MLB Player News

Heim won't make the A's Opening Day roster but will be included on the team's three-man taxi squad.

The 25-year-old lost the backup catcher's job to Austin Allen, and Oakland apparently doesn't plan on opening the season with three catchers despite the expanded 30-man roster. However, Heim won't be far from the team and could quickly join the active roster once the season begins.

Barnes (hand) is starting behind the plate and batting ninth in Tuesday's exhibition game against the Angels, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

The 30-year-old was hit on his left hand during Sunday's exhibition contest, but his quick return to the field indicates it isn't a serious issue. Barnes should be ready for Thursday's season opener against the Giants, and he's expected to serve as the backup catcher to starter Will Smith.

Ruiz (undisclosed) singled in his only at-bat in Monday's exhibition contest against Arizona.

Ruiz was placed on the 10-day injured list July 16, but he has since reported to camp and was able to swing the bat against live pitching Monday. The backstop is not expected to make the Dodgers' Opening Day roster.

Barnes tested his injured left hand by catching Clayton Kershaw's bullpen session Monday, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

Barnes appears to have avoided a significant injury after getting plunked on his left hand in an exhibition game Sunday. In addition to catching the bullpen -- it bears mentioning that the affected hand is Barnes' glove hand -- the backstop was also slated to take batting practice Monday. He is expected to take part in the team's exhibition game against the Angels on Tuesday and should be good to go for Opening Day.

Rogers was reassigned to the Tigers' alternate training site Monday.

Both Rogers and Eric Haase were sent to the alternate site in Toledo, which clears the way for Austin Romine and Grayson Greiner to break summer camp on the active roster. Rogers could have a role on the team's three-player taxi squad for road games, as one spot needs to be used on a catcher, but the 25-year-old is otherwise on the outside looking in at the moment.

General manager Mike Elias said Monday that Rutschman could get called up this season but only "if we're heading toward a possible playoff berth," Joe Trezza of MLB.com reports.

Anything is possible, especially in a 60-game season, but it certainly seems as though Rutschman's chances of debuting this year are quite low given that the Orioles aren't expected to be anywhere close to competitive. That's hardly a surprise, as even a player of his considerable talent needs more than 37 professional games before making his big-league debut. The young catcher's presence in the team's player pool will give him the best possible development environment this season, but it's highly unlikely to lead to anything more than that.

The Tigers optioned Haase to their alternative training site Monday.

The transaction officially ends Haase's bid for a spot on the active 30-man Opening Day roster, and the backstop could be at risk of losing his spot on the 40-man roster as well if the Tigers add other players before the start of the season. Detroit appears set to proceed with Austin Romine and Grayson Greiner as its top two catchers.

Mesoraco accepted a position in June as a volunteer assistant for the University of Pittsburgh baseball team, Kendall Rogers of D1Baseball.com reports.

Since refusing to accept a minor-league assignment last March while he was a member of the Mets organization, Mesoraco hasn't explored playing opportunities within or outside of affiliated ball. With the 32-year-old now getting into coaching, it appears safe to conclude that his playing days are over. A 2014 All-Star, Mesoraco spent parts of eight seasons in the big leagues with the Reds and Mets, slashing a collective .232/.309/.406 with 58 home runs in 1,574 plate appearances.

Barnes (hand) underwent an X-ray Sunday that came back negative, Alanna Rizzo of Spectrum SportsNet LA reports.

Barnes left Sunday's exhibition game after being hit by a pitch on his left hand, but he appears to have avoided a major injury. He'll be held out Monday, but the team hopes to allow him to return Tuesday. Barring any setbacks, Barnes should be ready for Opening Day.

Barnes left Sunday's exhibition game with an apparent left hand injury, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

Barnes was hit by a pitch on his left hand in the bottom of the fourth inning, and he was replaced behind the dish in the fifth frame as a result. The exact nature and severity of the injury are unclear. If he's healthy, Barnes should serve as the Dodgers' backup catcher to begin the season, though comments made by manager Dave Roberts this spring suggest that Barnes and Will Smith could split time.