MLB Player News

Fry has gone 3-for-13 with two extra-base hits, four RBI and five strikeouts over five Cactus League games.

Fry needs a strong spring, as he is in contention for a number of roles. A natural catcher, Fry could displace Austin Hedges from the backup role behind Bo Naylor (back). If that doesn't happen, Fry also offers coverage at first base and the corner outfield. He's unlikely to displace Josh Naylor at first base, but right field remains wide open for the Guardians. Fry had his first taste of major-league action in 2023, slashing .238/.319/.416 with four home runs, 15 RBI, 12 runs scored and two stolen bases over 113 plate appearances.

Soderstrom, who dealt with an illness earlier in spring training, is 1-for-8 with a double, an RBI, a walk and a run over his first four exhibitions.

The promising prospect slashed just .160/.232/.240 across 45 games in his first taste of the big leagues last season, but Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports that Soderstrom is set to have multiple paths to playing time this coming season. Soderstrom will be part of a left-right platoon at catcher with Shea Langeliers, but he'll also see time at first base and designated hitter. Now that he seems to be back to full health, manager Mark Kotsay is optimistic about the improvement he believes the 2020 first-round pick is capable of. "From last year to this year, the body language is better," Kotsay said. "The intensity is better. I think the focus is better. Biggest positive coming out of a negative from last season in terms of the performance side is that he's recognizing things that may help him be successful this coming season."

Salas was re-assigned to minor-league camp by the Padres on Sunday, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

Just being invited to big-league camp as a 17-year-old was an accomplishment in and of itself for Salas, who went 2-for-7 at the plate during his limited Cactus League opportunities. He's slated to begin the season at Double-A San Antonio after finishing there in 2023. The top prospect slashed .248/.331/.421 with nine home runs over 66 games across three levels last season.

Basallo (elbow) will take live batting practice Monday, Andy Kostka of TheBaltimoreBanner.com reports.

It will be the first time Basallo has taken BP against a pitcher since he was diagnosed with a stress fracture in his right elbow at the beginning of camp. The top prospect is not expected to be ready to catch in games until late April but could serve as a designated hitter before then. Basallo is slated to begin the season at Double-A Bowie.

Kirk went 2-for-3 with a solo home run in Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Red Sox.

The 25-year-old catcher took Brandon Walter deep in the sixth inning for his second homer of the spring in four games. Kirk is coming off a somewhat disappointing 2023 that saw him slash .250/.334/.358 over 422 plate appearances, but the Blue Jays are hoping he can rebound to something closer to his 2022 performance, when he posted a .787 OPS with 14 homers. Kirk should split time behind the plate with Danny Jansen (illness) this season while also mixing in at DH behind Justin Turner.

Jansen had to be scratched from the Blue Jays' Grapefruit League lineup Monday due to a fever, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.

The Jays sent Jansen home for the day, but they are optimistic he'll be ready to return to action Tuesday. He is slated to again share catching duties with Alejandro Kirk this season.

Moreno went 2-for-3 with a double, a home run and two RBI in Sunday's spring game against the Brewers.

After going 1-for-7 over his first three Cactus League games, Moreno made an impact with his bat the fourth time out. He also threw out a runner attempting to steal. Moreno is on track to open the season as Arizona's primary catcher.

Langeliers went 1-for-2 with a walk in a Cactus League win over the Rangers on Sunday. He was also caught stealing on his only attempt.

The 26-year-old backstop came into the game with just one single across his first 11 spring plate appearances, so Sunday's showing was actually a step up. Langeliers impressively popped 45 extra-base hits, including 22 home runs, across 135 games in 2023, but he mustered a .205 average and .268 on-base percentage in the process. A 29.2 percent strikeout rate, 48.9 percent flyball rate and .246 BABIP all had a prominent hand in the struggles, but despite the presence of Tyler Soderstrom as a left-handed option behind the dish, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com still projects Langeliers to handle the bulk of the Athletics' catching duties in 2024.

Cartaya (back) was optioned to Double-A Tulsa on Sunday.

Cartaya didn't appear in any contests in the Cactus League due to a back injury, and he'll now shift his focus to being ready for the MiLB season. The catcher had a disappointing 2023 campaign, recording a .189/.278/.377 slash line with 19 homers over 355 at-bats in 93 games with Tulsa, and he'll likely have to play better to earn an opportunity to be called up to the major-league roster down the road.

Feduccia was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Sunday.

Feduccia has been unimpressive at the plate this spring, going 1-for-11 with a double, three walks, an RBI and two runs scored while striking out five times over eight contests. The catcher will look to produce a little more consistently at Triple-A in order to earn another shot with the major-league roster.