MLB Player News

Mesoraco took his first live batting practice of spring training Friday and said he felt good, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

It's another small progression for Mesoraco, who is being eased back into action this spring after missing a majority of the past two seasons with injuries. The veteran catcher hopes to be playing in Cactus League games within the coming week, a major step towards his Opening Day availability. Mesoraco is the presumed everyday catcher for Cincinnati this season, but could be a risk in fantasy drafts.

Mesoraco is scheduled to take his first live batting practice of this spring training Friday and is aiming to enter live action over the next week, Zach Buchanan of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Cincinnati is bringing the backstop along slowly as he recovers from hip and shoulder issues. The Reds don't intent to push Mesoraco early on in the season but want him to seize the full-time job as the campaign wears on. Fantasy players in two-catcher mixed leagues could take a guarded chance late in drafts on his power coming through.

Barnhart is going to play often early in the 2017 season, but he's expected to return to backup duties if Devin Mesoraco proves he can handle a starter's workload, Zach Buchanan of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Barnhart is probably the safer selection to start the campaign, though a healthy, active Mesoraco has much more upside, especially with home runs. Of course, the latter holds plenty of risk. If fantasy players in two-catcher leagues can handcuff this situation, that could save a lot of headaches, though that plan doesn't always lead to a comfortable roster.

Mesoraco is viewed by Reds manager Bryan Price as the eventual everyday catcher, Zach Buchanan of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Mesoraco obviously has some hurdles to clear to prove he can handle a busy workload, considering his recent health woes. Tucker Barnhart will push for at least a split share of the backstop work. Mesoraco, however, holds plenty of upside -- especially with home runs -- if he can play at least half a season. Barnhart may be the safer fantasy pick, merely because there are fewer concerns over his durability.

D'Arnaud went 1-for-3 with a solo home run off Marlins closer A.J. Ramos in Tuesday's Grapefruit League game.

His offseason work to simplify and improve his swing has paid quick dividends to begin the spring, and d'Arnaud is now hitting .500 (4-for-8) through the Mets' first few Grapefruit League games. He remains little more than a lottery ticket in shallower fantasy formats, but the 28-year-old catcher still has time to get his career back on track if he can just stay off the DL.

Sanchez (foot) entered Monday's game off the bench and went 0-for-2 in a spring training loss to the Angels.

Sanchez fouled a ball off his foot a couple of days ago, but it wasn't considered serious and he needed just a couple of days to heal. He is currently on the Padres as a non-roster invitee, and he has a good shot at winning the backup catcher spot if he can produce at the plate this spring.

Contreras hit his first spring training home run in Monday's 4-4 tie against the White Sox.

Contreras went deep in the fourth inning off of Anthony Swarzak. The 24-year-old only recorded 252 at-bats in 76 games with the Cubs last season, but he still managed to hit 12 home runs. While it remains to be seen how Contreras adjusts to being a full-season MLB catcher, the potential is certainly there for 20 or more home runs, which makes him a great option at a thin position.

The Reds are not planning to play Mesoraco in spring training games in the immediate future. "Until we're getting closer with workload, I'd hate to try and target a date because then it's disappointing if we don't reach it by playing by a certain date," manager Bryan Price said. "He's certainly getting closer."

The Reds are treating Mesoraco with supreme caution, which doesn't hurt because spring training is extended this year due to the WBC.

Bethancourt will make his first Cactus League pitching appearance Wednesday, Dennis Lin of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

After lots of work in the offseason to develop him as a pitcher, the right-handed fireballer will finally get to strut his stuff against major league competition. He's also scheduled to DH later in the week, showing that the Padres want to keep all options open for the future, but if his spring debut goes well, Bethancourt could work his way into more consistent bullpen work throughout the season.

X-rays on Plawecki's left knee came back negative following his departure from Saturday's Grapefruit League game, James Wagner of the New York Times reports.

It appears that Plawecki, who was on the receiving end of a brutal collision Saturday, is fortunately dealing with little more than a contusion and some soreness with the knee, which likely takes a long-term absence off the table. Plawecki will presumably miss at least a few Grapefruit League games while he recovers from the injury, but he appears at limited risk of missing Opening Day.