MLB Player News

Realmuto went 2-for-4 with an RBI and a double in Thursday's 3-2 win over Atlanta.

Catchers rarely hit in the cleanup spot, but Realmuto, arguably baseball's biggest offensive threat at his position, appears comfortable hitting behind Bryce Harper in the four hole. A thumb injury delayed Realmuto's spring debut and limited him to 18 exhibition plate appearances, but he looked up to game speed and primed for a productive season. Realmuto is paid like MLB's best catcher, and Opening Day suggested he's fully prepared to justify the five-year deal.

Contreras went 0-for-3 with two runs, an RBI and a stolen base in Thursday's 5-3 loss to Pittsburgh.

It was a productive, albeit hitless, performance for Contreras, who reached base on an error and a fielder's choice before finishing the contest with a sacrifice fly. The catcher has been an inconsistent hitter the last few years, excelling in 2017 and 2019 but struggling in 2018 and 2020. Manager David Ross clearly has faith in his ability to bounce back in 2021 as Contreras hit second in Thursday's order. The 28-year-old figures to start the majority of Chicago's games largely because his backups, Tony Wolters and Austin Romine (knee), lack offensive upside.

Georgia prosecutors dropped felony marijuana possession charges against Campusano on Friday due to a lack of probable cause for the traffic stop that led to his October arrest, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Campusano was pulled over in the early morning and found with 79 grams (2.8 ounces) of marijuana in his car. The offense is a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison in Georgia but results in a much lighter sentence in other parts of the country. In Camupasano's case, it won't result in any punishment at all. Campusano will remain as the Padres' backup catcher in the short term, but he'll likely head to the minors once Austin Nola (finger) gets healthy.

Caratini went 2-for-4 with three RBI in Thursday's 8-7 victory over the Diamondbacks.

With Austin Nola on the injured list due to a fractured middle finger, Caratini took over behind the plate Opening Day. The backstop made the most of the opportunity, driving in San Diego's first pair of runs with a single in the second inning and notching another RBI with a single in the third. Caratini should get a majority of starts at catcher while Nola remains out, and with a strong start to the campaign he could set himself up for a fair share of playing time after Nola returns.

Wallach won a spot on the Marlins' Opening Day roster as the No. 2 catcher, Jordan McPherson of The Miami Herald reports.

He beat out veteran non-roster invitee Sandy Leon for the job. Wallach is a solid defender and game-caller behind the plate, traits which allowed him to assume the starting role down the stretch last year as Jorge Alfaro struggled, but Wallach's career .600 OPS in the majors gives him little fantasy ceiling even if he were to see significant playing time again.

Collins started at designated hitter and went 0-for-4 in Thursday's 4-3 loss to the Angels.

Collins got the Opening Day call at DH, a spot that looked like it belonged to Andrew Vaughn all spring. It's unclear if manager Tony La Russa was simply rewarding Collins for a strong spring, or if the manager plans to use the left-handed Collins at DH against right-handers while Vaughn slots in against lefties. Vaughn will make his season debut Friday against lefty Andrew Heaney, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports. Collins, meanwhile, will catch Lance Lynn on Saturday. That Collins beat out Jonathan Lucroy to be the top backup catcher is a sign the team is pleased with the defensive advancements he's made this spring.

Mejia won an Opening Day roster spot as the primary backup to Mike Zunino at catcher, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports.

Mejia was steady at the plate during spring training, finishing with a .267 average across 32 plate appearances. The 25-year-old once was held in high regard in the Padres organization, and although the franchise decided he was expendable in the Blake Snell trade this past offseason, it appears he'll have a chance at a reset with Tampa Bay.

Stassi went 2-for-3 with a solo home run in Thursday's win over the White Sox.

Stassi crushed his homer off Lucas Giolito in the fifth inning. His other hit was a single to left field off Codi Heuer. The 30-year-old veteran had a career year in 2020, slashing .278/.352/.533, and he'll have every opportunity to build on that as the clear No. 1 catcher in Anaheim.

Barnes sustained cuts to his hand during a play at the plate Thursday against the Rockies, but he's still expected to start Saturday, Eric Stephen of SB Nation reports.

Barnes exited Thursday's contest in the seventh inning but appears to have avoided serious injury. Will Smith is apparently slated to work behind the plate Friday, though that likely would have been the case regardless of Barnes' injury.

Barnes exited Thursday's game against the Rockies after looking at his right hand, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

Barnes was attempting to field a throw at home plate when C.J. Cron slid into him, which appeared to be the cause of the injury. Will Smith replaced Barnes and would likely gain playing time should Barnes be forced to miss further game action.