MLB Player News

Jackson has made a strong impression on the Braves' coaching staff and could break camp on the 25-man roster, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

With a fairly light early schedule that features plenty of off days, Atlanta could carry an extra bench player instead of loading up its pitching staff, creating an opening for Jackson on the roster that would allow the club to use Tyler Flowers and Brian McCann as pinch hitters. Jackson's stay in the majors would likely be brief, but it's clear the 23-year-old still has a place in the organization's future plans despite his rough 2018 at the plate for Double-A Mississippi and Triple-A Gwinnett.

Stassi went 2-for-2 with an RBI in Thursday's game against the Marlins.

Stassi looked like a find during the first part of 2018 before his offense fell off over the second half. He'll be looking to sustain his bat over the entire season but will do so as a backup to Robinson Chirinos.

Casali (hip) will have his first spring training game behind the plate on Sunday, March 10th, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Casali went 1-for-2 as the DH on Thursday against the Mariners in his first spring training game action. Barring any setbacks when he returns to catching, it appears that he's on track to be ready for Opening Day.

Narvaez went 3-for-3 with a two-run home run and two runs scored Thursday against Cincinnati.

Narvaez went deep in the first inning to get his team on the scoreboard, belting his first homer of spring training. The 27-year-old is 4-for-18 at the dish thus far and projects as Seattle's starting catcher after being shipped over from the White Sox during the offseason.

Trevino (shoulder) is listed among the Rangers' reserve options for Thursday's Cactus League game against the Padres, Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Adam Moore is slated to swap in for starting catcher Jett Bandy midway through the contest, but Trevino will be on hand as a third option if needed. Trevino's availability in any capacity indicates he's moved past the shoulder issue that limited him early in camp. He has already appeared in five Cactus League games, going hitless in eight at-bats.

Zavala (quad strain) hopes to return to action this weekend, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

He suffered the injury in the first Cactus League game of the season and has yet to return, but it sounds like that could happen this weekend. Zavala is likely ticketed for Triple-A to start the season, but is the third catcher on the organizational depth chart, so it is quite possible that he makes his big-league debut this season.

Wynns (oblique) said Thursday that a recent MRI returned negative and indicated that he expects to rejoin the Orioles' Grapefruit League lineup within a few days, Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports reports.

Wynns tweaked his oblique in batting practice earlier this week and has been held out of the lineup the past couple days for what he described as precautionary reasons. The Orioles will bar him from swinging over the next couple days so as to avoid the injury, but assuming he heals as anticipated, the backstop should be ready to play again by next week. He's likely competing for non-roster invitees Jesus Sucre and Carlos Perez for the No. 2 job with Chance Sisco turning in a massive spring thus far to cement his spot atop the depth chart.

Casali (hip) is leading off and serving as the designated hitter Thursday against the Mariners.

Reports that Casali would only miss about a week with the hip injury turned out to be accurate. He is apparently getting eased back into action as the DH, and it remains to be seen when he will return to catching in games.

Caratini went 1-for-2 with a walk and a solo home run in Wednesday's Cactus League game against the Royals.

It was the first home run of the spring for Caratini, who hit just two last season in 181 at-bats to go along with a .232/.293/.304 line. Despite mediocre numbers a season ago, the 25-year-old still projects as an above-average offensive catcher, though playing time could remain sparse behind regular starter Willson Contreras.

Perez underwent successful Tommy John surgery Wednesday.

Perez's procedure went as expected, and the Royals' official statement confirmed that the backstop will sit out the entirety of the 2019 season. Cameron Gallagher is expected to handle the majority of the catching duties unless the team brings in an external option prior to Opening Day.