MLB Player News

Naylor (back) will start at catcher and bat cleanup Wednesday in the Guardians' Cactus League game against the Brewers.

He'll crack the Cactus League lineup for just the second time this spring and the first time since Feb. 24 after back spasms kept him out of commission for about a week and a half. Provided he experiences no further setbacks with his back during camp, Naylor should be ready to handle the lion's share of the starts behind the dish by the time the regular season gets underway.

Sabol pulled his groin adductor during the Giants' spring training game against Milwaukee on Tuesday, Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic reports.

Sabol sustained the injury while attempting to beat out an infield single. He will use the Giants' day off Wednesday to receive an MRI, which should offer more clarity on the severity of his injury and how long he may be out for.

Barnes was scratched from the Dodgers' lineup ahead of their Cactus League game against the Angels on Tuesday due to back tightness, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Manager Dave Roberts didn't specify how severe Barnes' injury is, but it is apparently enough to prevent the 34-year-old backstop from playing Tuesday. Chris Okey will start behind the dish instead while Barnes recovers.

Herrera (shoulder) is starting at catcher and batting seventh for the Cardinals on Tuesday against the Twins in his return to Grapefruit League action, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Herrera missed a few days with a "stinger" in his left (non-throwing) shoulder but is ready to roll now. He will open the season as Willson Contreras' backup at catcher.

The Rockies hope to rest Diaz more in 2024 after acquiring Jacob Stallings in the offseason, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Diaz earned a career-high 526 plate appearances and suited up in 141 games in 2023, primarily because the Rockies lacked a reliable second catcher. The addition of Stallings gives the team a solid defensive backstop, and Diaz is likely to see less volume as a result. Given his mediocre .725 OPS and .142 ISO from a year ago, his fantasy value is likely to take at least a moderate hit.

Amaya is just 2-for-11 through four Cactus League games with no home runs or RBI.

It's very early and Amaya should have a roster spot secured even if he continues to struggle in exhibition play. The youngster made his MLB debut last season and showed signs of promise, but he also only batted .214 and struck out nearly 26 percent of the time, so there is definitely room for growth. The veteran Yan Gomes is on hand to provide a steady presence behind the plate, though the Cubs likely want to see Amaya take the job and run with it sooner versus later.

Murphy has gone 2-for-7 with a double and three strikeouts over his first three Cactus League games.

Murphy was signed in the offseason to back up Patrick Bailey at catcher. Murphy has played no more than 97 games in a season in his major-league career. He's often hit well in a backup role, but Joey Bart (3-for-9) and Blake Sabol (1-for-8) are also options to fill that spot to begin 2024. More clarity should be available once the Giants trim down their spring roster, though it appears Murphy's experience is favored to win out over Bart, who could be waived or traded if he doesn't earn a roster spot.

Hedges has gone 2-for-8 with a home run, a double, two RBI and three strikeouts over four Cactus League games.

Hedges is not guaranteed to open the season as the Guardians' backup catcher despite his $4 million salary for 2024. David Fry, who can also play first base and corner outfield, could be in line for the backup catcher role -- or offer the Guardians the choice to carry three natural backstops. Among the team's catching crew, Hedges offers the least offensive upside, as he hasn't hit better than .184 in any of the past five seasons. Bo Naylor (back) is penciled in as the Guardians' starter behind the dish.

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."