MLB Player News

Bemboom is slashing .111/.158/.111 across nine Cactus League games.

The backstop has struck out only twice in 18 at-bats, but that's about the only positive that can be made of his stat line. Bemboom is third on the Angels' catching depth chart and is likely to open the season in the minors.

Thaiss was optioned to Triple-A Salt Lake on Sunday.

Thaiss got work at several defensive positions this spring but was unable to secure a spot on the Opening Day roster. The 25-year-old appeared in 11 Cactus League games and went 2-for-17 with a double, one run, one walk and eight strikeouts.

Murphy went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in a Cactus League win over the Angels on Saturday.

The sixth-inning round tripper is Murphy's only hit through his first nine spring plate appearances after making his debut Thursday following his recovery from surgery to address a collapsed lung. Murphy should continue to see plenty of action over the balance of the Cactus League schedule in an attempt to get him up to speed ahead of the regular season.

Perez agreed to a four-year, $82 million extension with the Royals on Sunday, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports.

The extension begins in 2022 and includes a $13.5 million club option or $2 million buyout for 2026. The veteran backstop will turn 31 years old in May and posted a career-best .986 OPS in 156 plate appearances last season. Perez appeared in at least 129 games in each of the previous six seasons before the shortened 2020 campaign.

Grullon was optioned to Triple-A Louisville on Sunday.

Grullon was a long shot to make the Reds out of spring training. He'll serve as insurance to injury for Tucker Barnhart and Tyler Stephenson down at Louisville after being claimed off waivers in December.

Gomes has gone 7-for-22 (.318) through eight Grapefruit League games.

The batting average looks nice on the surface, but Gomes doesn't have an extra-base hit and carries a 1:8 BB:K. Nevertheless, the 33-year-old will open the season as the Nats' No. 1 catcher, and backup Alex Avila (.200/.238/.400 this spring with a 1:9 BB:K) hasn't done much to push for Gomes' spot.

Higashioka (side) will bat seventh and start behind the plate Sunday against the Blue Jays.

Higashioka had been out for most of the week due to side soreness. He was originally expected back Saturday, though the one-day delay shouldn't significantly impact his readiness for the upcoming season.

Realmuto (thumb) was scratched from his scheduled spring debut Sunday against the Tigers due to general soreness, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

The specific nature of the setback doesn't sound particularly worrisome, but it's still discouraging for Realmuto and those who drafted him. The Phillies don't appear to have lost their optimism that he'll be ready for Opening Day, but time is getting very tight if he's to be at something close to full speed when the regular season begins.

Realmuto (thumb) will make his spring debut Sunday against the Tigers, batting second and serving as the designated hitter, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Realmuto is getting a very late start to Grapefruit League action after fracturing his thumb shortly before the start of camp. There's been some optimism about his readiness for Opening Day throughout the spring, however. He should be ready to go when the season begins as long as he looks healthy in the box and eventually behind the plate, where he should be able to play within a few days.

Nola (finger) is expected to try to hold a bat within the next two days, Annie Heilbrunn of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Nola is dealing with a fractured middle finger on his non-throwing hand. He has been able to catch balls and take part in blocking drills despite the injury, but his big test will be taking swings. Manager Jayce Tingler stated Saturday that there's no guarantee Nola will be ready for Opening Day, and a better idea of his timeline to return should be available after he handles the bat.