MLB Player News

Realmuto (knee) is in the lineup for Sunday's spring game against the Pirates, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Realmuto's 2019 campaign came to a close when he underwent surgery to address a meniscus issue in his right knee, but his recovery went as planned over the offseason, and he is ready to jump into action Sunday. Realmuto will start behind the plate and hit second in the Phillies' batting order.

Heim, who has a chance to earn a backup catcher job this spring, has impressed in camp and in Saturday's 12-2 Cactus League loss to the Cubs, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports. "He was real calm back there. Got all the signs I gave him. He had a lot going on back there with their guys swinging the bat well," manager Bob Melvin said. "For a first start, you would think a guy like that has some nerves, but he certainly didn't show it."

Projected Opening Day catcher Sean Murphy (knee) is expected out until at least March 2, which will afford Heim extra reps in his bid to earn a backup catcher job this spring. The 24-year-old has yet to log any regular-season major-league action, but he opened eyes last season with a .358/.412/.557 line across 119 plate appearances at Triple-A Las Vegas. He kept his bat warm over the winter as well while playing in the Dominican Republic, slashing .301/.386/.411 over 20 games with the Toros del Este. Heim played six innings versus the Cubs on Saturday and went 1-for-2 with a single, while also flashing his renowned defensive skills by cutting down Jason Heyward after digging out a throw in the dirt.

Diaz (knee) is in the lineup for Saturday's spring opener against the Diamondbacks.

Diaz ended last season dealing with the knee injury, but he has completed his recovery and is ready to take the field Saturday. He will start behind the plate and hit eighth Saturday.

Jackson (knee) is in the lineup for Saturday's spring opener against the Orioles.

Jackson ended last season on the 60-day injured list because of his injury, but he has put that behind him and will start behind the plate in the Braves' first spring game.

Stassi (hip) is on track to be healthy for Opening Day, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Stassi underwent right hip surgery in the offseason, but he is currently in camp and has been taking batting practice as well as participating in catching drills. The 28-year-old is expected to compete for a backup role behind newly acquired Jason Castro.

Rogers is only expected to miss two or three days with a sore back, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.

Initial reports on Rogers' back injury indicated it was nothing serious, and manager Ron Gardenhire confirmed as much Friday. He'll still have plenty of time to make his case for a roster spot, though his .125/.222/.259 line in 35 games as a rookie last season makes him a long shot at best.

Gallagher (oblique) is starting behind the plate in Friday's Cactus League opener against the Rangers.

The 27-year-old was nursing an oblique issue but will start in the spring opener while Salvador Perez serves as the designated hitter. Gallagher is competing for the backup catching job with Meibrys Viloria in spring training.

Realmuto (knee) will make $10 million in 2020 after losing his arbitration case, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

Realmuto was seeking $12.4 million, though his $10 million payday is still an arbitration record for a catcher, per Feinsand. The backstop hit .275/.328/.493 with 25 home runs and nine stolen bases in his first year with the Phillies. He underwent season-ending knee surgery last September, though it isn't expected to affect his availability for the start of the season.

Rogers won't be available Friday for the Tigers' exhibition game against Southeastern University due to back stiffness, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

The 24-year-old had been scheduled to catch in the Tigers' spring opener, but those duties will now fall to Eric Haase. Rogers is being viewed as day-to-day and should be ready to make his Grapefruit League debut at some point next week if the TIgers clear him to resume workouts.

Manager Dusty Baker labeled Maldonado as the Astros' No. 1 catcher Thursday, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

After Houston elected to let Robinson Chirinos walk in free agency while bringing back Maldonado on a two-year, $7 million deal, it was already fairly apparent that the latter would open the season atop the depth chart at catcher. Baker's willingness to confirm as much ensures that Maldonado will see the bulk of the work to begin the season, while the relatively unproven Garrett Stubbs likely serves as the No. 2 option behind the plate. Stubbs probably offers the more interesting bat of the two along with the higher fantasy ceiling if given a larger share of plate appearances, but Maldonado's defensive prowess should be enough to keep his playing time secure.