MLB Player News

Rortvedt (oblique) is taking swings and will catch in the bullpen Sunday, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Rortvedt has been ramping up his activity in recent days, and the plan is for him to play in Grapefruit League games soon. However, it remains a possibility that he will open the season on the injured list, which could mean the Yankees would rely on a combination of Kyle Higashioka, Rob Brantly and David Freitas behind the plate.

Kolozsvary was optioned to Triple-A Louisville on Saturday, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Kolozsvary appeared in three spring games this year and went 1-for-5 with three strikeouts. He'll begin the 2022 campaign in Louisville after he hit .207 with a homer, nine runs and two RBI in 19 appearances with the club last year.

Maile (hamstring) is expected to begin the season on the injured list, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.

Maile suffered the injury while running from first to third base in an early spring training contest. He has yet to retake the field. Austin Hedges and Sandy Leon will likely split time behind the dish in Maile's absence.

Jackson was optioned to Triple-A Jacksonville on Saturday, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Jackson made three Grapefruit League appearances this spring and went 0-for-5 with a walk and a strikeout. Since Jackson and Nick Fortes were both sent down Saturday, it appears as though Payton Henry will begin the year as the primary backup at catcher.

Fortes was optioned to Triple-A Jacksonville on Saturday, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Fortes appeared in three Grapefruit League games this spring and went 1-for-6 with a run. He should see regular playing time in Jacksonville to begin the year and will be an option to serve as depth behind the dish for the major-league club at some point.

Rortvedt (oblique) took dry swings Friday and has been throwing at 120 feet, Kristie Ackert of the New York Daily News reports.

Rortvedt was diagnosed with a Grade 1 oblique strain last weekend, but it's encouraging to see him taking swings once again. The 24-year-old is expected to return to game action at some point before the end of spring training, but it's still possible that he'll require a stint on the injured list to begin the year with a week and a half remaining until Opening Day. Regardless of his status to begin the regular season, Rortvedt has certainly made encouraging progress in his recovery so far.

McCann (back) is expected to return to game action Tuesday, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

A Tuesday return would see McCann miss one week with back tightness. He'll still have over a week to get up to speed before Opening Day if he makes it back at that point.

Rutschman (triceps) has been able to do some receiving work behind the plate but has yet to test his arm with any throwing or hitting, Zachary Silver of MLB.com reports.

Rutschman still hasn't been ruled out for Opening Day, but he has a lot to do in his recovery from a triceps strain if he's to be ready to make his big-league debut right away. He's 10 days into his two-to-three week shutdown period and remains on that schedule, as he's expected to get back to throwing and hitting in about a week. He'll at least be sharp defensively by Opening Day, as he's been able to continue his work behind the plate, but he won't have the chance to get in many Grapefruit League at-bats.

Alvarez went 1-for-2 with a solo home run in Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Marlins.

The Mets' top prospect didn't start the game and his long ball came in the eighth inning against career minor-leaguer Aneurys Zabala, but it was still an impressive display from Alvarez. The catcher slugged 22 homers with an .889 OPS in 84 games for High-A Brooklyn last season as a teenager, and how he performs against much older pitchers in the high minors this year will go a long way toward determining his big-league ETA.

Rortvedt (oblique) has thrown at distances up to 90 feet and is expected to see game action before the end of camp, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Rortvedt has been dealing with the injury for some time, as the Yankees were reportedly aware of the issue prior to trading for him March 13. However, the backstop appears to be improving, and manager Aaron Boone said that he should begin swinging a bat soon. Rortvedt could still open the season on the injured list, but if he makes it into some spring contests and doesn't suffer any setbacks, it's certainly possible that he could be healthy enough to play by Opening Day.