MLB Player News

Contreras was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett on Wednesday.

The backstop will make the move to the International League for the first time after splitting the 2019 campaign between High-A Florida and Double-A Mississippi. Contreras doesn't have the long-term fantasy upside of older brother and fellow catcher Willson, but he boasts decent contact skills and should be able to stick behind the plate once he eventually gets the call to the big leagues.

Sanchez (back) tested positive for the flu Tuesday, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Sanchez was scheduled to take part in catching drills and batting practice this week before returning to game action Friday, but the illness will set him back a few days.

Contreras went 3-for-3 with a solo home run and two runs scored in Tuesday's Cactus League game against the Giants.

Contreras has been chugging along this spring, posting a .292 batting average and .930 OPS in Cactus League play. The 27-year-old catcher had a solid 2019 campaign with 24 home runs and 64 RBI, and he should once again be one of the top options at the position in 2020.

Murphy went 2-for-3 with a two-run home run in a Cactus League win over the Rangers on Monday.

It was the first round tripper of Cactus League play for the promising backstop, who was eased into spring following offseason knee surgery and didn't see game action until March 2. Murphy, who'll be the starting catcher in 2020, has made good use of his limited opportunities thus far, hitting .375 (3-for-8) over his first 10 spring plate appearances.

Bart was reassigned to minor-league camp Tuesday, Kerry Crowley of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Bart was in big-league camp to start the spring but was never under serious consideration for an Opening Day roster spot. The 23-year-old may be the catcher of the future for the Giants, but that future won't be coming just yet as he's played only 22 games at the Double-A level. His destination to start the season has yet to be announced.

Amaya was optioned to Double-A Tennessee on Tuesday, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.

He was in big-league camp for the experience, rather than as an actual candidate to break camp in the majors. Amaya is a better real-life prospect than a fantasy one, as he projects to be a quality defender who hits for a middling average and solid power.

Jansen went 1-for-3 with a grand slam in Monday's split-squad game against the Rays.

After Blake Snell had walked four of the first five batters he faced and gotten the hook, Trevor Richards entered the game and was promptly taken deep by Jansen on his second pitch. The 24-year-old catcher focused on improving his hitting routine and swing mechanics this offseason and the work has paid off in spades so far, as Jansen now sports a .429/.529/1.071 slash line through 17 plate appearances with three homers and a 3:1 BB:K. After a disappointing 2019 campaign at the plate, Jansen could be poised for a breakout.

Sanchez (back) missed his scheduled batting practice Tuesday due to a fever, Kristie Ackert of the New York Daily News reports.

It initially appeared as though Sanchez's back was still bothering him when his hitting session was canceled, but he's evidently dealing with an unrelated issue. He was previously expected to return to game action Friday, but the loss of another day or two due to illness will probably push that back by a few days.

Sanchez (back) didn't take part in on-field batting practice as planned Tuesday, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

The Yankees have scheduled Sanchez to hit each of the previous three days, only for those plans to be tabled. Sanchez's lower back is evidently still presenting some discomfort, but at this stage, the Yankees are viewing his injury as a day-to-day concern. He's still expected to catch side sessions the next two days while the Yankees are traveling, so if Sanchez fares well in those workouts, he could be cleared to re-enter the Grapefruit League lineup at some point over the weekend.

Ruiz was optioned to minor-league camp Monday.

Ruiz struggled in Cactus League play, going hitless in 10 at-bats and racking up four strikeouts. He'll likely open the season with Triple-A Oklahoma City, where he hit .316 with two home runs in 40 plate appearances last season.