MLB Player News

Stewart (groin) caught off a pitching machine Monday, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Bill Brink reports.

Stewart has been dealing with left groin discomfort since Friday. However, an MRI came back negative Saturday, and this step in his rehab process may keep him on track to be available for Opening Day. That said, Francisco Cervelli is expected to claim the vast majority of the catching duties this season. The 35-year-old Stewart said he felt fine after catching the machine, but did not really test himself, so his status will remain uncertain until he does.

Vazquez hit a three-run homer and made several key defensive plays in Sunday's game against the Twins.

In addition to his seventh-inning homer, Vazquez picked off a runner at second base, caught a runner attempting to steal third and applied a nice tag on a play at the plate. This is the kind of virtuoso defensive performance the Red Sox have been dreaming of since they elevated the catcher to the majors in 2015. His ability to control the running game may eventually make him the lead catcher. Sandy Leon is the starter heading into the season, but make no mistake: Vazquez will catch two out of every five games at a minimum.

Heineman was traded by the Astros to the Brewers on Sunday for a player to be named later or cash considerations.

The catcher had been sent down to Houston's minor league camp on March 19, and the minors is where he will report when he joins the Brewers. Heineman didn't do much in big league camp with the Astros this spring, recording just one hit in 11 at-bats, and will likely open the season with Triple-A Colorado Springs.

Maldonado has been mired in a 4-for-39 slump this spring.

The veteran backstop is known for his defensive abilities, not his offensive prowess, so the lack of production shouldn't be a huge surprise here. Still, Maldonado is trying to carve out a role in the Angels' lineup out of camp. He and fellow catcher Carlos Perez have failed to stay above the Mendoza line this spring. This is one of the least interesting catcher battles from a fantasy perspective, and a timeshare behind the dish is a definite possibility.

Perez went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run in Saturday's win over the Diamondbacks.

Perez has flashed some pop this spring, watching three of his seven hits leave spring training facilities. Unfortunately, those seven hits have come in 37 at-bats, resulting in a .189 batting average. Earlier in the spring, manager Mike Scioscia said that a timeshare is possible behind the dish this season between Perez and Martin Maldonado, and that seems to remain the case as we inch closer to Opening Day.

Reds manager Bryan Price said Sunday that Mesoraco (hip, shoulder) is "very unlikely" to be ready for Opening Day, Zach Buchanan of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Mesoraco hasn't experienced any setbacks on the health front after requiring surgeries the last two seasons on both hips and his shoulder, but the lack of at-bats he's received in spring training hasn't adequately prepared him to be available on a regular basis. It's expected that the 28-year-old will remain in extended spring training when the season begins in order to get more games under his belt, and if all goes well, Mesoraco could be activated by April. It's expected that Mesoraco will eventually displace Tucker Barnhart as the Reds' primary catcher, though the two backstops could share duties at the position in the early going.

Rupp went 0-for-3 and left four runners on base in Saturday's 3-3 tie with the Red Sox.

It was a tough game for Rupp, who has just five hits in 31 at-bats this spring. Despite the slow start, Rupp is at no risk of losing his job to anyone. However, he will need to produce during the regular season to hold off top prospect Jorge Alfaro -- who's waiting for his opportunity in the majors at Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

Perez went 0-for-3 in Friday's Cactus League game, his first game action since March 6.

Perez has been hampered by knee inflammation and a hyperextended left elbow, but it appears all systems are go at this point. The Royals will likely give him plenty of at-bats within the coming week as he prepares for Opening Day. Perez is aiming to earn a fifth consecutive All-Star nod after slamming a career-high 22 home runs over 139 games last season.

An MRI came back clean for Stewart (groin) and he doesn't expect to miss too much time. "I'm optimistic for Opening Day," Stewart told DK Pittsburgh Sports.

The catcher has appeared in only six Grapefruit League games, but has looked rejuvenated behind the plate. Elias Diaz would likely serve as Francisco Cervelli's backup if Stewart is forced to miss any April action.

Hernandez (hamstring) is aiming to return to action in a minor league game Monday, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

Hernandez has put together a strong spring in a small sample, slashing .294/.368/.647 with two home runs and five RBI over 17 at-bats. He has been bothered by a hamstring issue of late, however. Even with Hernandez's solid showing thus far this spring, Jeff Mathis and Chris Iannetta look to be the primary considerations at catcher for the Opening Day roster.