MLB Player News

Manager Dave Roberts said in an appearance Thursday on the "Off Air with Joe and Orel" podcast that Barnes will be behind the plate in the Dodgers' Opening Day game against the Giants, Eric Stephen of TrueBlueLA.com reports.

Roberts indicated that he expects Will Smith to start three of the Dodgers' first five games, suggesting that he's still Option 1A in the team's timeshare at catcher. The more defensive-minded Barnes looks like he could settle in as a full-time battery mate for Clayton Kershaw, who will take the hill for his franchise-record ninth Opening Day start.

Manager Dave Roberts said in an appearance Thursday on the "Off Air with Joe and Orel" podcast that Smith will be out of the lineup for the Dodgers' Opening Day game against the Giants, Eric Stephen of TrueBlueLA.com reports.

Fantasy players will want to confirm as much when the Dodgers formally release their lineup later Thursday, but Roberts said that Smith will give way to Austin Barnes in the opener. Roberts mentioned that he expects Smith to catch three of the team's first five games, so the 25-year-old looks to be Option 1A in the timeshare at catcher.

Tromp is day-to-day with hamstring tightness, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

Tromp experienced tightness in his hamstring earlier in the week and is expected to miss a few days as a result. He figures to serve as catching depth once healthy.

The Pirates placed Maile (finger) on the 60-day injured list Thursday.

Maile was ruled out for 10-to-12 weeks after undergoing surgery July 17 to repair a fractured index finger on his throwing hand, so the transaction comes as little surprise. The Pirates will proceed with Jacob Stallings and John Ryan Murphy as their two catchers on the Opening Day roster with Maile sidelined.

Contreras went 3-for-3 with two solo home runs in Wednesday's scrimmage against the Twins.

Contreras has been on fire in summer camp, Counting intrasquad games as well as scrimmages against other clubs, the catcher now has six home runs. If Contreras can carry this into the regular season, he should be very productive over the 60-game slate.

Diaz will begin the season on the Rockies' 30-man roster, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports.

Diaz was late in reporting to camp due to COVID-19 protocol, but he was able to return and impressed enough to secure the backup catcher job behind Tony Wolters. Diaz appeared in a career-high 102 games with the Pirates last season, slashing .241/.296/.307 with two home runs and 28 RBI.

Barnes (hand) is starting behind the plate and batting ninth in Tuesday's exhibition game against the Angels, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

The 30-year-old was hit on his left hand during Sunday's exhibition contest, but his quick return to the field indicates it isn't a serious issue. Barnes should be ready for Thursday's season opener against the Giants, and he's expected to serve as the backup catcher to starter Will Smith.

Ruiz (undisclosed) singled in his only at-bat in Monday's exhibition contest against Arizona.

Ruiz was placed on the 10-day injured list July 16, but he has since reported to camp and was able to swing the bat against live pitching Monday. The backstop is not expected to make the Dodgers' Opening Day roster.

Barnes tested his injured left hand by catching Clayton Kershaw's bullpen session Monday, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

Barnes appears to have avoided a significant injury after getting plunked on his left hand in an exhibition game Sunday. In addition to catching the bullpen -- it bears mentioning that the affected hand is Barnes' glove hand -- the backstop was also slated to take batting practice Monday. He is expected to take part in the team's exhibition game against the Angels on Tuesday and should be good to go for Opening Day.

Barnes (hand) underwent an X-ray Sunday that came back negative, Alanna Rizzo of Spectrum SportsNet LA reports.

Barnes left Sunday's exhibition game after being hit by a pitch on his left hand, but he appears to have avoided a major injury. He'll be held out Monday, but the team hopes to allow him to return Tuesday. Barring any setbacks, Barnes should be ready for Opening Day.