Lou

Marson

The implication here is that Carlos Santana will likely see more time at DH when he’s not behind the plate. Travis Hafner owns a lowly .240/.298/.382 batting line against left-handed pitching over the past three seasons, so that might not be such a bad thing.

It was the backup catcher’s fourth start of the season, as he has been earning about one per week. He stranded five runners in this game, and is now batting 1-for-12 (.083). A career .215 hitter, don’t expect Marson to make much of an impact regardless of playing time.

He missed the previous three games with a facial contusion. Marson has been starting in place of the injured Carlos Santana (concussion).

Santana went 0-for-4 with an RBI groundout before a foul ball off the bat of Alex Rios hit him in the mask. He was replaced by Lou Marson behind the plate. We’ll likely hear more on his status following the game, but we’re assuming he’ll be sent for concussion tests.

Santana hasn’t played since leaving Wednesday’s game with back tightness and a sore right side. He’s feeling better and could be cleared to return to the lineup as soon as Saturday if he swing and throw without any issues. Lou Marson is making another start behind the plate Friday.

Santana first felt the discomfort during Wednesday’s game against the Yankees, and was pulled in the ninth inning. Lou Marson is starting at catcher on Thursday.

Santana has caught each of the last two games after returning from soreness in his lower back and side, so he’s likely just getting the afternoon off. Lou Marson is starting behind the dish and batting ninth.

Marson was hit by a Gavin Floyd pitch in the fourth inning and didn’t return. Luke Carlin has replaced him in the lineup. Marson was set to do most of the catching with Carlos Santana (concussion) on the 7-day disabled list.

He initially stayed in the game, but was later removed when the cut wouldn’t stop bleeding. Marson isn’t likely to miss games and could be back in the lineup Monday. Luke Carlin will continue to serve as depth.

Hafner hasn’t played since Sunday due to back stiffness. He could be sent for additional tests if the discomfort persists. Carlos Santana will serve as the DH on Wednesday afternoon while Lou Marson catches Justin Masterson.