MLB Player News

Manager Dave Roberts suggested Friday that Smith will start "somewhere around 90 games" this season, Jorge Castillo of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Roberts mentioned earlier this spring that Smith and Austin Barnes could pair in somewhat of a timeshare this season, and those plans appear to be taking shape given the manager's estimate for Smith's starts. This is far from positive news for fantasy managers who have invested in Smith as a top-three option at catcher based on his excellent 163 wRC+ last season -- tops among MLB catchers -- but it falls in line with the Dodgers' desire to give ample time to the defensively superior Barnes. Smith should still put up relatively strong numbers in comparison to other backstops, but his value will certainly take a hit if he is indeed sitting 2-3 times per week.

Higashioka (side) is now expected to return to action Sunday against Toronto, Max Goodman of Sports Illustrated reports.

Manager Aaron Boone had previously indicated that Higashioka would start Saturday's game against Baltimore, but the backstop's return from side soreness is now expected to come Sunday instead. There's no indication that Higashioka has suffered a setback; rather, Boone indicated that he wants Gary Sanchez catching Saturday in order for him to log consecutive games behind the plate. Higashioka's move to Sunday means he will now catch ace Gerrit Cole against the Blue Jays.

Marchan (hamstring) played in a simulated game Friday, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

J.T. Realmuto's fractured thumb could in theory give Marchan a chance to break camp as Andrew Knapp's backup, but it doesn't look as though that's going to happen. Realmuto appears to be on roughly the same schedule as Marchan, as he played in the same simulated game Friday, so there probably won't be a window where Marchan is healthy but Realmuto is still hurt.

Realmuto (thumb) participated in a simulated game Friday and could play in Grapefruit League action next week, Matt Breen of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

The 30-year-old was cleared for full baseball activity last week and quickly progressed to taking part in simulated games. Realmuto still has nearly two weeks to prepare for Opening Day, so a return to game action next week should allow him to avoid the injured list for the start of the season.

Maile was optioned to Triple-A Nashville on Friday, Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

The 30-year-old joined Milwaukee on a major-league deal in December but won't open the season on the roster after going 1-for-9 with four strikeouts in five spring games. Maile may have a hard time cracking the big-league roster this season with Omar Narvaez, Manny Pina and Jacob Nottingham (thumb) still in the mix.

D'Arnaud has gone 3-for-15 (.200) through seven Grapefruit League games with a home run and a 2:4 BB:K.

The veteran catcher hasn't had much luck when it comes to hits falling in, but d'Arnaud's starting spot in Atlanta is in no jeopardy regardless of his final line this spring. He likely won't be able to duplicate last year's career-high .919 OPS over a full campaign, but d'Arnaud still figures to provide strong fantasy numbers for his position.

Collins altered his plate approach and is more aggressive earlier in counts which has produced a 1.039 spring OPS , Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Collins has a reputation for an impeccable eye, but his less-than-aggressive approach hasn't worked in MLB, where pitchers can get a young hitter out no matter what the count. In a small sample size, Collins is slashing .391/.517/.522 this spring and pushing Jonathan Lucroy to be the top backup catcher. "I've been swinging a lot more often," he said. "Still taking my walks, but it's me striking out a lot less, which is why I think you see the average a lot higher, the OPS higher." His work with the bat is one thing, but Collins needs to improve defensively as well. That's been happening under the tutelage of Yasmani Grandal, but the White Sox, who expect to go deep into the postseason, may prefer the established Lucroy as the top backup. The left-handed hitting Collins could still make the Opening Day roster as a third catcher that can also fill in at first base and DH.

Caratini would replace Austin Nola (finger) as the team's starting catcher if Nola isn't ready by Opening Day, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

Nola has been able to catch in recent days without any issues, but he has yet to resume full workouts. If swinging a bat with his fractured left middle finger proves to be problematic, Caratini could slide into the starting role until Nola is able to return. Such a scenario would also mean that Luis Campusano would likely break camp as the team's second catcher.

Nola has had no issue catching baseballs since fracturing his left middle finger March 13, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

Nola has yet to receive clearance to resume regular workouts, but he has been taking part in some catching drills and has reported no problems with his injured finger. The 31-year-old's big test will be swinging the bat; if he's able to do so without significant pain, Nola could feasibly be able to play by Opening Day.

Grandal has no pain in his knee but is still building back his strength and endurance, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

Grandal has been slowed by a knee injury for much of the spring, which has forced him to serve primarily as the designated hitter in exhibition action. He did make his debut behind the dish Thursday and is shooting to be at full strength by Opening Day.