MLB Player News

Orioles catcher Johnny Monell has cleared waivers and will begin the regular season at Triple-A Norfolk.

Monell reached the majors for the first time last season and managed one hit in eight at-bats.

The Nationals announced Wednesday that infielder Jeff Kobernus has been optioned to Triple-A and catcher Sandy Leon has been optioned to Double-A Harrisburg.

Royals catcher Salvador Perez is fine after being hit in the head by a curveball Wednesday, according to the Kansas City Star. The trainer described it as "non-concussive" and Perez confirmed that he's OK.

Royals starting catcher Salvador Perez was hit in the head by a pitch in an exhibition game Wednesday, but appears OK, per the Kansas City Star, which further reported he walked off the field under his own power after sitting for a few moments.

Perez emerged as one of the better hitting catchers in the game last season. He batted .292 with 13 home runs and 79 RBI.

Reds catcher Devin Mesoraco is unlikely to play in a game Thursday, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.

Mesoraco has been dealing with an oblique injury, but has been able to take swings the past two days. His opening day status is already in question. Mesoraco hit .238/.287/.362 in 323 at-bats last year.

Josh Thole batted just .175 last season, but the Blue Jays are not keeping him on their roster in 2014 for his bat. The team has announced that Thole will be the personal catcher for knuckleballer and ace R.A. Dickey.

Thole's batting average has dropped every season since he hit .321 with the Mets in 2009. The Jays, however, want to make certain they have someone to handle the elusive knuckler thrown by Dickey.

The Blue Jays announced Wednesday they will go with a three-man bench to start the season. Catcher Josh Thole, infielder Maicer Izturis and outfielder Moises Sierra will be the team's three reserve players to begin the season.

Padres catcher Yasmani Grandal was behind the plate for nine innings in a minor-league game Tuesday, MLB.com reports.

Grandal is working his way back from season-ending knee surgery and could end up making the team's active roster on opening day, as the ability to catch a full nine innings is a big hurdle to overcome.

Reds catcher Devin Mesoraco (oblique) took 50 swings Tuesday after taking 30 swings with a bat Monday, per MLB.com.

"Thirty off the tee and 20 from soft toss," said Mesoraco, who strained his oblique on March 19. "I want to say I was swinging around 75 percent of what I normally do. It’s probably better than the 120 percent I usually swing. Everything felt good. I think it was a good step. I want to say there’s still a little bit of tiredness or weakness in that area but it’s not as isolated as what it was and it’s definitely not a pulling or pain thing. We’ve been working it pretty hard so it’s a little worn out."

Mesoraco still is unsure if he will be ready for the start of the season.

"We’re getting down to it here and we’re pretty close. We’ll see," Mesoraco said. "It’s going to be close either way. It’s getting better. That’s all I’m concerned with right now. It’s a lot of steps in the right direction."

Reds catcher Devin Mesoraco (oblique) took 30 swings Monday and said he felt good, per the Cincinnati Enquirer. He is expected to increase intensity Tuesday.