MLB Player News

Vazquez (elbow) will begin the season on the disabled list.

Vazquez did not experience any issues related to his 2015 Tommy John surgery this spring, but he is apparently still completing his recovery, and will be eased into regular season action. He will be an option for the big club once the Red Sox determine he is back at 100 percent.

Casali has hit .316 and tallied four RBI over 19 exhibtion at-bats during 2016 spring training.

The third-year pro displayed some considerable pop at the plate last season, blasting 10 homers in just 101 at-bats. Casali has had a productive enough spring, but fellow backstop Rene Rivera has also been solid (.321 average over 28 at-bats). Veteran offseason acquisition Hank Conger has considerably struggled at the plate (.154 average) to date, and manager Kevin Cash has mused about the possibility of keeping three catchers on the major league roster in the season's early going, brightening Casali's prospects for the time being.

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.