MLB Player News

Murphy was scratched from Monday's Cactus League lineup against Milwaukee due to left forearm tightness, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

The right-handed hitter was scheduled to catch against the Brewers on Monday, but instead it was Brian O'Keefe who was behind the plate. Murphy has dealt with injuries over the past two seasons, and it's a disappointing development after his strong start to the 2023 Cactus League (.886 OPS, two homers in 34 plate appearances). There should be more clarity on the severity of Murphy's injury in the coming days. If the injury was to carry into the regular season, Cooper Hummel would likely be Cal Raleigh's backup backstop.

Moreno (hand) is not dealing with a serious injury, Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic reports.

Piecoro notes that Moreno was "doing fine" as of Sunday. The backstop was hit in the hand by a pitch during Saturday's Cactus League game, but he didn't go in for X-rays, and he should be returning to the lineup shortly. The injury takes on more gravity after primary catcher Carson Kelly was plunked on the forearm in Monday's spring game. Pending results of Kelly's examination and diagnosis, Moreno could be a big part of the Arizona lineup in 2023 after being dealt from the Blue Jays in the deal for Daulton Varsho.

Kolozsvary was reassigned to minor-league camp by the Orioles on Monday, Dan Connolly of The Athletic reports.

Kolozsvary never really had a shot at the Opening Day roster. He'll probably share catching duties at Triple-A Norfolk with Anthony Bemboom.

Murphy was a late scratch from the Mariners' Cactus League lineup against the Brewers, Shannon Drayer of Seattle Sports 710 AM reports.

There's no word yet on the reasoning for the move. Brian O'Keefe will assume Murphy's spot behind the plate Monday.

Ford was reassigned to minor-league camp by the Mariners on Monday.

Ford is an ultra-talented 20-year-old catcher considered by most to be the best prospect in the Mariners' system. He went 2-for-4 with three walks in seven plate appearances during Cactus League play while also slugging a couple home runs for Great Britain in the World Baseball Classic. Ford might not wind up sticking at catcher, but Seattle intends to continue grooming at the position for now.

Perez signed a minor-league contract with the Athletics on Sunday.

The 32-year-old journeyman catcher isn't expected to contend for a long-term spot on the Athletics' 26-man active roster in 2023, but he could be needed for depth behind No. 1 option Shea Langeliers with Manny Pina (wrist) in line to open the season on the injured list. Yohel Pozo likely represents Perez's primary competition for the No. 2 role behind the dish. Perez spent the 2022 season in the Rockies organization and was a standout performer in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League, slashing .254/.341/.524 with 31 home runs and 87 RBI in 522 plate appearances.

Kirk (illness) went through a full workout Monday, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Kirk had to be scratched from Sunday's lineup with a non-COVID-related illness but was feeling better a day later. The Blue Jays are off Tuesday, setting Kirk up for a possible return to game action Wednesday.

Rogers (elbow) will start at catcher and bat ninth in Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Blue Jays.

Rogers exited Friday's game against the Blue Jays after being hit by a pitch in the left elbow, but he avoided any structural damage and was merely nursing some bruising and soreness over the past couple days. With Rogers drawing back into the lineup after resting through the weekend, he'll be in strong position to break camp with the Tigers as the No. 2 catcher behind Eric Haase.

Garver started at catcher and went 0-for-4 in Sunday's spring game against Seattle.

Garver, who missed half the 2022 season due to a forearm injury, caught all nine innings for the first time this spring. For those into reading signs, that Garver was behind the plate for Jacob deGrom's Cactus League debut indicates he will resume playing catcher for Texas after last season's injury limited him to DH duties.

Padres manager Bob Melvin said Sunday that he "can't imagine it's not broken" in reference to Nola's nose after the catcher was hit in the face during a Cactus League contest, Dennis Lin of The Athletic reports.

Nola was carted off the field after getting hit by a pitch in the face during the fourth inning of Sunday's exhibition game against the Cubs. The extent of the injury is unclear, but if Nola isn't ready to return in time for Opening Day, Luis Campusano would likely open the campaign as San Diego's primary backstop.