Víctor Caratini
YEARTEAMGABRHitsRBIDTHRBBSOSBCSEAVGOBPSLUG
2019Samurai74216284725100620531140.2180.3070.347
2020Samurai92308406430701135861040.2080.2950.338
2021Samurai34112121885047360040.1610.2300.312
2022Samurai3217240000040000.2350.2350.235
2023Moose5416314281470516332000.1720.2540.307
2024Storm11352620012100000.1710.2160.257
2025Mariners310121000110000.2000.2730.200
MLB Player Data
DateNewsComment
Jun 29 2025Caratini is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Cubs. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini will rest after drawing starts at designated hitter Friday and catcher Saturday. Yainer Diaz will serve as the Astros' catcher Sunday, while third baseman Isaac Paredes gets a day out of the infield and steps in at DH.
Jun 25 2025Caratini went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in a 2-0 win against Philadelphia on Wednesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini's long ball was an eighth-inning, 423-foot solo blast to give Houston a 2-0 lead. The veteran catcher is up six home runs on the season, five shy of the career-high mark of 11 he established in 2019 with the Cubs. Of Caratini's homers, half have come in his past six contests, a stretch in which he's batting .273 (6-for-22) with three home runs and seven RBI.
Jun 24 2025Caratini is absent from the lineup for Tuesday's game versus the Phillies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini has played more often than not since Yordan Alvarez (hand) was injured, rotating between designated hitter, catcher and occasionally first base. He'll take a seat Tuesday, though, as Jose Altuve serves as the Astros' DH and Yainer Diaz does the catching.
Jun 19 2025Caratini went 1-for-4 with a three-run home run in Thursday's 6-4 extra-inning loss to the Athletics. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini delivered a game-tying blast off Mason Miller in the eighth inning. This was Caratini's second straight contest with a homer, and he's hit safely in his last three games. The catcher is at a .261/.327/.405 slash line with five long balls, 17 RBI, 17 runs scored and seven doubles over 171 plate appearances. In addition to his catching duties, he's picked up starts at first base and designated hitter as manager Joe Espada continues to find room for him in the lineup. That playing time should remain steady as long as Houston's outfield is thinned out by injuries, limiting the options for players available to take turns at DH.
Jun 13 2025Caratini is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Twins, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini will get the night off Friday after making three consecutive starts -- two at DH and one at catcher. In his absence, Yainer Diaz will catch and Jose Altuve will DH.
Jun 8 2025Caratini is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Guardians. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With Jeremy Pena getting a day off from playing shortstop but staying in the starting nine at designated hitter, the Astros won't have a lineup spot available for Caratini. The 31-year-old has been a near-everyday player for Houston with Yordan Alvarez (hand) unavailable and is batting .272/.333/.383 with two home runs, eight RBI and five runs since May 5.
May 22 2025Caratini went 3-for-4 with one RBI in Thursday's 9-2 win over the Mariners. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini has logged multiple hits in four of his last seven games, though he has just two RBI in that span. The catcher is up to a .287/.367/.448 slash line with three home runs, six RBI, 12 runs scored and five doubles across 98 plate appearances this season. His strong hitting has earned him a near-everyday role in the absence of Yordan Alvarez (hand). While Alvarez's eventual return will negatively impact Caratini's playing time, he could still hit his way into some extra games since fellow catcher Yainer Diaz is hitting just .231 this season.
May 21 2025Caratini is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Rays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini was behind the dish for the first two games of the series, but he'll get a breather for the Wednesday afternoon contest while Yainer Diaz handles the catching duties. Until Yordan Alvarez (hand) returns from the injured list, the Astros should have regular spots in the lineup available for both Diaz and Caratini at either catcher or designated hitter. Caratini had started in nine of the Astros' previous 11 games.
May 14 2025Caratini will start at catcher and bat sixth in Wednesday's game against the Royals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini has been a beneficiary of Yordan Alvarez's (hand) recent move to the injured list, which has freed up a regular spot in the lineup at designated hitter. The Astros haven't settled on any one player to replace Alvarez, but because top backstop Yainer Diaz has been included in the DH rotation, Caratini has seen his playing time pick up. Caratini will be making his fourth start in five games Wednesday.
May 10 2025Caratini went 3-for-5 with a two-run home run in Saturday's 13-9 loss to the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini finished off the Astros' six-run third inning with a two-run homer off Brady Singer. It was Caratini's second home run of the season, both of which have come over his last five starts. He is slashing .255/.356/.431 with nine runs scored, two home runs and four RBI this season.
Apr 9 2025Caratini will start at catcher and bat sixth in Wednesday's game against the Mariners. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini will receive his fourth start through the Astros' first 12 games of the season while Yainer Diaz gets the afternoon off. Diaz has mustered a lowly .200 OPS through 36 plate appearances, but after batting .299 with 16 home runs in 148 games in 2024, he likely has a long leash as the Astros' No. 1 backstop.
Sep 29 2024Caratini is absent from Sunday's lineup against Cleveland. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cesar Salazar will start behind home plate and bat ninth in the Astros' regular-season finale. Since Sept. 1, Caratini has slashed .261/.329/.377 with two home runs and eight RBI across 76 plate appearances.
