MLB Player News

Grandal (forearm) will return to spring training action Thursday, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

Grandal visited with a doctor Monday after experiencing soreness in his right forearm, but it appears the ailment was a relatively minor one. Barring any further setbacks once he returns to Cactus League games, the 27-year-old should be set to go for the start of the regular season as the club's starting catcher.

Grandal (forearm) had a doctor's appointment Monday, but the team has not revealed the extent of his injury and he'll be rested until at least Thursday, the Los Angeles Times reports.

The same injury slowed Grandal earlier in camp, so the Dodgers may opt to take extra time now if they believe added rest will prevent the ailment from becoming a recurring problem throughout the year. A.J. Ellis will pick up extra playing time, along with Austin Barnes, if Grandal ends up on the shelf when the regular season begins.

Diaz will rest for the next week with lateral right-elbow discomfort and then be reevaluated, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.

The injury sounds as though it could be fairly serious. Diaz, who's batting .421 in 19 spring-training at-bats, hit .271/.330/.382 in 363 plate appearances for Triple-A Indy last year. He's currently ranked third among catchers on the depth chart. Ed Easley would likely serve as Pittsburgh's third option to start the season if Diaz is forced to miss time.

Grandal was removed from Monday's Cactus League game due to a sore right forearm, Eric Stephen of True Blue LA reports.

Manager Dave Roberts relayed that this is the same forearm that forced Grandal to take some time off earlier this spring. While Grandal fits in another bout of rest, A.J. Ellis will serve as the Dodgers' backstop Tuesday, which will be followed be an off day. Once Thursday rolls around, the Dodgers will be apt to clarify Grandal's health, one way or another.

Grandal (arm) went 1-for-2 with a home run in Friday's spring training loss to Arizona. He's hitting .417 (5-for-12) in six games this spring.

Grandal missed some time earlier in the week with a right arm contusion. He's returning from offseason shoulder surgery, but looks set to be ready for Opening Day.

Contreras was optioned to Triple-A Iowa on Friday.

In 13 games with the major league club this spring, Contreras recorded five hits, including three doubles, and walked four times without striking out. If Miguel Montero goes down at any point this season, we could see Contreras called up to take on a prominent role behind the plate.

Murphy was reassigned to minor league camp Friday, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Murphy is expected to land at Triple-A Albuquerque, where he'll see regular at-bats with an opportunity to learn the pitching staff. The 24-year-old had an 11-game cup of coffee with the Rockies last season, but he played primarily at the Double and Triple-A levels.

Mesoraco (hip) hit a two-run home run off the Indians' Danny Salazar in his spring debut Thursday.

As manager Bryan Price said would be the case, Mesoraco started with a light workload in his debut, catching two innings. He will gradually build up to nine innings and then back-to-backs over the remainder of spring training. The 27-year-old certainly made the most of his lone at-bat Thursday, but the bat hasn't been in question. The question is if his hip and lower-body can hold up to the rigors of the catcher position.

Realmuto is off to a solid start at the dish during Grapefruit League play, batting .316 (6-for-19) with two walks, a double and two RBI over eight games.

Locked in as the Marlins' starting backstop, Realmuto will look to take a step forward from the respectable .259/.290/.406 line he posted over 126 as a rookie. He knocked 10 home runs in limited time last year and also chipped in eight steals. Given that he posted double digit stolen base totals in three of his four full minor league seasons (2011-2014), Realmuto offers a under-the-radar blend of power and speed at his position.

Mesoraco (hip) will be behind the plate for Thursday's spring game, MLB.com reports. "He'll start with a light workload and build himself up to nine innings, and then back-to-back games," manager Bryan Price said.

The 27-year-old will make his much anticipated return to game action after missing most of last season with a hip injury, and then dealing with a groin ailment early in camp. Mesoraco will need to gradually increase his workload while avoiding any setbacks in order to be ready on Opening Day. Tucker Barnhart is the primary backup entering 2016.