MLB Player News

The Braves have optioned right-handers Juan Jaime and Luis Vasquez, catcher Christian Bethancourt and center fielder Todd Cunningham to Triple-A and shortstop Elmer Reyes to Double-A. None of the moves are considered a surprise.

Pirates backup catcher Chris Stewart underwent minor surgery on his knee Wednesday, a source told SB Nation. He is expected to miss 4-6 weeks.

Pirates catcher Chris Stewart is scheduled to meet with Dr. James Andrews this week about his injured right knee, per the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The Pirates said surgery is "probable" for Stewart, who was injured in a March 12 game against the Twins.

The Reds optioned catcher Tucker Barnhart and pitcher Curtis Partch to Triple-A Louisville Friday.

Barnhart went 4 for 14 in nine games this spring. Partch surrendered five runs (one earned) in 4 2/3 innings.

Padres catcher Yasmani Grandal is set to play his first game this spring at that position on Thursday. He is in the lineup at catcher against Milwaukee.

Grandal has not caught since the middle of the 2013 season, which ended at that time due to knee surgery.

Mets shortstop Ruben Tejada's shaky play this spring has renewed concerns for management he will not be able to handle the starting shortstop job. Therefore, the Mets are continuing to monitor the shortstop market, according to the New York Daily News.

A team source said Tuesday the Mets continue to scout Mariners infielder Nick Franklin, as they decide whether or not Franklin can play shortstop well enough to justify his offensive potential and giving up a starting pitcher prospect for him.

Also, a source for another team told the Daily News the Mets are also monitoring the Diamondbacks' shortstop competition, and "could jump in" to make a trade for Didi Gregorius or Chris Owings before spring training ends. Diamondbacks general manager Kevin Towers said recently he would consider trading one of his young shortstops, ideally for a top catching prospect, which would likely be Mets catcher Kevin Plawecki.

There is also free-agent shortstop Stephen Drew, but there is no indication from Drew's agent, Scott Boras, that his client would be willing to sign a bargain-type contract.

The Marlins took 12 players off their spring roster Wednesday, per The Miami Herald. Among the cuts were top pitching prospects Justin Nicolino  and Anthony DeSclafani, who were reassigned to minor-league camp.

Jesus Sanchez, Colby Suggs and Avery Romero were also reassigned to minor-league camp, while Michael Brady and Kyle Jensen were optioned to Triple-A New Orleans. Grant Dayton, Angel Sanchez, Jose Urena, Jacob Realmuto and Brent Keys were optioned to Double-A Jacksonville.

Padres catcher Yasmani Grandal went 1 for 2 and caught the final three innings of his team's 5-0 win over the Rockies Monday.

It was Grandal's first appearance of the spring as he continues to recover from knee surgery, which ended his 2013 season prematurely. The team will continue to move cautiously with his recovery as he aims to be ready for opening day.

The Mets made several roster moves Monday, which included optioning Erik Goeddel, Steven Matz, Josh Edgin and Wilfredo Tovar to the minors. Logan Verrett, Adam Kolarek, Chasen Bradford, Dustin Lawley, Brandon Nimmo, Cory Vaughn, Danny Muno and Kevin Plawecki were also reassigned to minor-league camp.

Padres manager Bud Black said catcher Yasmani Grandal (knee) will make his spring debut during Monday's game at Colorado.