MLB Player News

Diamondbacks catcher Oscar Hernandez is feeling strong in his first ever spring training. The 21-year-old who has never played above Low-A in his career, is a part of an eight-man race for the catching position in Arizona, but he's not feeling the pressure, reports AZCentral.com.

"Honestly, I don't feel pressure," he said. "I just feel like I'm part of the team. I know I'm trying to make the team. I know that. But I have this big opportunity and that's why I'm working hard. I'm confident. That's me. I believe in myself."

He's just trying to take it all in.

"Right now, I'm like an open book — learning, learning, learning," Hernandez said. "I just want to learn about these guys because they're new for me. Details are going to make you better."

Mets catcher Travis d'Arnaud is expecting to play Tuesday against the Braves, according to the New York Daily News. 

d'Arnaud suffered a cut on his left ring finger this past Sunday though it didn't require stitches. He went 1 for 2 in that 6-3 loss to the Red Sox. 

Reds catcher Devin Mesoraco, who suffered a mild concussion Saturday, said Monday he "doesn't feel too bad" when he is not active, per MLB.com. He plans to ride the exercise bike Monday and follow all the concussion protocols.

"I would tend to rely on our medical people and what they think more so than coming to my own conclusion," manager Bryan Price said. "I'm certainly not happy. There's definitely a concern. But right now, I don't feel the sky's falling, and I haven't been given any information to suggest that there's a point of concern for long-term residual concerns."

Giants catcher Hector Sanchez will miss 2-4 days with a sprained thumb, manager Bruce Bochy said Sunday. 

Sanchez and Andrew Susac are battling for the backup role to Buster Posey, but Susac has struggled early on in camp.

"He's got some work to do to get back on track," Bochy said.

Reds catcher Devin Mesoraco suffered a mild concussion after a foul ball hit his face Saturday, reports MLB.com.

Mesoraco will have to pass concussion protocol before being able to return to the field.

Mets catcher Travis d'Arnaud cut his left ring finger Sunday but did not require stitches, Newsday reports.

The catcher picked up his first hit of the spring Sunday, going 1 for 2 at the plate before coming out of the game. The issue shouldn't cost him much, if any, time.

A bruised thumb caused Giants catcher Hector Sanchez to miss Sunday's game, reports CSNBayArea.com. It is not known how severe Sanchez's thumb injury is.

Dodgers catcher Yasmani Grandal has been turning heads throughout spring training. Saturday, he continued to do damage at the plate, going 3 for 3 with a home run and three RBI.

"I always like to drive the ball the other way. In the offseason, that's what I worked on a lot instead of jumping at the ball right away," said Grandal to MLB.com. "A lot of my power is the other way."

Manager Don Mattingly said after the game that this is what they envisioned coming to the roster as a part of the Matt Kemp trade.

"That's what we saw late in the year last year," Mattingly said.

Eight catchers are in Major League camp with the Diamondbacks, and manager Chip Hale said that any combination of them could make the final roster. 

24-year-old Peter O'Brien is a former second-round draft pick of the Yankees, who was dealt to the D-Backs last season. He's one of the top prospects in the organization and will get extensive playing time, either at the Major League level or in the minors until he's ready to take the starting job on the big club.

35-year-old Gerald Laird is a non-roster invitee. He'll likely serve as a backup if he makes the roster. 

"We know what Gerald can do," Hale told Steve Gilbert of MLB.com. "We just need to make sure that he's ready. If and when he makes the team, he'll have to catch. How much can he catch for us? We'll have to figure that out."

Tuffy Gosewisch has the most experience with the team and is likely to take one of the roster spots. 

Rule V pick Oscar Hernandez needs to make the big club or be returned to the Rays. Hale praised his defense. ""He's really looked good behind the plate," Hale said. "He kind of makes it hard on the coaches and the manager because every ball he catches looks like a strike. ... He's got great hands back there and he blocks it."

Jordan Pacheco could make the squad based on his versatility at other positions. 

Blake Lalli , Matt Pagnozzi and Mark Thomas will have a tough time beating out the five players ahead of them on the depth chart. 

Dodgers catcher Yasmani Grandal has impressed at Camp Boomer, presided over by Dodgers coach Steve "Boomer" Yeager, MLB.com reports.

"I like what I see and what I hear from him," Yeager said. "It takes time to gain the respect of the pitching staff and teammates whenever a catcher comes from somewhere else, but some of them already know him. In the old Dodger tradition, we've welcomed him with open arms. He has come in with a good attitude; you don't have to go looking for him. He's right there, ready to go to work."

Grandal was acquired this offseason as the centerpiece in the trade that sent outfielder Matt Kemp to San Diego.

"In a short time, I've already learned a lot," Grandal said. "Getting to know the guys, catching bullpens, I'm getting a feel for how they throw. Everything comes with time. Once the games start [on Wednesday], it'll definitely come a little faster. I need to get to know what guys are looking for in a catcher, what their mentality is. Some guys like you to give them a pat on the back. With others, it's a different approach."

Grandal is expected to share time behind the plate with incumbent starter A.J. Ellis this season.