MLB Player News

Reds catcher Devin Mesoraco (oblique) took 30 swings Monday and said he felt good, per the Cincinnati Enquirer. He is expected to increase intensity Tuesday.

Reds catcher Devin Mesoraco has been undergoing therapy, but has not been allowed to swing a bat, MLB.com reports Sunday.

Mesoraco has been sidelined since March 17 with an oblique injury. He hit .276/.290/.345 in 29 spring at-bats. His status remains uncertain for opening day.

"It's definitely getting close," Mesoraco said. "With this being maybe the first opening day I would play, I definitely want to be ready. I think right now I'm just focused on getting better and trying to improve that oblique every day."

The Padres re-assigned catcher Austin Hedges to minor-league camp on Sunday. He batted .278/.333/.278 with six RBI in 18 at-bats this spring.

Reds catcher Devin Mesoraco is dealing with an oblique injury, the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

The team will know more about the severity of the injury after Mesoraco rests for a few days. He has hit .276/.290/.345 in 29 spring at-bats.

The Braves have optioned right-handers Juan Jaime and Luis Vasquez, catcher Christian Bethancourt and center fielder Todd Cunningham to Triple-A and shortstop Elmer Reyes to Double-A. None of the moves are considered a surprise.

Pirates backup catcher Chris Stewart underwent minor surgery on his knee Wednesday, a source told SB Nation. He is expected to miss 4-6 weeks.

Pirates catcher Chris Stewart is scheduled to meet with Dr. James Andrews this week about his injured right knee, per the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The Pirates said surgery is "probable" for Stewart, who was injured in a March 12 game against the Twins.

The Reds optioned catcher Tucker Barnhart and pitcher Curtis Partch to Triple-A Louisville Friday.

Barnhart went 4 for 14 in nine games this spring. Partch surrendered five runs (one earned) in 4 2/3 innings.

Padres catcher Yasmani Grandal is set to play his first game this spring at that position on Thursday. He is in the lineup at catcher against Milwaukee.

Grandal has not caught since the middle of the 2013 season, which ended at that time due to knee surgery.

Mets shortstop Ruben Tejada's shaky play this spring has renewed concerns for management he will not be able to handle the starting shortstop job. Therefore, the Mets are continuing to monitor the shortstop market, according to the New York Daily News.

A team source said Tuesday the Mets continue to scout Mariners infielder Nick Franklin, as they decide whether or not Franklin can play shortstop well enough to justify his offensive potential and giving up a starting pitcher prospect for him.

Also, a source for another team told the Daily News the Mets are also monitoring the Diamondbacks' shortstop competition, and "could jump in" to make a trade for Didi Gregorius or Chris Owings before spring training ends. Diamondbacks general manager Kevin Towers said recently he would consider trading one of his young shortstops, ideally for a top catching prospect, which would likely be Mets catcher Kevin Plawecki.

There is also free-agent shortstop Stephen Drew, but there is no indication from Drew's agent, Scott Boras, that his client would be willing to sign a bargain-type contract.