MLB Player News

  • Phillies' J.T. Realmuto: Ready to go

    Realmuto (thumb) will catch and bat second Tuesday against Toronto, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

    Time is getting tight for Realmuto to get up to speed by the start of the regular season as he works his way back from the fractured thumb he suffered right before camp began. He was originally scheduled to make his spring debut Sunday against the Tigers but wound up delayed an additional two days due to general soreness. There still seems to be optimism that he'll be able to avoid a trip to the injured list, but he might need to be managed carefully early in the season due to his very abbreviated buildup.

  • Austin Nola C | COL

    Padres' Austin Nola: Takes part in full catching work

    Nola (finger) appeared to be a full participant in all catcher drills during a workout Tuesday, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

    Though he's still nursing a fractured middle finger on his (left) catching hand, Nola doesn't appear to be experiencing any pain when he's behind the plate. Instead, Nola will need to prove that the finger doesn't affect him when he swings the bat before the Padres consider using him in games. Nola doesn't look as though he'll have enough time to fully heal from the injury before Opening Day, but he may require only a brief stint on the injured list to begin the season.

  • Miguel Amaya C | CHC

    Cubs' Miguel Amaya: Goes deep Tuesday

    Amaya went 1-for-2 with a solo home run in Monday's Cactus League game against the Angels.

    It was the first home run and third hit overall this spring for the 22-year-old catcher. He has plenty of upside, but he's yet to appear in a game above the High-A level, so he'll likely start the season at Double-A or Triple-A.

  • Phillies' J.T. Realmuto: Still sidelined

    Realmuto (thumb) is not in the lineup for Monday's game against the Yankees, Matt Breen of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

    Realmuto was expected to make his spring debut Sunday against the Tigers but wound up getting scratched due to general soreness. As it turns out, he'll be debuting at least two days later than originally scheduled. Per Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer, he could be in the lineup Tuesday against Toronto. Time is getting quite tight for him to get up to speed by the start of the regular season, so he may need more days off than he's used to even if he avoids a trip to the injured list.

  • Reds' Deivy Grullon: Optioned to Triple-A

    Grullon was optioned to Triple-A Louisville on Sunday.

    Grullon was a long shot to make the Reds out of spring training. He'll serve as insurance to injury for Tucker Barnhart and Tyler Stephenson down at Louisville after being claimed off waivers in December.

  • Yan Gomes C | CHC

    Nationals' Yan Gomes: Locked into top spot on depth chart

    Gomes has gone 7-for-22 (.318) through eight Grapefruit League games.

    The batting average looks nice on the surface, but Gomes doesn't have an extra-base hit and carries a 1:8 BB:K. Nevertheless, the 33-year-old will open the season as the Nats' No. 1 catcher, and backup Alex Avila (.200/.238/.400 this spring with a 1:9 BB:K) hasn't done much to push for Gomes' spot.

  • Phillies' J.T. Realmuto: Scratched from scheduled debut

    Realmuto (thumb) was scratched from his scheduled spring debut Sunday against the Tigers due to general soreness, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

    The specific nature of the setback doesn't sound particularly worrisome, but it's still discouraging for Realmuto and those who drafted him. The Phillies don't appear to have lost their optimism that he'll be ready for Opening Day, but time is getting very tight if he's to be at something close to full speed when the regular season begins.

  • Phillies' J.T. Realmuto: Set for spring debut

    Realmuto (thumb) will make his spring debut Sunday against the Tigers, batting second and serving as the designated hitter, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

    Realmuto is getting a very late start to Grapefruit League action after fracturing his thumb shortly before the start of camp. There's been some optimism about his readiness for Opening Day throughout the spring, however. He should be ready to go when the season begins as long as he looks healthy in the box and eventually behind the plate, where he should be able to play within a few days.

  • Austin Nola C | COL

    Padres' Austin Nola: Set to hold bat soon

    Nola (finger) is expected to try to hold a bat within the next two days, Annie Heilbrunn of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

    Nola is dealing with a fractured middle finger on his non-throwing hand. He has been able to catch balls and take part in blocking drills despite the injury, but his big test will be taking swings. Manager Jayce Tingler stated Saturday that there's no guarantee Nola will be ready for Opening Day, and a better idea of his timeline to return should be available after he handles the bat.

  • Ivan Herrera DH | STL

    Cardinals' Ivan Herrera: Optioned to minor-league camp

    Herrera was optioned to minor-league camp Saturday.

    Herrera was added to the 40-man roster in November to protect him from the Rule 5 draft but has yet to play above Double-A. The 20-year-old appeared in four Grapefruit League games this spring and went 0-for-4 with one walk, one run and one strikeout.

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