MLB Player News

Mesoraco went 2-for-3 with two doubles, a run scored and an RBI in Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Astros.

The former Red is in camp on a minor-league deal, but he's in a battle with Travis d'Arnaud for the backup catcher job behind Wilson Ramos. Mesoraco is only 4-for-17 at the plate so far this spring, but three of his four hits (he also has a homer) have gone for extra bases, and he's been drawing rave reviews from Mets pitchers for his work behind the plate. The club could elect to have d'Arnaud begin the season on the injured list as he continues his recovery from Tommy John surgery to avoid making a tough roster decision.

Bart went 1-for-3 with a double and three RBI in Monday's game against the Dodgers.

Bart notched his second double of the spring in the ninth inning with the bases loaded, scoring three runs and giving his club a 4-1 lead. The 22-year-old prospect has been impressive at the dish in big-league camp and is now 7-for-14 with a home run, six RBI and two runs scored.

Ruiz was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Monday, Jorge Castillo of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Ruiz produced a solid .268/.328/.401 line at Double-A Tulsa last season. He'll now be one stop away from the big leagues, but Will Smith seems like the more likely Triple-A catcher to debut in 2019 if an injury should befall one of the big-league catchers.

Diaz (virus) returned to the Pirates on Sunday but is expected to begin the season on the injured list, John Perrotto of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.

Diaz has been away from the team over the last few weeks due to a virus and won't have enough time to rebuild his strength for Opening Day. Jacob Stallings is likely to serve as backup to Francisco Cervelli once the regular season kicks off. Manager Clint Hurdle said the team doesn't have a timetable for when Diaz might return.

Wallach (quadriceps) will start at catcher and bat eighth in Sunday's spring game against the Braves.

Wallach has been battling the quad injury since Feb. 28 but will make his return to the lineup Sunday. The 25-year-old has a chance to showcase himself while Jorge Alfaro continues to battle knee inflammation, though the team still expects Alfaro to be ready for Opening Day.

The Marlins are hopeful that Wallach (quadriceps) will be ready to rejoin the Grapefruit League lineup Sunday versus the Braves, the Associated Press reports.

Wallach's impending return is a welcome development for the Marlins with top catcher Jorge Alfaro sidelined indefinitely with right knee inflammation. With Alfaro's availability for Opening Day now in peril, Wallach could have the opportunity to step in as the Marlins' No. 1 option behind the plate if health isn't an issue. Non-roster invitee Bryan Holaday could also share catching duties with Wallach if Alfaro is sidelined to begin the season.

Grandal went 1-for-2 with a walk in Friday's spring game.

Grandal's hit was his second of the spring in 14 at-bats. While he has not been making a lot of contact during the exhibition season, he has been getting on base, walking six times already. After joining the Brewers in January, Grandal is lined up to be the team's primary catcher when the regular season gets underway.

Jackson has made a strong impression on the Braves' coaching staff and could break camp on the 25-man roster, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

With a fairly light early schedule that features plenty of off days, Atlanta could carry an extra bench player instead of loading up its pitching staff, creating an opening for Jackson on the roster that would allow the club to use Tyler Flowers and Brian McCann as pinch hitters. Jackson's stay in the majors would likely be brief, but it's clear the 23-year-old still has a place in the organization's future plans despite his rough 2018 at the plate for Double-A Mississippi and Triple-A Gwinnett.

Casali (hip) will have his first spring training game behind the plate on Sunday, March 10th, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Casali went 1-for-2 as the DH on Thursday against the Mariners in his first spring training game action. Barring any setbacks when he returns to catching, it appears that he's on track to be ready for Opening Day.

Casali (hip) is leading off and serving as the designated hitter Thursday against the Mariners.

Reports that Casali would only miss about a week with the hip injury turned out to be accurate. He is apparently getting eased back into action as the DH, and it remains to be seen when he will return to catching in games.