MLB Player News

Amaya was not included on the Cubs' 30-man Opening Day roster.

This isn't a huge surprise, as Amaya has yet to appear above High-A. The 21-year-old will spend the 2020 season working on his development at the team's alternate site in South Bend, and he remains in the Cubs' future plans behind the plate.

Ruiz (undisclosed) did not make the Dodgers' 30-man roster.

Ruiz missed most of summer camp for an undisclosed reason and was never a serious candidate for a roster spot. He'll head to the team's alternate training site and serve as organizational depth this season.

The Giants selected Heineman's contract Thursday.

Heineman essentially clinched a roster spot earlier this month when Buster Posey opted out of the 2020 season, so the Giants' decision to select his contract was fully expected. He's expected to split time behind the dish with Rob Brantly to begin the season, but a hot start offensively could quickly allow Heineman to establish himself as the clear No. 1 option.

Manager Dave Roberts said in an appearance Thursday on the "Off Air with Joe and Orel" podcast that Barnes will be behind the plate in the Dodgers' Opening Day game against the Giants, Eric Stephen of TrueBlueLA.com reports.

Roberts indicated that he expects Will Smith to start three of the Dodgers' first five games, suggesting that he's still Option 1A in the team's timeshare at catcher. The more defensive-minded Barnes looks like he could settle in as a full-time battery mate for Clayton Kershaw, who will take the hill for his franchise-record ninth Opening Day start.

Manager Dave Roberts said in an appearance Thursday on the "Off Air with Joe and Orel" podcast that Smith will be out of the lineup for the Dodgers' Opening Day game against the Giants, Eric Stephen of TrueBlueLA.com reports.

Fantasy players will want to confirm as much when the Dodgers formally release their lineup later Thursday, but Roberts said that Smith will give way to Austin Barnes in the opener. Roberts mentioned that he expects Smith to catch three of the team's first five games, so the 25-year-old looks to be Option 1A in the timeshare at catcher.

Tromp is day-to-day with hamstring tightness, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

Tromp experienced tightness in his hamstring earlier in the week and is expected to miss a few days as a result. He figures to serve as catching depth once healthy.

The Pirates placed Maile (finger) on the 60-day injured list Thursday.

Maile was ruled out for 10-to-12 weeks after undergoing surgery July 17 to repair a fractured index finger on his throwing hand, so the transaction comes as little surprise. The Pirates will proceed with Jacob Stallings and John Ryan Murphy as their two catchers on the Opening Day roster with Maile sidelined.

Contreras went 3-for-3 with two solo home runs in Wednesday's scrimmage against the Twins.

Contreras has been on fire in summer camp, Counting intrasquad games as well as scrimmages against other clubs, the catcher now has six home runs. If Contreras can carry this into the regular season, he should be very productive over the 60-game slate.

Diaz will begin the season on the Rockies' 30-man roster, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports.

Diaz was late in reporting to camp due to COVID-19 protocol, but he was able to return and impressed enough to secure the backup catcher job behind Tony Wolters. Diaz appeared in a career-high 102 games with the Pirates last season, slashing .241/.296/.307 with two home runs and 28 RBI.

Barnes (hand) is starting behind the plate and batting ninth in Tuesday's exhibition game against the Angels, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

The 30-year-old was hit on his left hand during Sunday's exhibition contest, but his quick return to the field indicates it isn't a serious issue. Barnes should be ready for Thursday's season opener against the Giants, and he's expected to serve as the backup catcher to starter Will Smith.