MLB Player News

Realmuto went 3-for-5 with a double, a triple, a run scored and a stolen base Thursday against the Rangers.

Realmuto wasn't rewarded in the stat sheet, but he appeared locked in at the plate. After striking out in his first plate appearance, Realmuto doubled and proceeded to steal third base in the second frame. He also led off the seventh inning with a triple and was driven in one batter later. Realmuto's apparent interest in being aggressive on the basepaths is particularly positive for his potential fantasy value this season.

Contreras will have an MRI on his right knee, Lynn Worthy of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Contreras was forced to exit Thursday's game with a right knee contusion. X-rays came back negative, but he will still undergo additional testing. It appears as if Contreras has dodged a serious injury, though his timeline for a return should become clearer in the next day or so.

Contreras exited Thursday's game against the Blue Jays with a right knee contusion.

Contreras was hit by a Jordan Hicks offering in the knee but managed to walk off the field under his own power. The Cardinals have an off day Friday, so it's unclear if he will be forced to miss any additional time. Andrew Knizner entered the game in Contreras' place and would likely be a playing time beneficiary.

Contreras exited Thursday's game against the Blue Jays after being hit by a pitch in the knee, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Contreras was catching Jordan Hicks and got crossed up, which resulted in him being hit in the knee with a 102 mph fastball. He left the field shortly thereafter with a notable limp but under his own power. It's unclear how serious the injury is at this point.

Rutschman went 5-for-5 with a home run, four RBI and a walk during Thursday's 10-9 victory over the Red Sox.

After impressing in spring training by recording a 1.015 OPS in 50 plate appearances, Rutschman picked up right where he left off by hitting a solo home run off Corey Kluber in the first inning. Of course, his 1.000 batting average is sure to fade as the season progresses, but the 25-year-old backstop could provide more great hitting performances this season as he continues to establish himself as one of the best offensive catchers in baseball.

D'Arnaud went 4-for-5 with two RBI and two runs scored in Atlanta's season-opening victory Thursday against the Nationals.

Serving as the DH and batting eighth, d'Arnaud rattled off three singles and a double to help Atlanta turn the lineup over versus Patrick Corbin and the Nats' bullpen. The 34-year-old won't be called on to catch as much in 2023 behind newcomer Sean Murphy, but he should get regular looks out of the designated hitter role -- especially versus lefties.

Angels manager Phil Nevin said O'Hoppe will be the team's starting catcher in Thursday's season opener in Oakland, Sarah Valenzuela of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Less than a week ago, O'Hoppe looked as though he would open the season at Triple-A Salt Lake, but Max Stassi's (hip) move to the injured list has not only freed up a spot on the Opening Day roster for the 23-year-old backstop, but also a perhaps a temporary run as the Angels' No. 1 catcher. Nevin hasn't outlined how he plans to divvy up the starts at catcher between O'Hoppe and Matt Thaiss while Stassi is out, but given that the 27-year-old Thaiss owns an unremarkable .291 wOBA over 278 career MLB plate appearances and is coming off a poor spring at the plate, the Angels may be motivated to give the younger prospect a chance to prove he belongs in the majors. On the heels of a poor season at the dish, Stassi likely didn't have much job security prior to getting hurt, so if gets off to a hot start, O'Hoppe could hold down the No. 1 gig for good even after Stassi returns to full health.

The Guardians selected Gallagher's contract from Triple-A Columbus on Thursday.

Gallagher and Meibrys Viloria both made the roster and will be behind Mike Zunino on the depth chart. The fantasy value among the trio figures to be pretty minimal.

Diaz is starting in the designated hitter spot and batting sixth for the Astros in Thursday's opener versus the White Sox.

The Astros are carrying three catchers in part so they can use Diaz at DH and he's in that slot for the first regular-season contest. It enhances his fantasy outlook, although he might not yet be catcher-eligible in your league. Worth remembering is that Michael Brantley (shoulder) will be used at DH when he's ready, as will Yordan Alvarez.

Delay had his contract selected by the Pirates on Thursday.

Delay will open the 2023 season as the Pirates' backup catcher. He won the gig this spring over both Tyler Heineman and Kevin Plawecki.