MLB Player News

Murphy (chest) is expected to make his Cactus League debut Wednesday against the Royals, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

The report doesn't specify whether Murphy will catch or serve as the Athletics' designated hitter, but his expected entry into the spring lineup is an encouraging sign for his chances of being ready to go for the start of the regular season. Murphy has thus far been eased along during spring training after he required a pair of surgeries in the offseason to address a collapsed lung.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Higashioka was scratched from the lineup for Tuesday's Grapefruit League game against the Tigers due to a sore side, Pete Caldera of The Bergen Record reports.

Boone suggested Higashioka's removal was precautionary, so the catcher could be ready to rejoin the lineup within a few days. Non-roster invitee Rob Brantly will get a turn behind the plate Tuesday, catching for Gerrit Cole.

The Dodgers optioned Ruiz to their minor-league camp Monday, Eric Stephen of SBNation.com reports.

As expected, Ruiz's demotion likely locks Will Smith and Austin Barnes in as the Dodgers' catchers on the Opening Day roster. Ruiz, who received a brief cup of coffee with Los Angeles in 2020, will presumably serve as the everyday catcher at Triple-A Oklahoma City this season.

The Giants optioned Tromp to their minor-league camp Monday.

Tromp and fellow catcher Joey Bart were both part of Monday's roster cuts, as the Giants appear set to go with Buster Posey and Curt Casali as their two backstops for Opening Day. If Bart and Tromp are both assigned to Triple-A Sacramento, Tromp would likely serve as the No. 2 option behind Bart, who is being groomed as Posey's long-term replacement.

The Giants optioned Bart to Triple-A Sacramento on Monday.

Due to the cancellation of the 2020 minor-league campaign along with Buster Posey's decision to opt out, Bart received his first taste of the big leagues last season, despite having only 22 games' worth of experience above the High-A level. The 24-year-old put together a few quality games to begin his major-league career, but he slumped badly in September to finish with a .233/.288/.320 slash line and 36.9 K% over 111 plate appearances. With Posey back in the fold, Bart will get some more development time in the minors to begin 2021, but he'll likely get another trial with the Giants at some point during the season.

Murphy (hip) will return to the lineup Monday against Arizona, batting fourth and serving as the designated hitter.

Murphy was scratched Sunday with what was later revealed to be a hip issue. While it may take a few more days for him to get back behind the plate, his readiness for Opening Day doesn't appear to be threatened.

Campusano would be in line to make the Padres' Opening Day roster if Austin Nola (finger) isn't ready by Opening Day, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

Nola fractured the middle finger on his left (non-throwing) hand Saturday, casting doubt upon his ability to play when the regular season kicks off. If Nola is unable to go, Victor Caratini would likely open the season as the Padres' primary catcher, with Campusano filling in as the backup. The 22-year-old has enjoyed a strong spring, slashing .313/.421/.438 with a pair of doubles. He has struck out only three times in 16 at-bats.

Garver went 2-for-3 in Sunday's spring training win over Boston. He's hitting .364 (4-for-11) with a home run this spring.

After last year's injury-plagued season (intercostal strain), Garver has looked back in form at the plate this season showing his 2019 power. He had a 109.6 mph average exit velocity Sunday, according to Baseball Savant, for example. Garver went from hitting 31 home runs with a .630 SLG in 2019, to struggling with injuries, being lost at the plate, and slugging just .264 in 2020. The Twins are likely to limit Garver's playing time to keep him fresh. He'll likely split playing time with Ryan Jeffers, even though both hit right-handed.

Stallings went 1-for-3 with a solo homer in Sunday's loss to the Phillies.

Stallings, who's set to serve as the team's starting catcher, is batting .333 in 12 spring at-bats. Better known for his defense, the 31-year-old holds a career .262 batting average in 382 at-bats in the big leagues.

Murphy was scratched from Sunday's spring game against the Brewers, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

No injury has been announced, so it's unclear if it's just a late lineup change of if the 29-year-old is dealing with some sort of issue. Luis Torrens will start in his place and will benefit should Murphy be forced to miss any real time.