MLB Player News

Grandal (forearm) has a chance to play catch and swing a bat as early as Monday, Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register reports.

Grandal is able to catch bullpen sessions at this time, and even participates in some defensive drills. That being said, the backstop has been doing all of those tasks without working in any throwing. If he's able to make that progression Monday, it would be a great sign, although Grandal remains scheduled to open the 2016 season on the disabled list.

Vazquez won't be on the Red Sox's 25-man roster to begin the season, Rob Bradford of WEEI.com reports.

Vazquez hasn't experienced any setbacks since returning from Tommy John surgery during the spring, but the team's main priority remains building up the young catcher's innings behind the plate. It hasn't been determined yet whether he'll begin the season at Triple-A Pawtucket or stick around in Fort Myers, Fla. for extended spring training, but once the Red Sox feel confident that he's fully healthy, Vazquez could displace Ryan Hanigan as the backup catcher behind Blake Swihart.

Diaz (elbow) confirmed Saturday that he will not require surgery, Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune reports. "I was worried before, but not now. I don't need surgery, just rest and treatment," said Diaz.

The 25-year-old catching prospect was put on the shelf earlier this week when he began experiencing elbow discomfort. Fortunately, the following reports have been largely positive, and Diaz confirmed Saturday that surgery can be taken out of the equation. Still, the Pirates are set at catcher at the major league level for now, so Diaz will likely start the year at Triple-A once his elbow discomfort subsides.

Grandal (forearm) will likely start the season on the disabled list, Andy McCullough of the Los Angeles Times reports.

While there is still hope that Grandal won't miss too much time once the season gets underway, his forearm injury will still likely land him on the disabled list to start the year. Grandal will be held out of baseball activities through at least the weekend and the expectation is for him to test out his forearm Monday. A.J Ellis figures to be the Dodgers' primary catcher with Grandal sidelined while Austin Barnes could serve as the backup for the time being.

Moore was reassigned to minor league camp Saturday, Ryan Lewis of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

The Indians are set at catcher at the big league level with Yan Gomes and Roberto Perez, so Moore will head down to the minors and provide organizational depth at the position. He hit .429 with two doubles in 14 at-bats this spring.

Grandal (forearm) will be out through at least Monday, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

Grandal has been battling a forearm injury all week and was even sent in for testing on the area on Tuesday. He continues to have his timetable pushed back, and Gurnick notes that Grandal's chances of being ready for Opening Day continue to grow smaller with each day that passes. This is certainly a concern for owners targeting Grandal later in drafts hoping that this is the year he cashes in on his upside with the Dodgers.

Perez has logged nine hits (including a home run) in 32 at-bats this spring.

Perez officially entered camp in a three-way battle with Jett Bandy and Geovany Soto for the starting catcher's spot, but was likely considered the frontrunner after taking playing time from Chris Iannetta in his final season with the club. Perez was able to close 2015 with a flourish, notching a .933 OPS in September, but finished the year with just a .299 OBP and .096 ISO.

Sanchez has been optioned to Triple-A Scranton Wilkes-Barre, the club announced.

Sanchez was expected to make the team as Brian McCann's backup, but he has struggled mightily this spring, going just 1-for-21 at the plate. Austin Romine now has the inside track for New York's backup catcher spot.

Mesoraco (hip) has been getting extra at-bats in minor league games to make up for his late start to spring training.

The Reds seem confident that Mesoraco will be able to go for Opening Day. It wouldn't be a surprise if Mesoraco plays less regularly early in the season to preserve his health, however.

Grandal (forearm) was expected to return to the lineup Thursday but will still be held from swinging a bat or throwing for a "few days," Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register reports.

The Dodgers insist it's nothing major, but Grandal continues to struggle to get over this forearm issue. He was sent for additional tests earlier this week and nothing was detected, so hopefully a few more days of rest will be enough to get over it. If he's still struggling with this injury through the weekend, however, it will be time to start worrying.