MLB Player News
-
Cal Raleigh C | SEA
Mariners' Cal Raleigh: Timely two-bagger in loss
Raleigh went 1-for-4 with a two-run double in the Mariners' loss to the Guardians on Friday.
The slugging backstop was one of the few bright spots on the night for the Mariners, knocking in Kolten Wong and Ty France with his third-inning double to knot the game at 3-3. The fact Raleigh already has an extra-base knock on the board in 2023 is par for the course, considering the 26-year-old came into the season having recorded at least a double on 62 of his first 103 major-league hits.
-
Christian Vazquez C | HOU
Twins' Christian Vazquez: Two hits in season opener
Vazquez started at catcher and went 2-for-4 in Thursday's season-opening win over Kansas City.
Vazquez should be the primary catcher for the Twins, with the only question being how much playing time backup Ryan Jeffers will receive. The 32-year-old Vazquez slashed .274/.315/.399 with nine home runs, 52 RBI, one stolen base and 41 runs scored over 119 contests last season between Boston and Houston.
-
Mitch Garver DH | SEA
Rangers' Mitch Garver: Sits Opening Day
Garver did not play in Thursday's 11-7 win over the Phillies.
The switch-hitting Jonah Heim got the start behind the plate against Philadelphia right-hander Aaron Nola, while Brad Miller served as the designated hitter. Those two players plus Garver are expected to see most of the at-bats at DH this season for the Rangers.
-
Yasmani Grandal C | PIT
White Sox's Yasmani Grandal: Slams clutch homer
Grandal went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Thursday's 3-2 victory over the Astros.
The White Sox were unable to get on the scoreboard through seven innings before Grandal broke through with a 401-foot solo shot off Rafael Montero in the eighth. The veteran backstop experienced a dramatic decline in power last season with just five homers in 376 plate appearances, so this was a promising start to the campaign. Grandal's fantasy stock has fallen dramatically due to his struggles in 2022, but it's worth remembering that he hit at least 22 long balls each campaign (aside from the shortened 2020 season) from 2016 to 2021.
-
Adley Rutschman C | BAL
Orioles' Adley Rutschman: Explodes for five hits
Rutschman went 5-for-5 with a home run, four RBI and a walk during Thursday's 10-9 victory over the Red Sox.
After impressing in spring training by recording a 1.015 OPS in 50 plate appearances, Rutschman picked up right where he left off by hitting a solo home run off Corey Kluber in the first inning. Of course, his 1.000 batting average is sure to fade as the season progresses, but the 25-year-old backstop could provide more great hitting performances this season as he continues to establish himself as one of the best offensive catchers in baseball.
-
Logan O'Hoppe C | LAA
Angels' Logan O'Hoppe: Starting in Opening Day game
Angels manager Phil Nevin said O'Hoppe will be the team's starting catcher in Thursday's season opener in Oakland, Sarah Valenzuela of the Los Angeles Times reports.
Less than a week ago, O'Hoppe looked as though he would open the season at Triple-A Salt Lake, but Max Stassi's (hip) move to the injured list has not only freed up a spot on the Opening Day roster for the 23-year-old backstop, but also a perhaps a temporary run as the Angels' No. 1 catcher. Nevin hasn't outlined how he plans to divvy up the starts at catcher between O'Hoppe and Matt Thaiss while Stassi is out, but given that the 27-year-old Thaiss owns an unremarkable .291 wOBA over 278 career MLB plate appearances and is coming off a poor spring at the plate, the Angels may be motivated to give the younger prospect a chance to prove he belongs in the majors. On the heels of a poor season at the dish, Stassi likely didn't have much job security prior to getting hurt, so if gets off to a hot start, O'Hoppe could hold down the No. 1 gig for good even after Stassi returns to full health.
-
Yainer Diaz C | HOU
Astros' Yainer Diaz: Gets start in DH spot
Diaz is starting in the designated hitter spot and batting sixth for the Astros in Thursday's opener versus the White Sox.
The Astros are carrying three catchers in part so they can use Diaz at DH and he's in that slot for the first regular-season contest. It enhances his fantasy outlook, although he might not yet be catcher-eligible in your league. Worth remembering is that Michael Brantley (shoulder) will be used at DH when he's ready, as will Yordan Alvarez.