MLB Player News
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Jake Rogers C | DET
Tigers' Jake Rogers: Hits first spring home run
Rogers went 2-for-2 with a solo home run in Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Orioles.
The home run was the first for Rogers this spring, and he's now batting .250 with a robust .931 OPS in Grapefruit League play. Rogers is locked in as Detroit's starting catcher, and after hitting 21 long balls last year, there's some fantasy upside due to power potential. However, he also will likely continue to have a low batting average and high strikeout rate as an all-or-nothing type slugger.
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Samuel Basallo C | BAL
Orioles' Samuel Basallo: Game at-bats coming soon
Basallo (elbow) will make his spring debut early next week before playing in the Spring Breakout game Thursday, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.
The 19-year-old hasn't seen the field so far in camp while recovering from a stress fracture in his right elbow, but he's just about fully cleared for hitting. Basallo isn't expected to be ready to catch in games until the second half of April, so there's still significant rehab work left to go.
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Austin Wells C | NYY
Yankees' Austin Wells: Showing defensive improvement
Manager Aaron Boone has praised Wells for his defensive improvement this spring, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.
Wells is a highlyregarded prospect in the Yankees' system, primarily based on his hit tool and potential to hit for power. His skills profile would stand out particularly well if he can stick at catcher, though his defense has raised questions in the past. The team has given Wells the chance to prove his ability at the position this spring, and he seems to be taking advantage.
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Danny Jansen C | TEX
Blue Jays' Danny Jansen: Returns to spring lineup
Jansen (illness) will start at catcher and bat cleanup Thursday in the Blue Jays' Grapefruit League game against the Tigers.
He'll be back in the lineup for the first time since Saturday after a fever kept him out of commission for a few days. Jansen is once again projected to begin the 2024 season in a timeshare at catcher with Alejandro Kirk.
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Jose Trevino C | CIN
Yankees' Jose Trevino: Set for spring debut Sunday
Trevino (calf) will make his Grapefruit League debut Sunday against Atlanta, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.
Trevino tweaked a calf just before the start of camp but has progressed well since then and is finally ready to test his health in a game setting. The veteran catcher is projected to share duties behind the plate this season with Austin Wells.
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Bo Naylor C | CLE
Guardians' Bo Naylor: Rejoins spring lineup
Naylor (back) will start at catcher and bat cleanup Wednesday in the Guardians' Cactus League game against the Brewers.
He'll crack the Cactus League lineup for just the second time this spring and the first time since Feb. 24 after back spasms kept him out of commission for about a week and a half. Provided he experiences no further setbacks with his back during camp, Naylor should be ready to handle the lion's share of the starts behind the dish by the time the regular season gets underway.
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Austin Hedges C | CLE
Guardians' Austin Hedges: In positional battle
Hedges has gone 2-for-8 with a home run, a double, two RBI and three strikeouts over four Cactus League games.
Hedges is not guaranteed to open the season as the Guardians' backup catcher despite his $4 million salary for 2024. David Fry, who can also play first base and corner outfield, could be in line for the backup catcher role -- or offer the Guardians the choice to carry three natural backstops. Among the team's catching crew, Hedges offers the least offensive upside, as he hasn't hit better than .184 in any of the past five seasons. Bo Naylor (back) is penciled in as the Guardians' starter behind the dish.
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David Fry C | CLE
Guardians' David Fry: Strikeouts piling up
Fry has gone 3-for-13 with two extra-base hits, four RBI and five strikeouts over five Cactus League games.
Fry needs a strong spring, as he is in contention for a number of roles. A natural catcher, Fry could displace Austin Hedges from the backup role behind Bo Naylor (back). If that doesn't happen, Fry also offers coverage at first base and the corner outfield. He's unlikely to displace Josh Naylor at first base, but right field remains wide open for the Guardians. Fry had his first taste of major-league action in 2023, slashing .238/.319/.416 with four home runs, 15 RBI, 12 runs scored and two stolen bases over 113 plate appearances.
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Tyler Soderstrom C | ATH
Athletics' Tyler Soderstrom: Slow start to spring
Soderstrom, who dealt with an illness earlier in spring training, is 1-for-8 with a double, an RBI, a walk and a run over his first four exhibitions.
The promising prospect slashed just .160/.232/.240 across 45 games in his first taste of the big leagues last season, but Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports that Soderstrom is set to have multiple paths to playing time this coming season. Soderstrom will be part of a left-right platoon at catcher with Shea Langeliers, but he'll also see time at first base and designated hitter. Now that he seems to be back to full health, manager Mark Kotsay is optimistic about the improvement he believes the 2020 first-round pick is capable of. "From last year to this year, the body language is better," Kotsay said. "The intensity is better. I think the focus is better. Biggest positive coming out of a negative from last season in terms of the performance side is that he's recognizing things that may help him be successful this coming season."
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Samuel Basallo C | BAL
Orioles' Samuel Basallo: Taking live batting practice
Basallo (elbow) will take live batting practice Monday, Andy Kostka of TheBaltimoreBanner.com reports.
It will be the first time Basallo has taken BP against a pitcher since he was diagnosed with a stress fracture in his right elbow at the beginning of camp. The top prospect is not expected to be ready to catch in games until late April but could serve as a designated hitter before then. Basallo is slated to begin the season at Double-A Bowie.