MLB Player News

Realmuto went 1-for-4 with a home run and three RBI in Thursday's win over the Phillies.

Getting the start at first base -- and seeing action there for the fifth time in 2017, giving him extra position eligibility in many fantasy formats -- Realmuto hit his third homer in the last week and 16th of the season. His .200 (16-for-80) batting average in August may be due to fatigue, however, so don't be surprised if he gets a few more rest days, or partial rest days while he mans first, down the stretch.

McCann went 1-for-3 with a solo home run, a walk and three runs scored in Thursday's win over the Yankees. He also got a scare when he took a Dellin Betances fastball to the helmet, but he remained in the game.

Betances hit McCann with a 98 mph fastball in the seventh inning, and McCann remained on the ground for a few moments. After the benches had already cleared in a wild brawl an inning earlier, the beaning brought both benches onto the field again, though there was no second brawl. McCann stayed in the game and got the last laugh when he launched his home run in the eighth inning. Getting hit in the head is always a serious matter, so even though he remained in the game, McCann will likely get evaluated further and could get some time off in the near future.

Perez went 3-for-4 with a double, a walk and two RBI against the Red Sox on Thursday.

Perez was one of six Cleveland batters to finish with multiple hits in the 13-6 rout. The backup catcher has mustered seven RBI in his past three games after driving in only 17 runs in his first 48.

Grandal went 1-for-4 with a walk and a solo home run in Thursday's win over the Pirates.

The 28-year-old has been on a power surge lately, smacking four homers in his last seven games to bring his total to 18. Grandal has historically been a low-average player, but thanks to the power, he's well on his way toward finishing as a top-seven catcher for the second straight season.

Bethancourt could be among the minor leaguers called up to the Padres when rosters expand in September, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

This is despite the fact that Bethancourt has been terrible in the minors. He owns an 8.12 ERA over 37.2 innings for Triple-A El Paso and has walked 28 batters against just 20 strikeouts. That said, the Padres need to make a decision about Bethancourt's long-term future with the club soon, so what better time than the present to see what he's got?

Maldonado is not in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Rangers, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Maldonado will get the series finale off after starting the first three games of the series and going 4-for-13. Juan Graterol will take over behind the dish, batting eighth.

Hedges is not in the lineup Thursday against St. Louis.

Hedges will get a standard day off following two straight starts, while Luis Torrens draws the assignment behind the plate. Over the past 10 games, Hedges is slashing just .135/.154/.216.

Gomes is not in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Red Sox.

Gomes is hitless over his last 11 at-bats, so he'll get the day off to gather himself after starting three of the past four games at backstop. In his place, Roberto Perez will take over behind the dish, batting eighth.

Vazquez is not in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Indians, Jason Mastrodonato of the Boston Herald reports.

Vazquez went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts in Wednesday's contest, so he'll hit the bench for the second time in three games as Sandy Leon draws another start behind the dish. The Red Sox will continue to deploy Vazquez and Leon in what is seemingly an unpredictable timeshare.

Contreras (hamstring) took batting practice prior to Thursday's game against the Reds, Mark Gonzales of The Chicago Tribune reports.

This marks the first time Contreras was able to partake in batting practice since landing on the DL about two weeks ago. In recent days, the 25-year-old was able to participate in agility drills as well as catch Jake Arrieta during a side session. Contreras remains on a path to return to the big-league team right around the middle of September.