MLB Player News

The Orioles have optioned catcher Johnny Monell to minor league camp, leaving Steve Clevenger as the lone backup to starter Matt Wieters at that position.

Monell performed well enough at the plate this spring, batting .278 with one home run and six RBI in 18 at-bats. But he was outhit by Clevenger, who boasts the same power numbers with a .545 batting average that tops the Orioles among players with more than three plate appearances.

Pirates backup catcher Chris Stewart underwent minor surgery on his knee Wednesday, a source told SB Nation. He is expected to miss 4-6 weeks.

Indians catcher Yan Gomes turned in his best performance of the spring Tuesday, going 3 for 4 with two home runs, three runs and three RBI in his game against the Giants.

Gomes was just 7 for 30 with three runs and three RBI before smacking his first two home runs of the spring and doubling his RBI and run totals. He's set to take over as the team's regular catcher this season.

Pirates catcher Chris Stewart is scheduled to meet with Dr. James Andrews this week about his injured right knee, per the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The Pirates said surgery is "probable" for Stewart, who was injured in a March 12 game against the Twins.

The Red Sox announced Monday they optioned pitcher Allen Webster and catcher Christian Vazquez to Triple-A Pawtucket, while also reassigning shortstop Deven Marrero to minor-league camp.

"They're three guys that showed very well," manager John Farrell said. "They are very talented and not that far from big leagues."

The Reds optioned catcher Tucker Barnhart and pitcher Curtis Partch to Triple-A Louisville Friday.

Barnhart went 4 for 14 in nine games this spring. Partch surrendered five runs (one earned) in 4 2/3 innings.

Padres catcher Yasmani Grandal is set to play his first game this spring at that position on Thursday. He is in the lineup at catcher against Milwaukee.

Grandal has not caught since the middle of the 2013 season, which ended at that time due to knee surgery.

The Tigers optioned pitchers Casey Crosby and Melvin Mercedes to Triple-A Toledo and pitcher Jose Valdez and catcher Ramon Cabrera to Double-A Erie Wednesday.

The team also re-assigned catcher James McCann and pitchers Robbie Ray, Duane Below and Drew VerHagen to minor-league camp Wednesday.

Royals catcher Salvador Perez went 1 for 3 with a two-run home run in his team's 3-1 win over the A's Wednesday.

Perez suffered a bruised palm Monday but ended up missing just one day before returning to hit his second homer of the spring. He's 10 for 21 with four runs and seven RBI thus far.

Mets shortstop Ruben Tejada's shaky play this spring has renewed concerns for management he will not be able to handle the starting shortstop job. Therefore, the Mets are continuing to monitor the shortstop market, according to the New York Daily News.

A team source said Tuesday the Mets continue to scout Mariners infielder Nick Franklin, as they decide whether or not Franklin can play shortstop well enough to justify his offensive potential and giving up a starting pitcher prospect for him.

Also, a source for another team told the Daily News the Mets are also monitoring the Diamondbacks' shortstop competition, and "could jump in" to make a trade for Didi Gregorius or Chris Owings before spring training ends. Diamondbacks general manager Kevin Towers said recently he would consider trading one of his young shortstops, ideally for a top catching prospect, which would likely be Mets catcher Kevin Plawecki.

There is also free-agent shortstop Stephen Drew, but there is no indication from Drew's agent, Scott Boras, that his client would be willing to sign a bargain-type contract.