MLB Player News

Reds catcher Devin Mesoraco missed Tuesday's game with a cramp in his left quadriceps suffered in a game over the weekend, but is hoping to play Wednesday, reports MLB.com.

"I'm optimistically thinking that he'll be ready to play tomorrow," manager Bryan Price said Tuesday morning. "[What I don't want to do with injured players] is to put them in there and find out they can't go, or shouldn't go."

Mesoraco is hitting .214 with two home runs and four RBI in 11 spring training games.

Mets catcher Travis d'Arnaud singled twice Tuesday against the Nationals, recording just his second multihit game in 16 appearances this spring. d'Arnaud is batting .239 with no home runs and five RBI, but manager Terry Collins isn't too concerned about his spring numbers.

"You can't get caught up in spring training," Collins said, per NJ.com. "Just as I'm not too caught up in the guys that are hitting .450."

Braves catcher Christian Bethancourt will be sidelined for one-to-two days after he had two wisdom teeth pulled Tuesday morning, per the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He is hitting .306/.297/.556 with one home run and seven RBI over 36 spring at-bats.

Reds catcher Devin Mesoraco said Monday he was held out of the spring lineup because his hamstring was a little sore, per the Cincinnati Enquirer. Although, Mesoraco said he would have played if it were the regular season.

"I think it's going to fine," he said.

Mesoraco left Sunday's spring game with a cramp in his left quad.

The Red Sox traded for Nationals catcher Sandy Leon on Monday. The Nationals received cash considerations in exchange for Leon.

To clear a spot on the 40-man roster, the Red Sox placed catcher Christian Vazquez (elbow) on the 60-day disabled list.

The 26-year-old Leon has appeared in just 34 games at the major-league level. He has a .236/.324/.329/.653 slash line over eight seasons in the minors.

Reds catcher Devin Mesoraco was removed from Sunday's game due to a cramp in his left quad, the team announced.

Mesoraco came up lame while rounding third base. He finished the game 0 for 2 at the plate and is just 6 for 28 with two home runs this spring.

The Diamondbacks aren't sure if they're keeping two catchers or three, and the only certainty is that Tuffy Gosewisch is starting.

Entering the final week of spring training, Blake Lalli is battling Gerald Laird and Jordan Pacheco for a roster spot. 

"You just keep playing and try not to look into things, because it's impossible," Lalli said per MLB.com's Steve Gilbert. "I feel like if you do your job on the field, that's all you can do for sure. I know it sounds cliche, but it's true. I try not to pay attention to decisions that aren't mine. ... You can look around and see and kind of figure you're in it."

Braves catcher Christian Bethancourt returned to the spring lineup Thursday against the Pirates after missing just over a week due to the flu. Bethancourt, who last played in a game March 17, is batting .360 (9 for 25) with five RBI and six doubles in nine spring games.

Yasmani Grandal is looking for a fresh start with the Dodgers, after a tumultuous tenure with the Padres, according to FOX Sports. Clayton Kershaw, the ace of the staff, has a strong relationship with A.J. Ellis, but when asked about Grandal's past issues with San Diego, he said: "I haven't seen any of that. The only thing you want in a catcher is that he works. He does that. He's a hard worker. Not only with catching, the physical part of it, but the mental side. He knew what I did before I even talked to him.

"There are obviously some growing pains, getting to know a catcher. But he's been great. He's done everything you can ask for. Everyone always comes in with a reputation regardless. I just try to tune it out and judge for myself."

Grandal was acquired this offseason as the centerpiece in the trade that sent outfielder Matt Kemp to San Diego. The switch-hitting catcher, who is under club control through 2018, slashed .225/.327/.401 with 15 homers and 85 RBI in 2014. He posted a .795 OPS after the All-Star break last season.

Pirates catcher Chris Stewart took part in infield drills and batting practice Tuesday morning, as he continues to work his way back from a hamstring issue, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. He has not played since March 9 due to the injury, and is not expected back in the lineup for at least another 10 days.