MLB Player News

Jackson is expected to start at catcher Friday against the Mets since Travis d'Arnaud (illness) and Tyler Flowers (illness) didn't travel with the team, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

Flowers and d'Arnaud both tested negative for COVID-19, but they remain in Atlanta since they're exhibiting symptoms. Jackson appeared in four games for the Braves last season and went hitless in 15 plate appearances, but he should edge out William Contreras for the start, since the latter has yet to play even at the Triple-A level. It's unclear when the two veteran catchers are expected to rejoin the team.

D'Arnaud tested negative for COVID-19 but is showing symptoms and didn't travel with the team to New York for Friday's season opener, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

Tyler Flowers also remains in Atlanta under similar circumstances, so the Braves will be without their top two catchers to begin the season. Alex Jackson will come up from the taxi squad to start behind the plate Friday.

Pinto was added to the Rays' 60-player pool Friday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Pinto was at spring training as a non-roster invitee and will now head to the team's alternate training site in Port Charlotte. The 23-year-old provides catching depth after veteran Chris Herrmann exercised his opt-out clause last week.

Knizner was named to the Cardinals' Opening Day roster on Thursday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

The promising backstop showed enough in summer camp to finish making his case for a spot that could see him fill a few different roles. Knizner will be available off the bench, as an occasional spot starter in place of the aging top duo of Yadier Molina and Matt Wieters and as a bullpen catcher whenever needed. The Cardinals were intent on allowing Knizner to continue his development in a year without minor-league baseball, with president of baseball operations confirming that was one of the team's priorities.

Hernandez was added to the Kansas City's 30-man roster Thursday, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.

Hernandez will provide the team with additional depth behind the plate to start the season. His stint with the big club could be brief given the presence of super-utility Erick Mejia -- who is also capable of playing backstop -- on the roster.

Amaya was not included on the Cubs' 30-man Opening Day roster.

This isn't a huge surprise, as Amaya has yet to appear above High-A. The 21-year-old will spend the 2020 season working on his development at the team's alternate site in South Bend, and he remains in the Cubs' future plans behind the plate.

Bemboom is not part of the Angels' 30-man roster.

Bemboom was a longshot to break camp with the club as he trails both Jason Castro and Max Stassi on the team's depth chart. However, Bemboom will travel with club as part of the team's three-man taxi squad, per Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com.

Ruiz (undisclosed) did not make the Dodgers' 30-man roster.

Ruiz missed most of summer camp for an undisclosed reason and was never a serious candidate for a roster spot. He'll head to the team's alternate training site and serve as organizational depth this season.

Stubbs is part of Houston's 30-man roster, Julia Morales of AT&T SportsNet Southwest reports.

As expected, Stubbs will open the season with the Astros thanks to expanded rosters. He'll serve as the team's third catcher for now, though the team has also talked about potentially using him at other positions.

The Giants selected Heineman's contract Thursday.

Heineman essentially clinched a roster spot earlier this month when Buster Posey opted out of the 2020 season, so the Giants' decision to select his contract was fully expected. He's expected to split time behind the dish with Rob Brantly to begin the season, but a hot start offensively could quickly allow Heineman to establish himself as the clear No. 1 option.