MLB Player News

Thole is in the lineup against the Rays on Monday.

This is a very interesting move, as Thole has historically received very few at-bats against left-handed pitchers such as Drew Smyly, the Rays' starter Monday. However, this is likely just a day off for everyday catcher Russell Martin, so Thole will probably head back to the bench following this game.

Casali is in the lineup Monday against the Blue Jays, Marc Topkin of The Tampa Bay Times reports.

Casali will get the start against R.A. Dickey after Hank Conger started the Opening Day game. It seems that the catching duo will split time throughout the course of the season.

Perez (concussion) said he's feeling better of late, but is still awaiting MLB clearance, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Perez has been dealing with a concussion since taking a ball off the bask in a spring game, but he played catch and took batting practice Sunday without issue. Expect the backup catcher to gain clearance to return to live action within the next few days.

Rupp is not in the lineup for Monday's season opener against the Reds, MLB.com's Todd Zolecki reports.

Rupp will be the Phillies' regular catcher this season, but he will give way to Ruiz on Monday, as manager Pete Mackanin wants to give the veteran Ruiz the honor of starting Opening Day. Expect Rupp to be behind the plate for the Phillies' next game Wednesday.

Perez took a foul tip to the mask in a recent spring training game and may be dealing with a concussion, Ryan Lewis of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

The Indians have made no roster moves yet involving Perez or the other catchers in the organization, but that could happen Monday while the team puts the backstop through the concussion protocol. If Perez is ultimately moved to the 7-day DL, the Indians would likely bring minor leaguer Adam Moore onto the roster to serve as the backup to Yan Gomes.

Vazquez (elbow) was placed on the 15-day DL on Sunday, Jason Mastrodonato of the Boston Herald reports.

Since Vazquez's DL stint was backdated to March 25, the Red Sox can bring the catcher back on the 25-man roster as soon as April 9. However, it's unclear if the team will go that route, as Vasquez could probably benefit from some more at-bats in the minors after missing all of 2015 following Tommy John surgery.

Grandal (forearm) has been placed on the 15-day DL, MLB.com's Ken Gurnick reports.

Grandal's placement on the DL confirms what had been reported earlier this weekend. While Grandal is on the shelf, look for A.J. Ellis to serve as the primary backstop, with Austin Barnes handling backup duties. Look for Grandal to target a return for the Dodgers' home opener on April 12.

Mesoraco (general soreness) will start on Opening Day, John Fay reports.

Mesoraco's scratch Saturday had a lot to do with the cold weather. It does illustrate, however, that with him coming back from his hip injury, he might be more prone to getting days off than other starting catchers, especially early in the season.

The White Sox assigned Sanchez to minor league camp Saturday, the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

There was no room on the big league roster with both Dioner Navarro and Alex Avila in the fold, so Sanchez will report to Triple-A Charlotte.

Diaz (elbow) was placed on the 15-day DL on Sunday, Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.

Diaz was a likely candidate to start the season at Triple-A Indianapolis, but due his standing on the 40-man roster, the Pirates will be able to stash him on the 15-day DL until he's healthy once again. He figures to remain only an organizational depth option at catcher for the Pirates while Francisco Cervelli and Chris Stewart remain healthy.