The Cardinals could explore using Herrera (elbow) in left field or at first base if he's unable to stick at catcher, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Herrera was limited to designated hitter duties for the final few months of last season due to defensive issues and also a lingering elbow injury that he had surgically corrected in November. The Cardinals gave Herrera a list of things to work on over the offseason in order to improve his game preparation and game management, and they're optimistic his throwing will improve after surgery. If a return to catcher ultimately isn't in the cards, Herrera could be tried out in left field -- where he played four games last season -- or at first base. Herrera is being eased into throwing and hitting in camp but is expected to be fully healthy for Opening Day.

Pozo has lost 33 pounds since the end of last season, he shared on his X account.

The slimmed-down Pozo was non-tendered by the Cardinals in November before quickly re-signing on a split contract. He's part of a crowded mix at catcher for St. Louis, with Ivan Herrera (elbow), Pedro Pages and perhaps Jimmy Crooks ahead of him on the depth chart. Pozo -- who slashed .231/.262/.375 with five home runs in 67 games in 2025 -- is likely to begin the season at Triple-A Memphis.

Del Castillo is dealing with a left calf issue, Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports reports.

He's been working off to the side since reporting to camp earlier this week. Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said Del Castillo will be brought along slowly this spring, but it's unclear how long that period might last. The 26-year-old's bat is seen as an asset and more developed than his defense, and while there are no plans to move Del Castillo out from behind the plate, he's third on the depth chart and likely to see more time at DH than catcher in 2026.

Cardinals president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom said Thursday that Herrera (elbow) remains limited with his throwing and hitting, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Herrera underwent surgery in November to remove bone spurs from his right elbow, so he's being eased into things in spring training. The elbow rehab will keep Herrera from participating in the World Baseball Classic for his native Panama due to insurance issues, but it is not expected to affect his Opening Day availability. Herrera is attempting to return to catcher in 2026 after the elbow issue limited him to designated hitter duty for the final few months of the 2025 season.

Contreras (finger) signed a one-year contract with the Brewers on Thursday to avoid arbitration.

Contreras' new deal also includes a club option for the 2027 season. The 28-year-old's production dipped a bit in 2025, as he slashed .260/.355/.399 with 17 homers, 76 RBI and 89 runs scored over 150 regular-season games while playing through a fractured finger for most of the year. He underwent surgery in the offseason to address the issue and is expected to be fully recovered by Opening Day.

Ruiz has been cleared of any concussion symptoms to begin spring training, Jessica Camerato of MLB.com reports.

The 27-year-old was limited to only 68 games last season after being struck in the head by a foul ball in late June, but Ruiz's offensive numbers were lagging even prior to the concussion issues that cost him the final three months of 2025. He'll compete in camp with Harry Ford, acquired from the Mariners in the Jose Ferrer trade this offseason, for the top job behind the plate with the Nationals.

Ramirez has committed himself this offseason to improving his defense behind the plate, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports. "I was learning something new every game," Ramirez said Wednesday about his rookie campaign in the majors. "That's what I was experiencing last season. I'm coming with that experience this year. It feels really good because you know exactly where to go and what to do."

The 24-year-old has already impressed with the offensive side of his game -- he was the first rookie catcher in MLB history to record 20 homers and 15 steals in a season -- but Ramirez's defense needs a lot of work. He spent the offseason in the Dominican Republic working on his mobility, to improve his range and ability to block balls in the dirt, but that's not the only hole in his skill set. Ramirez's minus-14 defensive runs saves in 2025 included a rough 8.8 percent caught-stealing rate, as base stealers were successful on 82 of 91 attempts against him. His bat will be a fixture in the Marlins' lineup in 2026, but if Ramirez's defense continues to be an issue, he could be moved to first base or DH considering top catching prospect Joe Mack is knocking on the door at Triple-A.

The Brewers signed Sanchez (knee) to a one-year, $1.75 million contract Wednesday, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

Sanchez spent the 2024 season with the Brewers, slashing .220/.307/.392 with 11 home runs over 89 regular-season contests. He was limited to only 29 contests last season with Baltimore due to a knee injury, and it's unclear whether he will have any limitations in camp with Milwaukee. Sanchez should open 2026 as the backup catcher behind William Contreras (finger). He could also see the occasional start at designated hitter versus left-handed pitching.

Maile is not in Royals camp due to a personal issue, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Maile was re-signed last week to a minor-league contract with an invitation to spring training, but he has not reported and is no longer listed on the roster. The Royals are open to Maile rejoining the team if and when he is ready, but his status for now is in flux.

The Dodgers designated Rortvedt for assignment Wednesday.

Rortvedt will be removed from the Dodgers' 40-man roster for the second time this offseason after previously being designated for assignment in November. The team will hope to keep him around as catching depth at Triple-A if he clears waivers this time around.