MLB Player News

Raleigh is likely to frequently be designated the third catcher on the team's three-man taxi squad this season and could see some regular-season playing time, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports. "He's still learning all the pitchers and their nuances, certainly some of the older guys, but this is a good opportunity for him," manager Scott Servais said. "He's a guy that's going to show up here at some point and play a big role for us behind the plate, there's no question about that."

The 23-year-old backstop has Tom Murphy and Austin Nola ahead of him on the depth chart, but Johns makes a case for Raleigh getting his first taste of regular-season big-league action at some point in 2020. If Murphy, who's expected to serve as the primary backstop, misses some time during the 60-game campaign, Nola, who only has four games of experience behind the dish, will likely need some help manning the position. Raleigh has yet to play above the Double-A level and struggled to a .228 average and .296 on-base percentage in 39 games there last season, but he's worked closely with Mariners Hall of Fame catcher Dan Wilson during summer camp and has caught the eye of his boss. "Cal's having a good camp," Servais said. "He swings the bat really well and certainly has power from both sides of the plate. The catching side has really impressed me with his arm strength in this camp and some of the drills."

Murphy (foot) went 1-for-2 with a walk while serving as the designated hitter for Thursday's intrasquad game, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

As expected, Murphy was able to make a quick return after fouling a ball off his foot Tuesday, although manager Scott Servais opted to keep him limited to an offensive role Thursday. Murphy is still likely to draw a slight majority of the starts behind the dish this coming season, but Servais previously stated Austin Nola will get a fair share of playing time and the duo could also be complemented with prospects Cal Raleigh and Brian O'Keefe.

Collins went 1-for-2 with a home run in Wednesday's intrasquad game.

Collins launched his second home run during summer camp and continues to show the impact bat seen in spring training, when the catching prospect hit a pair of homers and drove in six runs. "His pedigree tells us that's what he's going to do, and he's getting better at it," third-base coach Nick Capra told Scott Merkin of MLB.com of Collins' power. "Obviously, he has a ways to go, but he has some pop in his bat and a good idea what he's doing at the plate." Collins hit 19 home runs, slugged .548 and had a .403 on-base percentage at Triple-A Charlotte in 2019. He'll serve as the White Sox's third catcher in 2020.

Murphy (foot) is not expected to practice Wednesday but could return Thursday, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

Murphy fouled a ball off his foot during Tuesday's intrasquad game, the second time in eight days that he'd done so. The issue doesn't appear likely to threaten his readiness for Opening Day.

The White Sox added Zavala to their player pool Tuesday, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

The White Sox already have three catchers working out in summer camp, so Zavala represents a depth option. He will work with the pitchers at the team's satellite training site, Schaumburg Boomers Stadium.

Murphy fouled a ball off his foot during Tuesday's intrasquad game and exited for good at the end of the inning, Shannon Drayer of 710 ESPN Seattle reports.

The backstop had a similar incident occur July 6, and in that instance, he missed one day of summer camp workouts. Tuesday's foul ball caromed off the lower leg/foot area, and although Murphy was able to tough it out until the end of the frame, he was replaced in the following inning. An update on his condition is likely to come at some point Wednesday.

Perez is making a strong bid for the backup catcher job in summer camp, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports. "[He's] a guy that is starting to come into his own," said Rays manager Kevin Cash. "He seems pretty motivated and kind of hungry to make the most of the opportunity that is presented."

Perez had slugged a pair of home runs before spring training was suspended, and he's impressed thus far in summer camp with multiple strong at-bats during simulated games. That includes Tuesday, when he laced a double off the returning Tyler Glasnow. Perez is trying to ward off a couple of capable veterans in Kevan Smith and Chris Herrmann for an Opening Day roster spot, and Cash talked up the emerging backstop as a player that could take advantage of his opportunity in similar fashion to how Travis d'Arnaud did on last year's playoff team.

Trevino may replace Robinson Chirinos (ankle) as the starting catcher, Sam Blum of the Dallas Morning News reports.

Chirinos suffered a right ankle injury in a collision during Monday's intrasquad game and could miss a few days as a result. Texas manager Chris Woodward is looking at Trevino as a potential replacement and feels Trevino has made significant improvement at the plate. "What I've seen as the biggest difference is the bat. The swing changes he's made, the commitment to his work and being able to handle all of that is tough for a catcher, especially a young catcher," said the manager.

Perez (illness) was activated off the 10-day injured list Tuesday, Lynn Worthy of The Kansas City Star reports.

Perez spent time on the 10-day injured list after testing positive for COVID-19, but he was able to be activated after spending the minimum amount of time on the list. He'll be available for the Royals' intrasquad game Tuesday, signaling that he's cleared intake testing. It's unclear whether he will be ready for Opening Day on July 24.

Rutschman was transferred to the Orioles' alternate training site in Bowie on Tuesday, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Rutschman had been working with the 60-man roster at Camden Yards over the past several days, but he'll move to the team's alternate facility ahead of the regular season. The Orioles have been impressed with the top prospect's performance since being added to the 60-man roster July 10. However, the team is unsure whether the 22-year-old will get a chance to play in the majors this season given his lack of experience against upper-level talent. He'll at least get to develop alongside other top prospects within the organization in Bowie to begin the 2020 season.