MLB Player News

Sanchez went 2-for-4 with a three-run home run in Sunday's 7-1 win over San Francisco.

The veteran backstop punished his former club yet again, going yard for the second time in as many starts against the Giants. Sanchez has flashed some power since returning from the disabled list, homering four times in 25 at-bats. While the recent surge has been impressive, he'll return to a bench role when Austin Hedges (concussion) returns to action Monday against the Rockies.

Contreras went 4-for-5 with a run during Sunday's win over Baltimore.

Contreras got the short end of the stick Sunday, as Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo both hit home runs in front of him and combined to drive in four. Still, Contreras went 8-for-14 with three doubles, a home run, four RBI and three runs during the three-game series against Baltimore. He projects to see a hefty workload going forward and has the potential to be a high-end fantasy catcher in the second half.

Hedges (head) said he's hopeful he'll be able to return to action Monday against the Rockies, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

Hedges missed Sunday's game against the Giants after taking a foul ball to the head during Friday's contest, but he said he's feeling better and could have entered Sunday's game, had he been needed. With that in mind, a return Monday, as the Padres open a three-game set in Colorado, seems very possible.

Narvaez went 1-for-1 with a two-run homer and a walk Sunday against the Mariners.

Narvaez doubled his career home run total with his first of the season off righty Andrew Moore. The 25-year-old catcher has just four extra-base hits in 48 games, so he's not in the lineup for his bat. In fact, he was lifted for a pinch hitter in the sixth inning despite his productive day at the plate.

Gomes is out of the lineup Sunday against the Athletics, Paul Hoynes of Cleveland.com reports.

Gomes will hit the bench following a string of six consecutive starts that dates back to before the All-Star break, paving the way for Roberto Perez to enter the starting nine. While Gomes recorded just two hits during that six-game stretch and is batting a woeful .219 for the season, he still looks set to see the bulk of the starts behind the dish.

Perez is out of the lineup Sunday against the Rangers, 610 Sports Radio Kansas City reports.

After participating in the All-Star Game and going 0-for-8 while starting behind the plate in the first two games of the series, Perez will receive a breather Sunday. Drew Butera spells him behind the plate, catching for starting pitcher Ian Kennedy.

Hedges (head) is not in the lineup Sunday against the Giants, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

Hedges will miss his second straight game after taking a foul ball to the head during Friday's outing. The catcher is replaced yet again by Hector Sanchez, who will bat cleanup in the series finale. Hedges should be considered day-to-day for the time being.

D'Arnaud is out of the lineup Sunday against the Rockies.

After making the first two starts of the second half for the Mets, d'Arnaud will take a seat in favor of Rene Rivera behind the plate.

Sanchez is out of the lineup for the first game of Sunday's doubleheader with the Red Sox.

After a busy break in which he participated in the Home Run Derby in addition to making his first All-Star appearance, Sanchez started the Yankees' first two games of the second half. He'll finally get a breather for the front end of the doubleheader, but it's expected that Sanchez will be back behind the plate for the nightcap. Austin Romine draws the start at catcher for the matinee.

Realmuto is out of the lineup Sunday against the Dodgers.

Realmuto started each of the first two games of the second half and seven in a row overall, so it was likely time for a regular day off. A.J. Ellis will man the backstop in his stead.