MLB Player News

Red Sox catcher Christian Vazquez will be evaluated by Dr. James Andrews on Wednesday, per the Boston Herald's Michael Silverman which is not a good sign for his injured elbow.

The Sox said that an MRI on Vazquez's injured elbow "found something". While no decision on surgery has been made, Andrews is the pioneer of Tommy John elbow surgery, which would keep Vazquez out for close to a year. 

Red Sox catcher Christian Vazquez underwent an MRI on his injured elbow, and told reporters on Saturday that they "found something," but have to make a firm diagnosis. He's scheduled to undergo a second opinion in the Fort Myers area, according to WEEI.

Vazquez caught a minor-league game on Friday, but was prohibited from throwing to bases. Manager John Farrell said he's unlikely to be ready for Opening Day, per the Providence Journal. The Red Sox will likely consider Ryan Hanigan and prospect Blake Swihart as possible replacements for Vazquez.

"There's a little bit there, but I've got more in my tank," Vazquez said. "I want to be 100 percent to help the team. I need to be ready to help the team win.

"That's my goal, be ready and healthy because this is my first time getting hurt. I'm a little bit sad with myself for my first time, but I'm fine."

The Diamondbacks aren't sure if they're keeping two catchers or three, and the only certainty is that Tuffy Gosewisch is starting.

Entering the final week of spring training, Blake Lalli is battling Gerald Laird and Jordan Pacheco for a roster spot. 

"You just keep playing and try not to look into things, because it's impossible," Lalli said per MLB.com's Steve Gilbert. "I feel like if you do your job on the field, that's all you can do for sure. I know it sounds cliche, but it's true. I try not to pay attention to decisions that aren't mine. ... You can look around and see and kind of figure you're in it."

Though he was optioned to Triple-A last week, Red Sox manager John Farrell indicated that he would be open to going with catching prospect Blake Swihart if Christian Vazquez remains sidelined with an elbow issue, according to the Boston Herald. Farrell will likely wait a little over a week before he decides on his Opening Day catcher.

"Anybody in our uniform is always under consideration," Farrell said. "We'll see how things play out in the next eight or nine days."

Red Sox catcher Christian Vazquez (elbow) will undergo an MRI on his injured elbow on Friday. He downplayed the issue, telling reporters that he's "going to be fine," according to WEEI. He is scheduled to catch Joe Kelly in a minor-league intrasquad game. Vazquez will be refrained from throwing to bases.

"I think I'm going to be fine, I hope I'm going be fine for Opening Day," Vazques said, per ESPN. "That's the goal here.

"I want to be 100 percent to help the team. I need to be ready to help the team win. That's my goal: Be ready, be healthy. This is the first time in my life that I got hurt. I'm, you know, a little bit sad with myself for the first time [being hurt], but I'm fine."

Braves catcher Christian Bethancourt returned to the spring lineup Thursday against the Pirates after missing just over a week due to the flu. Bethancourt, who last played in a game March 17, is batting .360 (9 for 25) with five RBI and six doubles in nine spring games.

Red Sox manager John Farrell said Thursday he should have a better idea by the weekend about the Opening Day status of catcher Christian Vazquez (elbow) and closer Koji Uehara (hamstring), per The Boston Globe.

Farrell added Vazquez will catch a minor-league game Friday. Vazquez said Thursday he has no doubt he will be ready by Opening Day.

"I'm going to be ready," he said, per WEEI.com.

Uehara will throw off flat ground Thursday. Farrell hopeful Uehara will throw a bullpen session this weekend.

Angels manager Mike Scioscia announced Drew Butera will be the backup to starting catcher Chris Iannetta, per The Orange County Register. He beat out Carlos Perez for the backup role.

Butera, who is out of options, is batting .143 (3 for 21) with one double, one home run and three RBI in nine spring games.

Yasmani Grandal is looking for a fresh start with the Dodgers, after a tumultuous tenure with the Padres, according to FOX Sports. Clayton Kershaw, the ace of the staff, has a strong relationship with A.J. Ellis, but when asked about Grandal's past issues with San Diego, he said: "I haven't seen any of that. The only thing you want in a catcher is that he works. He does that. He's a hard worker. Not only with catching, the physical part of it, but the mental side. He knew what I did before I even talked to him.

"There are obviously some growing pains, getting to know a catcher. But he's been great. He's done everything you can ask for. Everyone always comes in with a reputation regardless. I just try to tune it out and judge for myself."

Grandal was acquired this offseason as the centerpiece in the trade that sent outfielder Matt Kemp to San Diego. The switch-hitting catcher, who is under club control through 2018, slashed .225/.327/.401 with 15 homers and 85 RBI in 2014. He posted a .795 OPS after the All-Star break last season.

Pirates catcher Chris Stewart took part in infield drills and batting practice Tuesday morning, as he continues to work his way back from a hamstring issue, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. He has not played since March 9 due to the injury, and is not expected back in the lineup for at least another 10 days.