off to a slow start to the season and is hitting .188 with a .614 OPS over 17 games, he's starting to find his rhythm at the dish. Over his last seven games, he's gone 8-for-28 (.286) and drawn two walks.

Royals manager Ned Yost reiterated Sunday that Perez (knee) is "very close" to returning from the 10-day disabled list, perhaps as soon as Tuesday's series opener against the Brewers, Rustin Dodd of The Athletic Kansas City reports. "It could very well be the next series," Yost said of Perez's impending activation. "But we just have to wait and see."

After initially appearing in rehab games for Double-A Northwest Arkansas and Triple-A Omaha as a designated hitter, Perez has caught in the past two games for the latter affiliate, an indication his sprained left knee is no longer much of a concern. Perez has also impressed at the dish during his six rehab contests, going 8-for-21 with two home runs, a double and four RBI. If Perez is in fact activated Tuesday, he could receive an extra rest day or two in his first couple of weeks back with the big club, but he should take on one of the heavier workloads among all catchers in baseball once he's further removed from the injury.

Mesoraco (wrist) is starting at catcher and batting sixth Sunday against the Cardinals.

Mesoraco suffered a bruised right wrist Tuesday against the Brewers but was able to make a pinch-hit appearance Friday and will now carry starting duties Sunday. The wrist injury is behind him, and he should be good to go as the Reds' reserve catcher moving forward.

Contreras is not in the lineup Sunday against the Rockies.

Contreras went 1-for-4 with a double and two RBI on Saturday and will now be given the afternoon off as the Cubs take on German Marquez in the series finale. Victor Caratini draws the start at catcher and bats seventh in his stead.

Contreras went 1-for-4 with a double and two RBI on Saturday against the Rockies.

Contreras has now recorded one hit in each of his past five games, slowly working out of a sluggish few weeks of April. He also has back-to-back games with extra-base hits and at least one RBI. He has yet to homer this season, but has seven doubles, alleviating some concern that his power production will remain down in the long term.

Maldonado is out of the lineup against the Giants on Saturday.

Maldonado will take a seat Saturday after starting the past four games behind the plate for the Halos. Rene Rivera will again replace him at catcher and bat ninth.

Vazquez is not in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Athletics, Sean McAdam of BostonSportsJournal.com reports.

Vazquez has fallen into a bit of a slump -- going 2-for-18 over his last five starts -- and will have a rest day Saturday. Sandy Leon will take over behind the plate for Boston against Oakland, batting seventh.

Realmuto is not in the lineup Saturday against the Brewers, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports.

Realmuto had started the Marlins' first three games since returning from the disabled list with a back contusion, going 3-for-10 with a home run. He'll get a day off Saturday, with Bryan Holaday starting in his place.

Mesoraco (wrist) is out of the lineup against the Cardinals on Saturday, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

Mesoraco was able to pinch hit during Friday's contest, which marked his first at-bat since going down with a wrist injury Tuesday. It doesn't appear as though he's ready to return to the field just yet, but he will likely be available off the bench yet again Saturday. Consider him day-to-day ahead of Sunday's series finale.