MLB Player News

Dillard was added to Milwaukee's 60-man player pool Thursday, Will Sammon of The Athletic reports.

Dillard isn't expected to contribute to the big-league squad in 2020, but he'll get some field time and coaching at Milwaukee's alternate site while the minors are shut down. Across 51 games with Low-A Wisconsin in 2019, Dillard slashed .246/.398/.386.

Higashioka (neck) is in the lineup for Thursday's intrasquad matchup, Marly Rivera of ESPN reports.

Higashioka was sidelined for several days while nursing a sore neck, but he's healthy enough to start behind the plate during Thursday's intrasquad game. The 30-year-old should be able to resume preparations to serve as the Yankees' backup catcher ahead of the regular season.

The Royals signed Hernandez to a minor-league contract Thursday.

Hernandez's deal includes an invitation to summer camp, where he'll provide the Royals with some additional depth behind the plate while top backstop Salvador Perez (illness) recovers from the coronavirus. The 26-year-old Hernandez previously appeared in 22 games at the big-league level with Arizona between 2015 and 2016, but he's played at only the Double-A and Triple-A level over the past three seasons.

Nola could occasionally log starts at third base this season, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

Nola is expected to primarily split catching duties with Tom Murphy, but manager Scott Servais confirmed Wednesday that Nola may occasionally spell veteran Kyle Seager at the hot corner as well. Accordingly, Nola took groundballs at third base during Tuesday's summer camp session, and Servais is highly confident in the 30-year-old making a smooth transition to the position from time to time if called upon. "He can go over there and grab an infield glove and look like he's been there the whole time," Servais said. "He jumped in there yesterday and looked as polished as anybody on the field."

Manager Aaron Boone said Higashioka sat out Tuesday's intrasquad game due to "some slight neck soreness," Erik Boland of Newsday reports.

Higashioka apparently picked up the injury while catching during Monday's instrasquad action. The 30-year-old is likely to take things slow for a couple days before returning behind the plate. He's poised to serve as the top backup to Gary Sanchez when healthy.

Manager Dave Roberts said Tuesday that Ruiz hasn't yet reported to camp, Eric Stephen of TrueBlueLA.com reports.

Roberts couldn't provide a reason for Ruiz's absence, and it's unclear whether it's related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Ruiz's timetable to report and availability for the regular season remains to be seen. However, the 21-year-old is likely to begin the year as organizational depth for the team.

Diaz has yet to report to camp due to COVID-19 protocols, Nick Groke of The Athletic reports.

There's been no indication the Diaz has tested positive for the virus, but the process involved in clearing players to join camp can be a lengthy one. Diaz is in a battle for playing time behind the plate, and the lost practice time can't help, but he should still have at least a bit of time to make his case if he's cleared to join his teammates soon.

Murphy is back in practice Tuesday after X-rays on his foot were negative, Lauren Smith of The Tacoma News Tribune reports.

Murphy fouled a ball off his foot Sunday and sat out Monday, but he's since been cleared to return. The one-day absence shouldn't meaningfully impact his readiness for the upcoming season.

McGuire pleaded no contest last week to a disorderly conduct charge and was fined $500 stemming from an off-field incident in February, The Canadian Press reports.

With his legal issues settled, McGuire can focus on getting ready for the season. There's still a chance he'll face additional discipline from the Jays or the league, but given that the incident was more personally embarrassing than anything else, this will likely be the end of it. McGuire is expected to back up Danny Jansen behind the plate for Toronto.

The Royals placed Perez (illness) on the 10-day injured list Saturday.

Kansas City made the transaction shortly after Perez informed reporters Saturday that he tested positive for the coronavirus, though the 30-year-old indicated he's asymptomatic. Perez said that he won't be available to rejoin the big club for workouts for at least 10 days, leaving him with minimal time to get in competitive at-bats with the Royals' Opening Day game set to fall July 23 or 24. Even if Perez isn't available for the opener, he shouldn't be in line to miss much time beyond that, assuming he remains asymptomatic while he's in self-isolation.