MLB Player News

Murphy was removed from Thursday's spring training game as a precaution after being hit in the helmet on a backswing, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.

Murphy took a shot to the head from an opposing batter during Thursday's game, so the Rockies opted to remove the backstop just to be safe. Manager Bud Black downplayed Murphy's removal and said that he should be OK moving forward.

Murphy was removed from Thursday's spring game with an apparent injury, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.

The specifics of the injury remain unclear, but Murphy appeared to take a shot to his helmet on a backswing prior to exiting the contest. More should be known following the conclusion of Thursday's Cactus League game. In the meantime, consider him day-to-day.

The Braves reassigned Jackson to their minor-league camp Tuesday, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

After struggling at the plate while mostly serving as an outfielder in his first three professional seasons with the Mariners, the No. 6 overall pick of the 2014 first-year player draft has boosted his stock in dynasty settings since being dealt to the Braves in November 2016. In addition to moving back to catcher -- the position he played in high school -- Jackson displayed the premium power that had eluded him during his time with the Mariners, finishing his first season in the Atlanta system with an .808 OPS across two levels. That earned Jackson an invitation to major-league spring training, and he'll now look to apply the instruction he received to what will likely be a full-season assignment at Double-A Mississippi. If the 22-year-old displays further improvement defensively and reduces his strikeout rate this season, he could make a big climb up prospect lists.

Caratini is day-to-day with a sore left knee, Carrie Muskat of MLB.com reports.

Caratini said that the knee was feeling a little tight after getting plunked by a pitch and being involved in a collision at home plate during Tuesday's contest. The 24-year-old is battling for the backup catcher role on the Opening Day roster.

Realmuto (back) said Wednesday that he's hopeful to resume baseball activities in the next day or two, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports.

The Marlins have been taking it easy on Realmuto after he suffered a lower-back contusion during Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Yankees, but there's no concern about the catcher's status for Opening Day. With Realmuto expecting his bruising to subside by the weekend, he should be able to take part in batting practice and positional drills in the coming days and potentially return to exhibition action at some point next week. The backstop has gone 5-for-22 with one home run and three RBI at the dish this spring.

Trevino was optioned to Double-A Frisco, Drew Davison of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Optioning Trevino, along with designating Brett Nicholas for assignment, gives Juan Centeno a significant edge in the battle to win the backup catching job. Trevino is a defensive specialist who has won a Gold Glove as the top defensive catcher in the minor leagues the past two seasons.

Contreras went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run in Tuesday's Cactus League loss to the Padres.

Contreras sat out the last week with the flu, but he wasted no time getting back into the swing of things. He should be good to go moving forward and figures to be one of the top fantasy options behind the plate this season.

Manager Don Mattingly said he's confident Realmuto (back) will be ready for Opening Day, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports.

Realmuto suffered a lower-back contusion over the weekend after colliding with Gleyber Torres on a pickoff play, but fortunately the issue doesn't appear to be anything that will keep him sidelined for too long. Mattingly noted the backstop will get a few more days to rest as he waits for the soreness to subside, but it sounds like the Marlins are simply being cautious with their star catcher. Consider him day-to-day for the time being.

Jansen was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo on Tuesday, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Jansen is a promising catching prospect, though he was always unlikely to open the season with the big-league club. Still just 22, he hit well at the three highest levels of the minors last season (a combined .323/.400/.484 in 104 games) but only has 21 games at Triple-A. With strong performances in his return to Buffalo this season, Jansen could make his major-league debut later this year.

Nicholas cleared waivers and will return to the Rangers as a non-roster invitee, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Nicholas was waived when the Rangers signed Tim Lincecum. The 29-year-old can continue to compete for the team's backup catcher job as a non-roster invitee, though he's likely behind Juan Centeno, who remains on the 40-man roster. Nicholas figures to return to Triple-A and wait for an injury to Centeno or starting catcher Robinson Chirinos. He hit .311/.353/.469 for Round Rock last season.