MLB Player News

Stassi (hip) is expected to see his first spring action behind the plate early next week, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

While Stassi has yet to play the field this spring, he has logged two at-bats as DH, striking out each time. The 29-year-old underwent hip surgery last October and was not guaranteed to be ready for the start of the 2021 campaign, but it now appears that he has a good chance of being behind the plate for the Angels on Opening Day.

Perez (not injury related) is batting sixth and playing catcher in Saturday's spring game against Seattle, Matt Kawahara of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Perez's arrival at camp was delayed by visa issues, but he'll make his spring debut behind the dish Saturday. He should be in line for a solid allotment of reps during spring training going forward.

Manager Tony La Russa said Grandal (knee) is swinging in the batting cage Friday but won't see game action this weekend, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

The 32-year-old twisted his right knee during drills last week and has yet to see game action this spring while dealing with the resulting inflammation. The injury doesn't appear to be a serious concern, but it's worth keeping an eye on Grandal's status as spring training progresses. Injury issues to open the season for a catcher in his 30s could be problematic for the White Sox, especially following the offseason departure of a starting-caliber backup in James McCann.

Stassi (hip) will bat eighth as the designated hitter Friday against Oakland, Shayna Rubin of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Stassi has been slightly delayed to start camp after undergoing hip surgery in October. He's been participating in full workouts, however, and he should be ready to catch soon assuming he gets through Friday's at-bats without setbacks.

Stassi (hip) is participating in full workouts and could get into a Cactus League game soon, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Stassi is still recovering from the hip surgery he underwent following the 2020 season, but he appears close to ready to returning to game action. As long as his debut isn't delayed much longer, the 29-year-old should have adequate time to gear up for Opening Day. Stassi is expected to serve as the Angels' primary catcher in 2021.

Mejia, who went 1-for-2 with a double in Tuesday's Grapefruit League loss to the Red Sox, has pleased the Rays coaching staff with his progress early in spring training, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports. "We're excited, thrilled with where he's at," manager Kevin Cash said. "We've got to make sure that we can continue getting him around the pitchers, having conversations and learning the little things that are so important that [pitching coach Kyle Snyder and bullpen coach Stan Boroski] value as far as the simple messages."

Mejia is one of the more intriguing prospects to watch in spring camp, considering he was once considered on the fast track to stardom with the Padres organization. The 25-year-old is experiencing a reset of sorts in Tampa Bay after arriving in the Blake Snell trade, and the Rays are intent on grooming him as the switch-hitting complement to starting catcher Mike Zunino, who's only under contract through the end of the 2021 season. Cash notes Mejia has been kept busy getting familiarized with the pitching staff by catching plenty of bullpen and live batting practice sessions, and the Rays skipper adds he plans to single out certain pitchers and frequent 2021 opponents in deciding when to get Mejia game action during the balance of the Grapefruit League schedule.

Murphy (chest) has resumed hitting and catching, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Murphy has been slowed to begin spring training following a pair of offseason surgeries to address a collapsed lung. While manager Bob Melvin said Wednesday that Murphy still isn't ready for game action, the catcher has been progressing well in his recovery so far. The 26-year-old has said that he expects to be ready to play in time for Opening Day.

Jeffers started at catcher and went 1-for-3 in Monday's spring training win over Tampa Bay. It was his first game since minor offseason surgery on his throwing elbow.

Jeffers underwent a procedure to remove "loose bodies" from his throwing elbow and hasn't been limited early in spring training. Nevertheless, it's reassuring to see him behind the plate and healthy ahead of Opening Day. Jeffers had a strong rookie year and should be part of the mix at catcher for the Twins after hitting .273 with a .791 OPS. His outlook for playing time is uncertain since both he and Mitch Garver are right-handed. However, the Twins have made it a point to give catchers adequate rest, so the duo may split playing time even if not in a traditional platoon.

Grandal (knee) ramped up his hitting and throwing Sunday and is expected to return soon, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

Grandal recently twisted his right knee during drills and will miss at least the first two spring games due to inflammation, but he appears to be nearing a return. Barring any setbacks, the 32-year-old catcher should still have plenty of time to prepare for Opening Day.

Haase went 1-for-2 with a solo home run and two runs scored in Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Phillies.

Haase is on the outside looking in right now, as he was removed from the 40-man roster and outrighted to Triple-A Toledo last month. The Tigers brought in Wilson Ramos to serve as the primary catcher, and Grayson Greiner and Jake Rogers are vying for the backup role. That leaves Haase with very little fantasy appeal heading into 2021, though he could get a look in the majors if Ramos misses any time due to injury.