Sep 21 2024Caratini went 2-for-4 with a three-run home run, an additional run and a walk against the Angels in Saturday's 10-4 victory. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini blew the game open for Houston in the third inning, belting a three-run shot off Angels starter Reid Detmers to increase the Astros' lead to 6-1. It was the third straight start for Caratini, who played first base Saturday after serving as Houston's catcher Thursday and Friday. Caratini is batting .289 (13-for-45) with five RBI through 15 games in September.
Sep 18 2024Caratini is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Padres. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini is on the bench for the second day in a row after he had previously started four consecutive games. He should continue to see semi-regular playing time while the Astros have been rotating a number of players at first base, including Caratini and fellow catcher Yainer Diaz.
Sep 2 2024Caratini is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini had seen an uptick in playing time lately while the Astros continue to rotate a number of different players at first base, but he'll hit the bench for a second straight matchup with a right-handed pitcher. The lefty-hitting Jon Singleton has started at first base in both of those games and looks to be the Astros' preferred option for now, though he doesn't have much job security.
Sep 1 2024Caratini is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Royals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini picked up starts at first base and catcher Friday and Saturday, respectively, but he'll hit the bench for the finale. Yainer Diaz will work behind the plate Sunday, while Jon Singleton gets the nod at first base. The Astros are likely to rotate Caratini, Singleton and Zach Dezenzo at first base until somebody performs well enough to take control of the job.
Aug 23 2024Caratini is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Orioles. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After making back-to-back starts behind the dish, Caratini will get the night off Friday. With Yainer Diaz seeing increasingly more work at first base, Caratini should see plenty of swings in the closing weeks of the regular season.
Aug 4 2024Caratini is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Rays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini's playing time had been trending up while the Astros had shown more of a willingness to play Yordan Alvarez in left field of late, but the former now finds himself on the bench for the second day in a row. Assuming Alvarez gets the bulk of his starts at DH moving forward, Yainer Diaz will continue to serve as the Astros' top backstop, which closes off Caratini's path to steady starts.
Jul 31 2024Caratini will start at designated hitter and bat eighth in Wednesday's game against the Pirates, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Astros have shown more of a willingness to use Yordan Alvarez in left field of late, and it's helped open up more playing time for Caratini. He's now started in three of the last four games, with the previous two starts coming at catcher while fellow backstop Yainer Diaz served as Houston's DH. In addition to providing quality defense behind the plate, Caratini has held his own with the bat this season, hitting .276 with five home runs and 19 RBI over 128 plate appearances.
Jul 24 2024Caratini went 2-for-4 with a solo home run in Tuesday's 8-2 loss to the Athletics. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini put the Astros on the board in the third with a solo home run to right field off Osvaldo Bido. The long ball was his first hit since being activated off the injured list Monday after being out for just over a month with a strained left hip. The 30-year-old is slashing .257/.294/.459 with five homers, 18 RBI, 14 runs and a 5:16 BB:K in 119 plate appearances.
Jul 22 2024The Astros activated Caratini (hip) from the 10-day injured list Monday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini completed four rehab outings during his recovery from a strained left hip, going 4-for-10 with one home run and two RBI. To make room for Caratini on the 26-man roster, the Astros optioned Cesar Salazar to Triple-A Sugar Land.
Jul 20 2024Caratini (hip) will play in rehab games at Double-A Corpus Christi on Saturday and Sunday before joining the Astros on Monday in Oakland, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Astros will begin a three-game set against the Athletics on Monday and Caratini is on track to return from his rehab assignment for the start of the series. The catcher has been recovering from a strained left hip and will have completed five rehab games before joining the big-league club. Cesar Salazar will likely be optioned once Caratini is activated.
Jul 19 2024Caratini (hip) will continue his minor-league rehab assignment at Double-A Corpus Christi on Friday, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini went 2-for-5 in two games with the Astros' Florida Complex League affiliate. The catcher has been on the shelf since June 21 and was initially given a three-to-four week timetable for his return. Caratini is on track to rejoin the Astros before the end of July.
Jul 16 2024The Astros sent Caratini (hip) to their Florida Complex League affiliate on Tuesday to begin a rehab assignment. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini has been shelved since late June with a left hip flexor strain but has been cleared for rehab games. The veteran catcher shouldn't need too many rehab at-bats before being activated, with a return early on in the second half likely.
Jul 10 2024Caratini (hip) did drills Tuesday but is still not running at full speed, MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini has been ramping up his activity for the last week, but he will not be sent on a rehab assignment until he is running at 100 percent. He'll be out through the All-Star break, but his timeline beyond that is unclear.
Jun 30 2024Caratini (hip) has resumed running and throwing while rehabbing in Houston, MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: This is the first report of Cartini resuming baseball activity since he landed on the injured list June 21. He's expected to join the Astros for their weekend series against Minnesota, and it's anticipated he'll participate in batting practice at that time. Though this is positive news, Cartini is still expected to be sidelined through the All-Star break.
