MLB Player News

Jansen has gone 7-for-23 (.304) with a double and a 0:3 BB:K through nine games so far this spring.

While the lack of power is a touch concerning, the 23-year-old is otherwise on track to begin the regular season as the Jays' No. 1 catcher. Jansen has been a popular sleeper pick in drafts, and while the barren fantasy landscape behind the plate has a lot to do with that, his .275/.390/.473 slash line with 12 homers in 88 Triple-A games last year does offer a glimpse at his upside.

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.

Haase has gone 4-for-10 with a homer so far this spring.

Haase isn't a particularly highly rated prospect, though he has shown some power in the minors, hitting 27 homers in just 97 games in 2017 and adding 20 more in 120 games last season. He's behind two established veterans in Roberto Perez and Kevin Plawecki, but neither has a strong enough track record to where it would be impossible to see Haase beat them out for a roster spot.

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.

Perez (elbow) was placed on the 60-day injured list Monday.

The move has no effect on Perez's return timeline, as he's already been ruled out for the year while he recovers from Tommy John surgery. The transaction makes room on the 40-man roster for new signee Martin Maldonado, who is expected to take over the starting job in Perez's absence.

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.

McCann went 1-for-3 with a home run and two RBI in Saturday's game against Texas.

McCann is enjoying a hot spring with his new team, hitting .389 (7-for-18) with five runs scored. The 28-year-old backstop is coming off a down season with the Tigers in 2018 but popped 25 homers in the two previous seasons. He is expected to back up Welington Castillo to start 2019 and could be useful in a platoon role against left-handers, against whom he's posted a .797 career OPS.

Wynns (oblique) will ramp up his throwing Sunday and will swing a bat sometime next week, Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports reports.

Wynns suggested Thursday that he would be back in the lineup within a few days, but it appears he'll need a bit more time. He'll need to get back in action soon if he's to hold off Jesus Sucre and Carlos Perez for the backup catcher job.