Pittsburgh Pirates catchers Yasmani Grandal (foot) and Endy Rodriguez (elbow) are making progress from their respective injuries, while catcher Jason Delay (knee) has been shut down from all baseball activities. Grandal is going to do some baserunning in the coming days and has been participating in simulated games. Rodriguez should start a swinging progression from the left side of the plate next week. The veteran Grandal is working his way back from plantar fasciitis in his left foot but appears to be close to a rehab assignment. When the 35-year-old is ready, he'll split catching duties in Pittsburgh with Henry Davis. Rodriguez, 23, is the team's backstop of the future, but he'll be out until the 2025 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery.

Pittsburgh Pirates catcher prospect Endy Rodriguez went 4-for-5 with three runs and one RBI on Monday for Triple-A Indianapolis. Rodriguez, 23, is now hitting .234 with four homers and 14 RBI. The backstop was great last year between High-A and Triple-A with a .323 batting average to go along with 25 homers and 95 RBI, but he has been off to a slow start in his first full season Triple-A. Still, one of Pittsburgh's better prospects, Rodriguez, should get a chance this season, pending he can continue to trend up. With the Pirates also having the former No. 1 overall pick Henry Davis at catcher, Rodriguez has also played second base and outfield with a potential future at one of the positions. Regardless, Rodriguez offers good power and on-base skills to go along with his versatility. He is a name to monitor in redraft leagues and is worth rostering in dynasty leagues.

Pittsburgh Pirates catcher prospect Endy Rodriguez (forearm) is dealing with a right forearm strain. The 22-year-old will be evaluated on Monday, and the Pirates should have more of a clear timetable then. "Obviously, he's really important so we want to make sure we have all the information we can," said Pirates general manager Ben Cherington. Rodriguez was placed on the 7-day injured list Friday at Triple-A Indianapolis. He is slashing .263/.333/.456 with three home runs, 10 RBI, and 10 runs across 66 plate appearances in 2023. Fantasy managers should continue to stash Rodriguez in deep leagues for now.

Despite a strong showing in Spring Training, the Pittsburgh Pirates have optioned catcher prospect Endy Rodriguez to Triple-A. It's a bit of a surprise to see the 22-year-old sent down with his main competition coming from veteran defensive specialist Austin Hedges. Rodriguez hit .412 this spring with one RBI and hit .323 with 25 homers and 95 RBI between High-A and Triple-A this past season. The versatile catcher has also seen time in the outfield and second base. With a very patience eye at the plate and low strikeout rate, Rodriguez has the makings of a future big leaguer, sooner than later. Dynasty managers would be wise to hold Rodriguez and managers in redraft leagues should keep an eye on his status once the season starts with his ability to hit the ball at one of the harder positions to fulfill.

Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Endy Rodriguez broke out last season by hitting .323 with 25 home runs, 95 RBI and a .966 OPS while climbing three levels of the minors. He became the team's top prospect and finished the year with six games at Triple-A Indianapolis. There's little doubt he'll reach the big leagues in 2023, but manager Derek Shelton said his exact role is still to be determined. Rodriguez played 75 of his 125 games at catcher last year but also saw time at first base, second base and left field, in addition to designated hitter. The 22-year-old is extremely athletic and versatile, making him even more intriguing as a long-term fantasy asset. It's still possible Rodriguez settles in as an every-day catcher at the next level.