MLB Player News

Caratini went 2-for-4 with three RBI in Thursday's 8-7 victory over the Diamondbacks.

With Austin Nola on the injured list due to a fractured middle finger, Caratini took over behind the plate Opening Day. The backstop made the most of the opportunity, driving in San Diego's first pair of runs with a single in the second inning and notching another RBI with a single in the third. Caratini should get a majority of starts at catcher while Nola remains out, and with a strong start to the campaign he could set himself up for a fair share of playing time after Nola returns.

Wallach won a spot on the Marlins' Opening Day roster as the No. 2 catcher, Jordan McPherson of The Miami Herald reports.

He beat out veteran non-roster invitee Sandy Leon for the job. Wallach is a solid defender and game-caller behind the plate, traits which allowed him to assume the starting role down the stretch last year as Jorge Alfaro struggled, but Wallach's career .600 OPS in the majors gives him little fantasy ceiling even if he were to see significant playing time again.

Barnes sustained cuts to his hand during a play at the plate Thursday against the Rockies, but he's still expected to start Saturday, Eric Stephen of SB Nation reports.

Barnes exited Thursday's contest in the seventh inning but appears to have avoided serious injury. Will Smith is apparently slated to work behind the plate Friday, though that likely would have been the case regardless of Barnes' injury.

Barnes exited Thursday's game against the Rockies after looking at his right hand, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

Barnes was attempting to field a throw at home plate when C.J. Cron slid into him, which appeared to be the cause of the injury. Will Smith replaced Barnes and would likely gain playing time should Barnes be forced to miss further game action.

Barnes is starting Thursday's game against the Rockies, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

Barnes was recently described by manager Dave Roberts as a "1A option" behind the plate and is expected to serve in a timeshare with Will Smith this season. While Smith should see slightly more playing time this year, Barnes will start at catcher for Thursday's Opening Day matchup, batting eighth.

Smith isn't starting Thursday's game against Colorado, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

While Smith should see most of the playing time behind the dish in 2021, manager Dave Roberts recently described Austin Barnes as a "1A option" at catcher. Barnes will draw the start on Opening Day, batting eighth.

Kelly isn't starting Thursday's game against the Padres.

Kelly will take a seat for Opening Day while Stephen Vogt starts behind the dish. Vogt caught Madison Bumgarner this spring and could see an uptick in playing time when the left-hander is on the mound, although it hasn't been declared that Bumgarner will use a personal catcher in 2021.

Barrera will be recalled from the Nationals' alternate site prior to Thursday's season opener against the Mets, Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports.

Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo revealed earlier Wednesday that one Washington player tested positive for COVID-19, with four of teammates and a staff member having since been identified as close contacts. Washington is expected to add five replacement players to the 26-man roster as a result, and Barrera's call-up would seem to suggest that at least one of the team's two catchers -- Yan Gomes and Alex Avila -- has been ruled out for Opening Day. Assuming one of Gomes or Avila is cleared to play Thursday, Barrera likely won't see much use as the No. 2 catcher during his time on the active roster.

Smith went 1-for-2 with a solo home run and a walk Thursday in an exhibition victory over the Angels.

Smith's homer was his second in two days and third overall this spring. The backstop slashed .372/.438/.651 during Cactus League play, driving in 10 runs and posting a 4:6 BB:K across 45 plate appearances. He'll serve as the Dodgers' primary catcher during the regular season, though manager Dave Roberts has indicated that Smith and Austin Barnes won't be far apart in terms of games logged behind the plate.

Contreras went 3-for-3 with a double, a home run and two runs scored in Monday's Cactus League game against the Diamondbacks.

The catcher finished the exhibition schedule with a flourish, bringing his spring slash line to a robust .317/.440/.756. Contreras batted second in this one and looks likely to slot in there during the regular season. With the likes of Ian Happ, Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant around him in the order, Contreras should be able to post strong numbers in 2021.