MLB Player News

Stallings went 2-for-2 with a double and an HBP against the Yankees on Monday.

The 30-year-old is expected to serve as Pittsburgh's primary catcher in 2020. He saw his first sustained action last season, slashing .262/.322/.410 with six homers in 309 plate appearances. Primarily known for his defensive skills behind the plate, Stallings has batted .291 (in 523 at-bats) over his last three minor-league campaigns with nine homers and two steals.

Marchan earned rave reviews from manager Joe Girardi following Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Orioles, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

Girardi called Marchan the "block master" and also praised his arm during an in-game interview. Marchan hasn't played above the High-A level and struggled to a .231/.291/.282 line there in 22 games for Clearwater, so he's unlikely to be considered for a big-league job any time soon. The 20-year-old has good contact ability, with a career .285 average and a 9.3 percent strikeout rate in four minor-league seasons, but he's yet to hit a professional home run. He profiles as a defense-first backup.

Grullon has missed the Phillies last two Grapefruit League games due to an infected tooth, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

The issue doesn't appear likely to significantly impact Grullon's readiness for Opening Day. It's cost him the chance to play a temporarily increased role while Andrew Knapp is out due to a rib injury, but he'll likely still have plenty of chances to state his case to earn the backup catcher job.

Caratini went 2-for-2 with a solo home run and a double in Sunday's 4-2 Cactus League loss to the Dodgers.

Caratini started his spring on a nice note after a solid 2019. The 26-year-old will serve as a backup at catcher and first base this year, and his fantasy value could rise if an injury opens up a more regular role.

Realmuto (knee) is in the lineup for Sunday's spring game against the Pirates, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Realmuto's 2019 campaign came to a close when he underwent surgery to address a meniscus issue in his right knee, but his recovery went as planned over the offseason, and he is ready to jump into action Sunday. Realmuto will start behind the plate and hit second in the Phillies' batting order.

Diaz (knee) is in the lineup for Saturday's spring opener against the Diamondbacks.

Diaz ended last season dealing with the knee injury, but he has completed his recovery and is ready to take the field Saturday. He will start behind the plate and hit eighth Saturday.

Jackson (knee) is in the lineup for Saturday's spring opener against the Orioles.

Jackson ended last season on the 60-day injured list because of his injury, but he has put that behind him and will start behind the plate in the Braves' first spring game.

Realmuto (knee) will make $10 million in 2020 after losing his arbitration case, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

Realmuto was seeking $12.4 million, though his $10 million payday is still an arbitration record for a catcher, per Feinsand. The backstop hit .275/.328/.493 with 25 home runs and nine stolen bases in his first year with the Phillies. He underwent season-ending knee surgery last September, though it isn't expected to affect his availability for the start of the season.

Amaya, who is in his first big-league camp this year, could start the season with Double-A Tennessee, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

The 20-year-old catcher is getting his first taste of the MLB level this spring, but the Cubs are in no rush to make him their everyday backstop with Willson Contreras around. Amaya spent 2019 at High-A Myrtle Beach and had a .235/.351/.402 slash line with 11 home runs and 24 doubles in 99 games.

Barnhart will no longer be a switch hitter and will instead hit exclusively from the left side of the plate, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

Over the last three years, Barnhart has a .651 OPS against left-handers, but that dropped to .390 (.133/.235/.156 in 51 plate appearances) last year. With lefty-mashing Curt Casali as his backup, it's most likely that Barnhart will have limited exposure to lefties with this change.