MLB Player News

Braves catcher Christian Bethancourt (thumb) is not in the lineup Friday.

Bethancourt made it through just two at-bats Thursday before being removed due to what was is assumed to be a reoccurring thumb injury that kept him out of the lineup since Sept. 21. With just more one gaming, it's likely he played the last game of his season Thursday.

Indians catcher Roberto Perez went 2 for 4 with a two-run homer Thursday against the Twins.

Unfortunately for the Indians, that one swing generated their only runs on the day. Perez hasn't offered much in fantasy, but he's now homered in two of his last three starts and has seven hits in 20 at-bats (a .350 average) over his last six starts, so he's closing things out on a high note.

Royals catcher Salvador Perez (thumb) indicated after Thursday's game that he's fine, the Kansas City Star reports.

Perez was likely removed from Thursday's contest for precautionary reasons, as it appears he will be good to go moving forward. Given the current situation with the Royals and the impending playoff run on tap, it's possible the Royals will rest their injured players for the weekend series, depending on how much they value home field advantage. If that's the case, Drew Butera seems the likely candidate to receive starts behind the plate.

Royals catcher Salvador Perez left Thursday's game with a swollen right thumb, Joel Goldberg of Fox Sports Kansas City reports.

In a nightmare night for the Royals, Perez becomes the fourth player to earn a day-to-day tag on the team, though Lorenzo Cain's existed prior to Thursday. Fortunately, none of the injuries to this point appear serious, so it's quite possible the club is being cautious. Perez will join Cain, Kendrys Morales and Alex Rios as day-to-day, but the club may elect to rest them, which could mean starts for either Drew Butera or Francisco Pena if Perez sits.

Braves catcher Christian Bethancourt likely aggravated his wrist injury in Thursday's game against the Nationals, Kevin McAlpin of Sports Radio 680 The Fan reports.

Bethancourt's wrist has been a continual issues, returning Thursday for the first time since jamming reportedly jamming his thumb Sept. 21. Considering there are just two games remaining in the season, it wouldn't be surprising if the young backstop has played his last contest. Ryan Lavarnway replaced him behind the plate Thursday.

Mets pitcher Hansel Robles has been suspended for three games for intentionally throwing at Phillies catcher Cameron Rupp on Wednesday, per Joel Sherman of MLB.com.

This suspension will not affect his eligibility for the postseason, but if Robles chooses to appeal the decision the punishment would extend into next season. While the 25 year old has pitched well this season, he's given up seven runs in the past two weeks, so it could be a benefit to get a few games off before gearing up for the playoffs.

Braves rookie catcher Christian Bethancourt is in the lineup Thursday.

Bethancourt has been out of the lineup since Sept. 20 with a jammed thumb, but it appears he is finally ready to play as Atlanta takes on National League East rival Washington. The 24 year old will play behind the plate and hit eighth.

Dodgers catcher Yasmani Grandal is out of the lineup Tuesday, the Los Angeles Times reports.

As is usually the case, A.J. Ellis will get the start at catcher with Clayton Kershaw on the mound. Grandal should get a few more starts before the start of the postseason.

Braves catcher Christian Bethancourt (thumb) is not in the lineup Tuesday against Washington.

Bethancourt jammed his thumb more than a week ago, and he's yet to return to action. A.J. Pierzynski will make another start at catcher Tuesday, and he'll bat cleanup.

Rays catcher Curt Casali (hamstring) worked out on the field prior to Sunday's game, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. 

Casali did some running and a few other general exercises, but it's not clear if the Rays plan on having him back in the final week of the regular season. The team has been splitting the playing time at catcher fairly equitably of late between J.P. Arencibia and Luke Maile.