MLB Player News

Reds catcher Devin Mesoraco said Monday he was held out of the spring lineup because his hamstring was a little sore, per the Cincinnati Enquirer. Although, Mesoraco said he would have played if it were the regular season.

"I think it's going to fine," he said.

Mesoraco left Sunday's spring game with a cramp in his left quad.

The Red Sox traded for Nationals catcher Sandy Leon on Monday. The Nationals received cash considerations in exchange for Leon.

To clear a spot on the 40-man roster, the Red Sox placed catcher Christian Vazquez (elbow) on the 60-day disabled list.

The 26-year-old Leon has appeared in just 34 games at the major-league level. He has a .236/.324/.329/.653 slash line over eight seasons in the minors.

Reds catcher Devin Mesoraco was removed from Sunday's game due to a cramp in his left quad, the team announced.

Mesoraco came up lame while rounding third base. He finished the game 0 for 2 at the plate and is just 6 for 28 with two home runs this spring.

The Diamondbacks aren't sure if they're keeping two catchers or three, and the only certainty is that Tuffy Gosewisch is starting.

Entering the final week of spring training, Blake Lalli is battling Gerald Laird and Jordan Pacheco for a roster spot. 

"You just keep playing and try not to look into things, because it's impossible," Lalli said per MLB.com's Steve Gilbert. "I feel like if you do your job on the field, that's all you can do for sure. I know it sounds cliche, but it's true. I try not to pay attention to decisions that aren't mine. ... You can look around and see and kind of figure you're in it."

Braves catcher Christian Bethancourt returned to the spring lineup Thursday against the Pirates after missing just over a week due to the flu. Bethancourt, who last played in a game March 17, is batting .360 (9 for 25) with five RBI and six doubles in nine spring games.

Yasmani Grandal is looking for a fresh start with the Dodgers, after a tumultuous tenure with the Padres, according to FOX Sports. Clayton Kershaw, the ace of the staff, has a strong relationship with A.J. Ellis, but when asked about Grandal's past issues with San Diego, he said: "I haven't seen any of that. The only thing you want in a catcher is that he works. He does that. He's a hard worker. Not only with catching, the physical part of it, but the mental side. He knew what I did before I even talked to him.

"There are obviously some growing pains, getting to know a catcher. But he's been great. He's done everything you can ask for. Everyone always comes in with a reputation regardless. I just try to tune it out and judge for myself."

Grandal was acquired this offseason as the centerpiece in the trade that sent outfielder Matt Kemp to San Diego. The switch-hitting catcher, who is under club control through 2018, slashed .225/.327/.401 with 15 homers and 85 RBI in 2014. He posted a .795 OPS after the All-Star break last season.

Pirates catcher Chris Stewart took part in infield drills and batting practice Tuesday morning, as he continues to work his way back from a hamstring issue, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. He has not played since March 9 due to the injury, and is not expected back in the lineup for at least another 10 days.

The Padres reassigned catcher Austin Hedges to minor-league camp Tuesday, the team announced. Considered a high-level prospect due to his excellent defense, Hedges went 2 for 13 with one walk this spring.

The Diamondbacks announced Monday that longtime minor leaguer Tuffy Gosewisch will be their starting catcher on Opening Day, according to AZCentral.com

Drafted in 2005, Gosewisch has spent virtually his entire pro career in the minor leagues, playing in 14 MLB games in 2013 and 43 in 2014.

"I don't know which other way we would go," Diamondbacks general manager Dave Stewart said.

In his 55 career games for the Diamondbacks, Gosewich has hit .213 with one home run and 10 RBI in 174 at-bats.

The Reds released pitcher Jose Mijares Monday whle also optioning three players to Triple-A and re-assigning two to minor-league camp as the team continues to pare down the major-league camp roster.

Mijares surrendered three earned runs on 5 1/3 innings this spring.

The team sent catcher Tucker Barnhart, shortstop Eugenio Suarez and first baseman Donald Lutz to Triple-A Lousville Monday. All three saw action in the majors last season.

First baseman Josh Satin and catcher Chad Wallach were re-assigned to minor-league camp.