MLB Player News

Haase went 1-for-2 with a walk and a three-run home run in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Phillies.

Haase relieved Tucker Barnhart and proceeded to hit his first spring home run. Haase is now batting .300 with a 1.162 OPS in Grapefruit League action, while Barnhart is batting just .077 with a .154 OPS. It's a small sample size and still very early, of course, but Haase may be able to secure more playing time during the regular season if he looks this much better at the plate than Barnhart. As it stands, Barnhart is the de facto No. 1 catcher, though the two players could split time fairly evenly to start the year. Haase may also see some time at DH, particularly if the Tigers keep Dustin Garneau on the roster as a third catcher.

It remains unclear when Moreno will return to game action, though he will get reps at catcher and third base this spring, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Moreno was delayed arriving to camp while awaiting a visa, though he has been working up to game speed across the last couple days. His work behind the plate will remain a priority, though he will also get reps around the infield. Third base is the most likely position for Moreno to add to his repertoire, as he appeared in two games at the position in the Arizona Fall League.

Rortvedt (oblique) is taking swings and will catch in the bullpen Sunday, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Rortvedt has been ramping up his activity in recent days, and the plan is for him to play in Grapefruit League games soon. However, it remains a possibility that he will open the season on the injured list, which could mean the Yankees would rely on a combination of Kyle Higashioka, Rob Brantly and David Freitas behind the plate.

Kolozsvary was optioned to Triple-A Louisville on Saturday, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Kolozsvary appeared in three spring games this year and went 1-for-5 with three strikeouts. He'll begin the 2022 campaign in Louisville after he hit .207 with a homer, nine runs and two RBI in 19 appearances with the club last year.

Maile (hamstring) is expected to begin the season on the injured list, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.

Maile suffered the injury while running from first to third base in an early spring training contest. He has yet to retake the field. Austin Hedges and Sandy Leon will likely split time behind the dish in Maile's absence.

Jackson was optioned to Triple-A Jacksonville on Saturday, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Jackson made three Grapefruit League appearances this spring and went 0-for-5 with a walk and a strikeout. Since Jackson and Nick Fortes were both sent down Saturday, it appears as though Payton Henry will begin the year as the primary backup at catcher.

Fortes was optioned to Triple-A Jacksonville on Saturday, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Fortes appeared in three Grapefruit League games this spring and went 1-for-6 with a run. He should see regular playing time in Jacksonville to begin the year and will be an option to serve as depth behind the dish for the major-league club at some point.

Rortvedt (oblique) took dry swings Friday and has been throwing at 120 feet, Kristie Ackert of the New York Daily News reports.

Rortvedt was diagnosed with a Grade 1 oblique strain last weekend, but it's encouraging to see him taking swings once again. The 24-year-old is expected to return to game action at some point before the end of spring training, but it's still possible that he'll require a stint on the injured list to begin the year with a week and a half remaining until Opening Day. Regardless of his status to begin the regular season, Rortvedt has certainly made encouraging progress in his recovery so far.

McCann (back) is expected to return to game action Tuesday, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

A Tuesday return would see McCann miss one week with back tightness. He'll still have over a week to get up to speed before Opening Day if he makes it back at that point.

Rutschman (triceps) has been able to do some receiving work behind the plate but has yet to test his arm with any throwing or hitting, Zachary Silver of MLB.com reports.

Rutschman still hasn't been ruled out for Opening Day, but he has a lot to do in his recovery from a triceps strain if he's to be ready to make his big-league debut right away. He's 10 days into his two-to-three week shutdown period and remains on that schedule, as he's expected to get back to throwing and hitting in about a week. He'll at least be sharp defensively by Opening Day, as he's been able to continue his work behind the plate, but he won't have the chance to get in many Grapefruit League at-bats.