MLB Player News

Barnes went 0-for-2 with a strikeout in Tuesday's exhibition contest against the Angels.

Barnes slashed just .182/.250/.227 for the Dodgers this spring, though he hit much better for Mexico in the World Baseball Classic, posting a .278/.409/.389 slash line over five games. Barnes isn't regarded as a major offensive threat, but he should provide stability behind the plate as the backup to Will Smith for the Dodgers again this season.

Herrera will be on the Diamondbacks' Opening Day roster, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.

Carson Kelly's fractured forearm has cleared the path for Gabriel Moreno to open the 2023 season as the primary catcher in Arizona, and for Herrera to back him up. Herrera is considered a strong defender, but the 26-year-old batted just .189/.250/.207 over his first 47 major-league games in 2022.

Delay will open the 2023 season as the Pirates' backup catcher, Kevin Gorman of the Pittsburgh Tribune Review reports.

The 28-year-old beat out both Tyler Heineman and Kevin Plawecki for the backup gig behind starter Austin Hedges. Delay slashed just .213/.265/.271 over his first 57 major-league games last season in Pittsburgh, and his minor-league stats aren't much better.

Heineman was reassigned Tuesday to the minor-league side of Pirates camp.

Austin Hedges will open the 2023 season as the primary catcher in Pittsburgh, with Jason Delay backing him up. Heineman, 31, is a career .214/.279/.276 hitter in 236 plate appearances at the MLB level.

Contreras went 2-for-3 with two home runs and six RBI in Monday's exhibition contest.

Contreras did not go yard over his first 15 appearances of the spring, but he made up for lost time by socking a pair of three-run shots Monday. Expect him to be behind the plate when the Brewers kick off the regular season Thursday against the Cubs.

Sabol announced Sunday via a story posted on his personal Instagram account that he has clinched a spot on the Giants' Opening Day roster.

Sabol joined San Francisco as a Rule 5 selection over the winter and entered spring training expected to compete primarily for a backup catcher role behind Joey Bart. While Sabol will offer another depth option at the position behind Bart and veteran Roberto Perez, the 25-year-old is expected to see most of his action as a rookie in the corner outfield. With injuries having tested the Giants' outfield in spring training, Steven Rissotto of SFBay.ca notes that Sabol could draw the start in left field in Thursday's season opener at Yankee Stadium. As a left-handed hitter, Sabol may get the opportunity to carve out steady playing time until the Giants are back to full strength, making him an interesting speculative pickup late in NL-only drafts. He's coming off a huge showing in spring training in which he slashed .349/.474/.651 with three home runs, two stolen bases and an 11:13 BB:K in 19 Cactus League contests.

Nola (hand/nose) will start at catcher and bat sixth in Monday's Cactus League game against the Mariners.

Assuming he comes out of Monday's exhibition finale without aggravating the left hand injury he suffered Saturday or the fractured nose he suffered March 19, Nola should be on track to serve as the Padres' Opening Day catcher Thursday versus the Rockies.

Hedges has had a positive influence on the Pirates' pitching staff this spring, Justice delos Santos of MLB.com reports.

Hedges has failed to post an OPS above .563 in any of the last four seasons, so he's unlikely to make much of an impact offensively. However, his biggest influence could come from his work with the pitching staff, particularly with younger starters such as Mitch Keller, Roansy Contreras and Johan Oviedo. Hedges could also help Endy Rodriguez and Henry Davis acclimate to the big leagues upon their potential call-ups in the middle of the season.

Pineda (finger) won't break camp with the Nationals and will instead remain at the organization's extended spring training in Florida to begin the season, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

Since the Nationals are likely keen on giving the 22-year-old backstop regular playing time, Pineda never seemed to be a good bet to be included on the Opening Day roster while Keibert Ruiz is installed as the big club's clear No. 1 catcher. The displaced right pinkie finger that Pineda suffered in early March essentially ended any small hope he might have had of joining the Nationals for Opening Day, so it's no surprise that he'll continue to conduct his rehab in Florida before likely reporting to Triple-A Rochester. Washington has yet to announce whether Pineda will be formally optioned to Triple-A or placed on the big club's 10-day injured list.

Padres manager Bob Melvin said Nola (hand/nose) is slated to play in Monday's Cactus League finale versus the Rockies, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

Nola had been expected to play Sunday versus the Mariners, but the Padres decided to err on the side of caution and hold him out for the day after he took a foul ball off his left (non-catching) hand while playing in a minor-league contest Saturday. The backstop had already been recovering from a fractured nose stemming from being hit in the face by a pitch March 19, but neither injury looks as though it'll prevent him from being ready to go for Opening Day. Provided Nola plays Monday as expected, he should head into the regular season as the Friars' top option behind the dish.