MLB Player News

Pirates reserve catcher Chris Stewart, who began the season on the disabled list with a hamstring injury, will make a rehab start tonight for Double-A Altoona in that team's season opener. 

Stewart, who injured his hamstring on March 9, was expected to split duties with Francisco Cervelli this season. Stewart's injury opened the door for Tony Sanchez to make the club as the No. 2 catcher. 

Stewart hit .294 with 10 RBIs last season in 49 games. 

Giants first baseman Brandon Belt is not in the starting lineup for Wednesday's matchup with the Diamondbacks.

Belt left Tuesday's game with a groin injury and was scheduled to undergo an MRI Wednesday. With the first baseman sidelined, catcher Buster Posey will shift to first base and Hector Sanchez will enter the game at catcher.

The Giants will also start Matt Duffy at second base and Justin Maxwell in right field Wednesday, sending Joe Panik and Gregor Blanco to the bench.

Dodgers catcher Yasmani Grandal drew his first start of the season Tuesday against the Padres after A.J. Ellis started in Monday's season opener. Grandal did not get into Monday's game.

Grandal hit .203 (12 for 59) with one home run, three doubles, five RBI, five walks and 15 strikeouts in 20 spring games.

Mets catcher Travis d'Arnaud went 2 for 4 with a triple and an RBI in New York's 3-1 win over the Nationals on Opening Day.

D'Arnaud did his damage in the seventh inning after Juan Lagares reached safely on a throwing error. After falling behind in the count, d'Arnaud tripled to center field, scoring Lagares. He also singled and struck out in the game.

Dodgers catcher A.J. Ellis drew the start in Monday's season opener against the Padres over catcher Yasmani Grandal with ace Clayton Kershaw on the mound. Ellis could end up as Kershaw's personal catcher since the duo have had good success in the past.

The Pirates have placed Jaff Decker (calf), Charlie Morton (hip), Chris Stewart (hamstring), Justin Sellers (Achllies) and  Brandon Cumpton (elbow) on the 15-day disabled list, the team announced Sunday.

Pirates catcher Chris Stewart caught five innings in a game Thursday as he continues to work his way back from a hamstring injury, MLB.com reports.

Stewart remained behind in Florida to continue his rehab after the team broke camp. His injury will allow Tony Sanchez to fill the No. 2 catcher role early in the season.

The Diamondbacks have placed pitcher Patrick Corbin (elbow), pitcher David Hernandez (elbow), catcher Oscar Hernandez (wrist), pitcher Matt Stites (elbow) and pitcher Bronson Arroyo (elbow) on the disabled list, the team announced Saturday.

Braves catcher Christian Bethancourt was back in the spring lineup Thursday after missing two games following the removal of his wisdom teeth on Tuesday. He is batting .306 (11 for 36) with one home run, six doubles and seven RBI in 13 spring games.

Reds catcher Devin Mesoraco got two at-bats in Wednesday's 3-0 loss against the Diamondbacks. 

Mesoraco returned to the diamond after experiencing a cramp in his left quadriceps last weekend. Mesoraco did not get a hit in either at-bat against Arizona as he struck out twice. This brought his spring average down to .200.