MLB Player News

Smith went 3-for-4 with a double, a run and four RBI in Thursday's 8-2 win against Arizona.

Smith's first at-bat of the campaign was about as professional as they come, as he took a Zac Gallen offspeed offering the other way for a double in the first inning. In the third, the backstop came up with runners on second and third and two outs, and he came through with a clutch single to right field to tie the score 2-2. Smith later gave Los Angeles its first lead with a two-run single in the fifth inning. The Opening Day performance served as a strong reminder of Smith's status as one of the top hitting catchers in the league. He should have plenty of opportunities to produce this season as the Dodgers No. 3 hitter behind Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman.

Contreras is considered day-to-day with a right knee contusion after undergoing multiple tests.

X-rays and an MRI both came back clean and Contreras went through additional testing Friday, none of which revealed anything beyond a bruise. The catcher is still sore after taking a 102.7 mph Jordan Hicks fastball off the shin guard, but he could be back in action sometime this weekend.

Barrera (knee) is on the active roster at Triple-A Memphis ahead of their season opener Friday.

Barrera was sidelined due to knee soreness over the final week of the Grapefruit League schedule, but he's ready now to suit up for Memphis and could be a candidate for a quick call-up to St. Louis if Willson Contreras (knee) requires an IL stint. Ivan Herrera, also stationed at Memphis, is another option for fill-in duties. Andrew Knizner opened the year as the No. 2 catcher for the Cardinals.

Narvaez is not listed in the Mets' lineup Friday against Miami, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

After going 1-for-3 with a walk in Thursday's season opener, Narvaez will sit Friday against lefty Jesus Luzardo. In his place, Tomas Nido will start behind the dish and bat ninth.

Stallings is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Mets, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Marlins manager Skip Schumaker stated before the season that Stallings would split time behind the dish with Nick Fortes, so seeing the two of them each get a start in the Marlins' first two games isn't surprising. Fortes will start at catcher Friday and bat eighth.

Sanchez signed a minor-league contract with the Giants on Friday, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

Sanchez will first report to the team's spring training complex in Arizona before eventually being assigned to a minor-league affiliate. The catcher will have the ability to opt out of his contract if he's not promoted to the majors by May 1. Sanchez has managed a lowly .195/.287/.394 batting line over the last three seasons, although he has hit 49 homers during that span. The Giants currently have Joey Bart and Robert Perez handling catching duties, with Blake Sabol operating as a third catcher/utility player.

Vazquez started at catcher and went 2-for-4 in Thursday's season-opening win over Kansas City.

Vazquez should be the primary catcher for the Twins, with the only question being how much playing time backup Ryan Jeffers will receive. The 32-year-old Vazquez slashed .274/.315/.399 with nine home runs, 52 RBI, one stolen base and 41 runs scored over 119 contests last season between Boston and Houston.

An MRI on Contreras' right knee came back negative, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

X-rays and an MRI have now both come back clean, but the Cardinals are still doing some additional testing on the catcher's knee just to be safe. Contreras took a 103 mph Jordan Hicks pitch off the shin guard during Thursday's game and looked to be in considerable pain while exiting, but it appears, at least for now, that he's avoided serious injury.

Garver did not play in Thursday's 11-7 win over the Phillies.

The switch-hitting Jonah Heim got the start behind the plate against Philadelphia right-hander Aaron Nola, while Brad Miller served as the designated hitter. Those two players plus Garver are expected to see most of the at-bats at DH this season for the Rangers.

Grandal went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Thursday's 3-2 victory over the Astros.

The White Sox were unable to get on the scoreboard through seven innings before Grandal broke through with a 401-foot solo shot off Rafael Montero in the eighth. The veteran backstop experienced a dramatic decline in power last season with just five homers in 376 plate appearances, so this was a promising start to the campaign. Grandal's fantasy stock has fallen dramatically due to his struggles in 2022, but it's worth remembering that he hit at least 22 long balls each campaign (aside from the shortened 2020 season) from 2016 to 2021.