MLB Player News

Godoy was released Tuesday by the Angels.

Godoy was signed to a minor-league contract in January to provide depth behind the plate, but the backstop has been handed his walking papers shortly before the regular season begins. He's now free to sign with another club, and anyone looking for catcher depth in the minors could have interest in the 29-year-old.

The Pirates optioned Rodriguez to Triple-A Indianapolis on Tuesday.

The 22-year-old catching prospect tore his way through the minors last season, slashing .323/.407/.590 between the High-A, Double-A and Triple-A levels. While he will begin 2023 in Triple-A, Rodriguez's offensive abilities, defensive versatility and Pittsburgh's lack of production behind the plate at the major-league level all make him a candidate to be called up early in the season.

Phillies manager Rob Thomson said Tuesday that Stubbs will undergo imaging tests on his right knee, Scott Lauber of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Stubbs began experiencing right knee irritation while playing for Team Israel in the World Baseball Classic and has since bowed out of the tournament. Thomson said it doesn't seem to be anything overly concerning, but the Phillies want to know exactly what they're dealing with as they welcome the 29-year-old catcher back to spring camp.

Stubbs (knee) has been removed from Team Israel's roster in the World Baseball Classic, Noah Berger of Fish Stripes reports.

His younger brother, Astros minor-league catcher C.J. Stubbs, will fill the roster vacancy. The elder Stubbs has been dealing with knee discomfort and is headed back to Phillies camp for treatment. He's slated to again serve as the primary backup to J.T. Realmuto for the reigning NL champs, but this knee issue might alter that plan if it lingers much longer.

Stubbs has left Astros camp to join Team Israel for the World Baseball Classic, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Stubbs has hit well for the Astros this spring but couldn't pass up an invitation to the WBC. He'll begin the regular season back in the minors.

Pineda (finger) has yet to be cleared to throw, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reports.

Pineda is able to do all other baseball-related activities as he recovers from a displacement at the tip of his right pinky finger. It's not clear if he'll be ready in time for Opening Day, but he's not going to make the Nationals' roster, anyway.

Lee is being given a look at first base during Grapefruit League play, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Lee is battling for the backup catcher spot this spring with Yanier Diaz, and as McTaggart points out, Diaz has shown the ability to play first base which could give him an edge on the position. Lee will get a chance to even the playing field by getting reps at first base during exhibition season, and the former first-round pick told reporters it's a position he's been practicing a lot. Be it Lee or Diaz, the backup catcher for Houston is unlikely to have much fantasy relevance this year, but both could have the chance to earn the starting gig in coming seasons.

Jackson was reassigned Monday to minor-league camp, Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Jackson spent five games with the Brewers in 2022 and went 3-for-12 with seven strikeouts at the dish. He'll more than likely begin the 2023 campaign at Triple-A Nashville and serve as organizational depth in case either William Contreras or Victor Caratini goes down.

Cartaya was optioned Monday to minor-league camp by the Dodgers.

Cartaya is one of the top prospects in the Los Angeles system and was protected from the Rule 5 draft by being added to the 40-man roster in November. The 21-year-old is likely at least a season away from the majors and should begin the season with Double-A Tulsa.

Stubbs is dealing with knee discomfort and won't be available Monday for Team Israel in its World Baseball Classic game against Team Puerto Rico, Marly Rivera of ESPN.com reports.

After informing the Phillies of Stubbs' injury, Team Israel manager Ian Kinsler said that the two sides made the decision to hold the catcher out Monday as a precaution. Stubbs' injury isn't believed to be anything significant, and he could still be available for any World Baseball Classic games that Team Israel plays later this week. The 29-year-old is slated to open the regular season as the top backup catcher in Philadelphia behind starter J.T. Realmuto.