MLB Player News

Mejia was optioned to Triple-A Columbus on Monday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

This isn't all too surprising, as Mejia has never been to Triple-A and was expected to open the season there with Yan Gomes and Roberto Perez ahead of him on the major-league depth chart. The 22-year-old prospect could earn a promotion to the majors at some point this season if either Gomes or Perez were to go down with an injury.

Moore will be sidelined for 5-to-6 days after suffering a left thumb injury, Marc Topkin of The Tampa Bay Times reports.

Moore is in big-league camp as a non-roster invitee and is likely to begin the year at the Triple-A level after signing with the organization last month. He should return to game action around the end of next week.

Mejia (foot) is in the lineup Friday against the Rockies.

Mejia is batting sixth as a designated hitter. He has been out since Tuesday with a foot contusion after getting hit by a pitch. He should be fully recovered by the start of the season, though it's likely that he starts the year with Triple-A Columbus.

Garver (knee) is 0-for-3 with a walk and a run scored in two games since returning from injury.

The catching prospect broke out with 17 homers and a .928 OPS at Triple-A Rochester last year. He's been slow out of the gate this spring (1-for-11 with a home run), but hopefully he can get back on track now that he's healthy again. Garver is expected to start the season as Jason Castro's backup behind the plate.

Stassi appears ahead of Tim Federowicz in the battle for the Astros' third catcher job, for now, Hunter Atkins of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Manager A.J. Hinch is calling it a "fierce battle" for the third catcher spot. Stassi is out of options, and the Astros seem happy with his improved athleticism and work with the starting staff in camp, but they are not guaranteeing him anything. Last year, Stassi was passed over for Juan Centeno when the Astros needed to call up a catcher, but Stassi hit .338/.430/.613 against lefties at Triple-A and would make for a logical replacement for Brian McCann behind the plate against southpaws, with Evan Gattis at DH.

The Rangers designated Nicholas for assignment Wednesday, Levi Weaver of The Athletic Dallas reports.

The transaction comes on the heels of Texas announcing the signing of reliever Tim Lincecum, who will assume Nicholas' spot on the 40-man roster. Nicholas had been in contention for the Rangers' backup catching gig, but assuming he goes unclaimed off waivers or isn't traded elsewhere, he'll likely remain in the thick of the competition for the role with Juan Centeno.

Mejia has been diagnosed with a right foot contusion, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Mejia suffered the injury after being hit by a pitch on his foot during Tuesday's Cactus League game. The good news is manager Terry Francona said the backstop is fine, noting his removal from the contest was simply precautionary. While the Indians could play it safe with the 22-year-old and hold him out of spring action for a little, the issue doesn't sound like anything that will affect his status for the start of the season. The highly-regarded prospect is set to open the season with Triple-A Columbus, though he could earn a promotion to the majors if Yan Gomes or Roberto Perez were to go down with an injury.

Mejia was removed from Tuesday's Cactus League game after being hit by a pitch on his foot, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

It's possible his removal was simply precautionary, as Mejia was able to walk off under his own power after briefly being checked on by manager Terry Francona and a member of the team's medical staff. More specifics regarding the injury should come forth once he's further evaluated, but consider the highly-touted prospect day-to-day for the time being.

Thaiss came off the bench and went 2-for-2 with a solo home run in Saturday's spring training loss to the Mariners.

The Angels' first base prospect has hit the ground running this spring, batting .313 (5-for-16) with a pair of homers and four RBI. He has a tough road to breaking camp on the 25-man roster as the club will likely want its backup first baseman to be right-handed in order to platoon with Luis Valbuena. That said, if the 22-year-old can continue to prove that he has developed the power to complement his solid discipline at the plate (77 walks in 606 plate appearances across two levels last season), he could force manager Mike Scioscia to make a tough decision come Opening Day.

Garver (knee) may not return to action until Tuesday, Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Garver tweaked his knee in Wednesday's game against the Astros. The injury is reportedly minor and an MRI revealed no structural damage. He had hoped to return to game action this weekend, but that appears likely to be delayed by a few days. Still, he should have plenty of time to get up to speed by Opening Day and should be ready to serve as the Twins' backup catcher.