MLB Player News

The Mariners placed Murphy (foot) on the 10-day injured list Wednesday.

The transaction was made official shortly after the news broke that Murphy is dealing with a broken bone in his left foot, which he sustained after fouling a ball off of himself last week. The Mariners haven't provided an official timetable for Murphy's return, but his indefinite absence likely paves the way for Austin Nola to begin the season as the club's primary backstop.

Nola is expected to open the season as the Mariners' starting catcher after Tom Murphy was diagnosed with a broken foot Wednesday, Jen Mueller of ROOT Sports Northwest reports.

The 30-year-old was expected to see about 45 percent of the starts behind the plate alongside Murphy, but he'll now begin the season without any veteran competition. Nola saw his first major-league action in 2019 and had a strong showing with a .269/.342/.454 slash line and 10 homers in 79 games. According to Shannon Drayer of 710 ESPN Seattle, Joe Hudson will operate as Seattle's backup catcher while Murphy is sidelined.

Murphy has a broken bone in his foot and will begin the season on the injured list, Jen Mueller of ROOT Sports Northwest reports.

The 29-year-old was poised to begin the season as the Mariners' starting catcher, but he fouled a ball off his foot on two separate occasions in summer camp and won't be available for Opening Day. GM Jerry Dipoto said he doesn't believe it will be a significant absence, but Murphy doesn't have an official timeline for his return. Austin Nola is set to take over the starting role in the meantime.

Contreras went 3-for-3 with two solo home runs in Wednesday's scrimmage against the Twins.

Contreras has been on fire in summer camp, Counting intrasquad games as well as scrimmages against other clubs, the catcher now has six home runs. If Contreras can carry this into the regular season, he should be very productive over the 60-game slate.

Diaz will begin the season on the Rockies' 30-man roster, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports.

Diaz was late in reporting to camp due to COVID-19 protocol, but he was able to return and impressed enough to secure the backup catcher job behind Tony Wolters. Diaz appeared in a career-high 102 games with the Pirates last season, slashing .241/.296/.307 with two home runs and 28 RBI.

Murphy's ankle isn't responding to treatment, which could impact his availability for Opening Day, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

Murphy was limited during camp after fouling two balls off his foot, and he could miss time to begin the regular season since his ankle isn't responding to treatment as the team had hoped. If the 29-year-old is unable to suit up for Opening Day, Austin Nola will likely serve as the primary catcher, with Joe Hudson or a current free agent as a potential backup.

Heim won't make the A's Opening Day roster but will be included on the team's three-man taxi squad.

The 25-year-old lost the backup catcher's job to Austin Allen, and Oakland apparently doesn't plan on opening the season with three catchers despite the expanded 30-man roster. However, Heim won't be far from the team and could quickly join the active roster once the season begins.

Barnes (hand) is starting behind the plate and batting ninth in Tuesday's exhibition game against the Angels, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

The 30-year-old was hit on his left hand during Sunday's exhibition contest, but his quick return to the field indicates it isn't a serious issue. Barnes should be ready for Thursday's season opener against the Giants, and he's expected to serve as the backup catcher to starter Will Smith.

Ruiz (undisclosed) singled in his only at-bat in Monday's exhibition contest against Arizona.

Ruiz was placed on the 10-day injured list July 16, but he has since reported to camp and was able to swing the bat against live pitching Monday. The backstop is not expected to make the Dodgers' Opening Day roster.

Barnes tested his injured left hand by catching Clayton Kershaw's bullpen session Monday, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

Barnes appears to have avoided a significant injury after getting plunked on his left hand in an exhibition game Sunday. In addition to catching the bullpen -- it bears mentioning that the affected hand is Barnes' glove hand -- the backstop was also slated to take batting practice Monday. He is expected to take part in the team's exhibition game against the Angels on Tuesday and should be good to go for Opening Day.