MLB Player News

The Pirates optioned Rodriguez to Triple-A Indianapolis on Tuesday.

The 22-year-old catching prospect tore his way through the minors last season, slashing .323/.407/.590 between the High-A, Double-A and Triple-A levels. While he will begin 2023 in Triple-A, Rodriguez's offensive abilities, defensive versatility and Pittsburgh's lack of production behind the plate at the major-league level all make him a candidate to be called up early in the season.

Phillies manager Rob Thomson said Tuesday that Stubbs will undergo imaging tests on his right knee, Scott Lauber of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Stubbs began experiencing right knee irritation while playing for Team Israel in the World Baseball Classic and has since bowed out of the tournament. Thomson said it doesn't seem to be anything overly concerning, but the Phillies want to know exactly what they're dealing with as they welcome the 29-year-old catcher back to spring camp.

Stubbs (knee) has been removed from Team Israel's roster in the World Baseball Classic, Noah Berger of Fish Stripes reports.

His younger brother, Astros minor-league catcher C.J. Stubbs, will fill the roster vacancy. The elder Stubbs has been dealing with knee discomfort and is headed back to Phillies camp for treatment. He's slated to again serve as the primary backup to J.T. Realmuto for the reigning NL champs, but this knee issue might alter that plan if it lingers much longer.

Pineda (finger) has yet to be cleared to throw, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reports.

Pineda is able to do all other baseball-related activities as he recovers from a displacement at the tip of his right pinky finger. It's not clear if he'll be ready in time for Opening Day, but he's not going to make the Nationals' roster, anyway.

Jackson was reassigned Monday to minor-league camp, Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Jackson spent five games with the Brewers in 2022 and went 3-for-12 with seven strikeouts at the dish. He'll more than likely begin the 2023 campaign at Triple-A Nashville and serve as organizational depth in case either William Contreras or Victor Caratini goes down.

Cartaya was optioned Monday to minor-league camp by the Dodgers.

Cartaya is one of the top prospects in the Los Angeles system and was protected from the Rule 5 draft by being added to the 40-man roster in November. The 21-year-old is likely at least a season away from the majors and should begin the season with Double-A Tulsa.

Stubbs is dealing with knee discomfort and won't be available Monday for Team Israel in its World Baseball Classic game against Team Puerto Rico, Marly Rivera of ESPN.com reports.

After informing the Phillies of Stubbs' injury, Team Israel manager Ian Kinsler said that the two sides made the decision to hold the catcher out Monday as a precaution. Stubbs' injury isn't believed to be anything significant, and he could still be available for any World Baseball Classic games that Team Israel plays later this week. The 29-year-old is slated to open the regular season as the top backup catcher in Philadelphia behind starter J.T. Realmuto.

Contreras is hitting .250 with one double, one RBI and six strikeouts over six Grapefruit League games.

Contreras stayed in camp rather than going to the World Baseball Classic to get to know the pitchers on his new team. The catcher signed a five-year deal in December to become the Cardinals' new No. 1 backstop after the retirement of Yadier Molina. Contreras won't enjoy the friendly confines of Wrigley Field as often as he used to, but he's a four-time 20-homer hitter and should continue to return solid numbers at a position where those are scarce.

Campusano (hamstring) is scheduled to return to the Padres' Cactus League lineup Wednesday, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

Campusano hasn't played in several days because of a hamstring injury, but it sounds like he's almost ready to go. The 24-year-old is competing with Austin Nola for playing time at catcher for San Diego this season. Campusano has hit very well in the minors but has yet to see that production carry over during his brief time in the majors.

Sabol could get a look in the outfield after Mitch Haniger (oblique) sustained an injury, Evan Webeck of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Sabol's bat is turning heads in Giants camp -- he has three home runs, three doubles, seven RBI and eight runs scored through eight Cactus League games. He's hitting .529, and he's now being considered for the outfield after initially being labeled a catcher at the start of the spring. Whether the Giants want to carry three catchers remains to be seen, as Joey Bart, Roberto Perez and Austin Wynns all have more major-league experience behind the dish than Sabol, but if the 25-year-old can add some versatility to his profile, he may stick with San Francisco.