MLB Player News

Mets manager Buck Showalter announced that Alvarez (ankle) will likely get a chance to catch in a Grapefruit League game by the end of the week, Pat Ragazzo of Sports Illustrated reports.

The Mets are being cautious with Alvarez after their top prospect underwent ankle surgery in the offseason. The backstop has appeared as a designated hitter in Florida, but he'll likely get a chance to be behind the plate by the end of the week. Alvarez has a chance to be a star fantasy contributor, yet he's likely to begin the 2023 season at Triple-A Syracuse.

Huff left Wednesday's Cactus League game against the Padres with right shoulder tightness, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

Huff played just one inning before giving way to Cody Freeman in the split-squad contest. The backstop will be re-evaluated on Thursday. Huff has flashed tremendous power in the minors and some brief samples in the majors, but has battled injuries over the past two-plus seasons. Further clarity on his status going forward should be available in the coming days.

Atlanta optioned Tromp to Triple-A Gwinnett on Wednesday.

Tromp was always viewed as unlikely to make the Opening Day club with Sean Murphy and Travis d'Arnaud making up the backstop tandem for Atlanta in 2023. He'll provides organizational depth at Triple-A but could be first in line for a call-up if Atlanta is without Murphy or d'Arnaud for any period of time.

Vazquez (illness) will serve as the Twins' designated hitter and No. 5 batter in Wednesday's Grapefruit League game against the Phillies, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

While recovering from an illness, Vazquez wasn't available for the Twins' first three days of Grapefruit League play, but he made his spring debut in Tuesday's 10-7 win over Atlanta, going 0-for-3 while catching four innings. Vazquez apparently checked out fine after the contest, so he'll be back in lineup a day later in a purely offensive role.

Blue Jays manager John Schneider said Kirk (personal) is expected to report to spring training Thursday, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

Kirk has been away from the team while awaiting the birth of his child. The backstop will have some catching up to do after missing the first few weeks of spring training, but Matheson relayed he's been doing individual work in California while away from the team. Kirk is expected to serve as the Blue Jays' Opening Day backstop, and he should be in store for frequent starts at designated hitter on days when Danny Jansen catches.

Garver started at catcher and went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Monday's spring game against the Reds.

Garver caught his first game since May 8 after a forearm injury limited him to designated hitter duty in 2022 before he underwent season-ending surgery in July. He sat behind the plate for three innings for starter Martin Perez. Healthy now, Garver will go back to catching, at least part time, and will also serve as DH while Jonah Heim catches.

Vazquez was scratched before Saturday's spring game against Tampa Bay due to flu-like symptoms, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Vazquez was set to be in the starting lineup, but he was replaced by Ryan Jeffers shortly before game time. While his illness shouldn't be a worry for his Opening Day status, it's reassuring to hear it wasn't something more serious. Vazquez should slot in as Minnesota's starting catcher after signing as a free agent following an impressive 2022 season across stops in Boston and Houston. The 32-year-old backstop slashed .274/.315/.399 with nine home runs, 52 RBI, one stolen base and 41 runs scored over 119 contests.

Kirk (personal) withdrew from the Mexican World Baseball Classic team Saturday, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Kirk isn't dealing with an injury, but he's yet to arrive at camp as he awaits the birth of his child. Both he and the Blue Jays felt that his eventual arrival wouldn't give him time to adequately prepare to catch Toronto's new pitchers and acclimate to the new MLB rules while also spending time with Team Mexico. The news is a blow to Mexico's chances of advancing beyond the first round of the World Baseball Classic for the first time since 2009.

Herrera will remain in camp with the Cardinals instead of playing for Panama at the World Baseball Classic, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Herrera withdrew from the WBC on Saturday, and he'll now turn his focus on competing for the backup catcher spot behind Willson Contreras. Herrera went 2-for-18 with one RBI, two walks and eight strikeouts across 22 plate appearances in the majors last season. He also hit .274/.381/.402 with six home runs, six stolen bases and 34 RBI in 65 games with Triple-A Memphis. Andrew Knizner is more likely to open the season as the Cardinals' backup catcher, but Herrera will try to force the issue with a strong spring.

Diaz will have the chance to win the backup catcher job this spring, Paige Leckie of MLB.com reports.

Martin Maldonado is penciled in as the starting backstop in Houston, but the depth chart is unresolved from there. Diaz seems big-league ready with the bat -- he maintained a 121 wRC+ across 219 plate appearances with Triple-A Sugar Land in 2022 -- but his defense is more questionable. Upon reporting to camp, Diaz noted that he focused on improving all facets of his defense this offseason in an effort to stick in the majors. He is competing with fellow prospect Korey Lee for the role, though Diaz's bat-first profile may help him given that Maldonado is a strong defensive catcher but offers little at the plate.