MLB Player News

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.

Grandal is out of the lineup Sunday against the Marlins.

Grandal started the first two games of the series but will take a seat for the finale against left-handed pitcher Chris O'Grady. Austin Barnes will man the backstop in his stead.

Vazquez is out of the lineup for the first game of the Red Sox's doubleheader with the Yankees on Sunday, Chad Jennings of the Boston Herald reports.

The Red Sox are presumably saving Vazquez for the nightcap, during which he'll catch left-hander David Price. Sandy Leon will receive the nod behind the plate for Game 1.

Sanchez started in place of Austin Hedges (concussion) on Saturday, going 1-for-4 with a walkoff two-run home run in a win over the Giants.

Sanchez was a late addition to the lineup after Hedges experienced concussion symptoms prior to Saturday's game. The veteran backstop took advantage of the opportunity and popped his career-best fourth homer of the season. Hedges' injury isn't considered serious, and he could return to the lineup as soon as Sunday, but Sanchez would be the main beneficiary if the Padres' primary catcher was forced to miss additional time.

Grandal went 1-for-5 with a three-run homer Saturday against the Marlins.

Grandal launched his 12th home run of the campaign as part of a five-run third inning that led the Dodgers to a road victory. His .267 batting average is at its highest level since his rookie year, and he's been a solid lineup option at catcher, as he also has a .474 slugging percentage.

Hedges was held out of Saturday's game after feeling some effects from taking a foul ball to the head Friday, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

It appears to be a precautionary move by the Padres, as they would rather not risk a head injury with their young catcher. Initial hopes are that a stint on the 7-day concussion DL won't be needed, though it will certainly be a situation worth monitoring over the coming days. Hector Sanchez will take Hedges' place as the starting backstop for Saturday's tilt.

Hedges (undisclosed) was scratched from Saturday's lineup for precautionary reasons.

The team has yet to announce an official injury status for Hedges, but the fact remains that he'll be held out of Saturday's lineup. Hector Sanchez will take his place behind the plate and the Padres figure to have a further update on Hedges later in the weekend.

Vazquez is out of the lineup for Saturday's game against the Yankees, Scott Lauber of ESPN.com reports.

Vazquez will take a seat for Saturday's afternoon contest after going 1-for-3 Friday night. In his place, Sandy Leon will set up behind the plate and bat eighth in the order. With a doubleheader on tap for Sunday, Vazquez will likely start Game 1 while Leon takes on the duties in Game 2.

Contreras went 1-for-4 with a three-run homer Friday against the Orioles.

Contreras launched his 12th blast of the year to put the Cubs on the board in the first inning of a winning effort. He's left the yard six times over his last 17 games, and he continues to provide fantasy owners with solid power from the catcher position, as evidenced by his .462 slugging percentage.

Sanchez went 2-for-4 with a homer and three RBI on Friday against the Red Sox.

Sanchez's 14th bomb of the year gave the Yankees a one-run lead in the fifth inning of a game they'd go on to lose. He's followed up his amazing 2016 season with an outstanding .280/.362/.505 slash line, making him one of a very few elite options at catcher.