Jun 23 2024Astros general manager Dana Brown said Sunday that Caratini (hip) could be out for up to four weeks, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini landed on the 10-day injured list Friday after sustaining a left hip flexor strain June 19 against the White Sox. A four-week timeline would put Caratini's return after the All-Star break, potentially during the weekend series against the Mariners starting July 19. Prior to the injury, the 30-year-old catcher was slashing .248/.287/.429 with four home runs and 17 RBI over 115 plate appearances.
Jun 21 2024Caratini (left hip flexor strain) was placed on the 10-day injured list Friday, retroactive to Thursday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini was lifted from Wednesday's game against the White Sox with soreness in his left quad, but imaging revealed he's in fact dealing with a left hip flexor strain. Cesar Salazar should see some catching work behind Yainer Diaz while Caratini is sidelined.
Jun 20 2024Astros manager Joe Espada said Thursday that Caratini will undergo imaging on his injured left quadricep, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini was removed from Wednesday's 4-1 win over the White Sox due to the injury and remained "pretty sore" Thursday, according to Espada. The skipper thinks Caratini could require a stint on the 10-day injured list, but the club will wait for the MRI results to come in before making that decision. Houston is already carrying Cesar Salazar and Cooper Hummel on the roster as additional catcher options behind Yainer Diaz and Caratini.
Jun 19 2024Caratini was removed from Wednesday's game against the White Sox due to left leg discomfort, Julia Morales of AT&T SportsNet Southwest reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini made an awkward slide into home plate during the third inning, and he was replaced behind the dish once the Astros took the field in the bottom of the frame. The severity of the backstop's injury remains unknown, but it's possible he sits out a game or two in order to recover.
Jun 16 2024Caratini is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Tigers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini had started behind the plate each of the past five games, but he'll be back on the bench for the series finale now that top backstop Yainer Diaz has been cleared to resume catching duties. Diaz had missed three straight games with a sore index finger before returning to the lineup Friday and Saturday as the Astros' designated hitter.
Jun 2 2024Caratini went 1-for-4 with a solo home run Sunday against the Twins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini drew consecutive starts behind the plate for the first time this season and has now started three of Houston's last four games. He has only two hits in that span, though both have left the yard. It's unlikely that Caratini's playing time outlook will change in the long term, though Yainer Diaz hit just .200/.213/.259 across 88 plate appearances in May.
May 30 2024Caratini went 1-for-4 with a solo home run and an additional RBI in Thursday's 4-0 win versus Seattle. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini plated the Astros' final two runs in the contest, belting a solo homer in the fifth inning and adding an RBI on a fielder's choice in the sixth. The long ball has his first since the final day of April, and the backup catcher has posted a modest .205 average over 39 at-bats in May. On a positive note, Caratini is registering a career-best 15.0 percent strikeout rate on the campaign.
Apr 30 2024Caratini went 1-for-1 with a two-run home run during Tuesday's 10-9 extra-inning win over the Guardians. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini pinch-hit for Jake Meyers in the 10th frame and delivered the game-winning home run. The long ball was his second of the campaign and marked his third straight game scoring a run. While Caratini is slashing .314/.368/.571 with eight runs scored and eight RBI in 38 at-bats, he's been overshadowed by starting catcher Yainer Diaz, who has also been excellent at the plate.
Apr 8 2024Caratini went 2-for-4 with a three-run homer and two runs scored in Monday's win over the Rangers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini's three-run shot in the fifth inning was his first as an Astro. He's made just four appearances so far this season, registering a .364/.364/.636 slash line in the process. He should continue to be used sparingly behind Yainer Diaz.
Dec 5 2023Caratini signed a two-year, $12 million contract with the Astros on Tuesday, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini spent two seasons as Milwaukee's backup catcher, and he seems primed to take on the same role behind Yainer Diaz in Houston. The switch-hitting Caratini slashed .259/.327/.383 with seven homers and 25 RBI across 226 plate appearances last season, and his reputation as an excellent framer may help him earn a handful of starts behind the dish.
Sep 21 2023Caratini went 2-for-4 with a three-run home run in Thursday's 6-0 win over the Cardinals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini drew his 51st start behind the dish for the Brewers and made the most of it. His seventh homer of the year came in the sixth inning and chased Miles Mikolas from the game. Caratini has provided solid production as William Contreras' backup in Milwaukee with a .253/.327/.382 slash line over 57 games.
Aug 12 2023Caratini went 2-for-4 with a home run, a walk, one RBI and two runs scored in Friday's win over the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini contributed to Milwaukee's cause by reaching base three times, including his sixth home run of the season. The homer was the first since July 6 for the part-timer, who has produced a respectable .325 on-base percentage in 169 plate appearances.
Jul 21 2023Caratini is making his first start of the season at first base, batting fifth Friday against Atlanta. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini will draw the start at first base with the Brewers thin at the position while Rowdy Tellez (forearm) and Brian Anderson (back) are unavailable. The 29-year-old has produced a .200 average with a homer, four RBI and three runs scored over 20 at-bats in seven games this month.
Jun 30 2023Caratini went 2-for-3 with a two-run home run and a walk in Thursday's 3-2 win against the Mets. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini was the only Brewer with multiple hits in the contest, and his two-run shot off Max Scherzer in the sixth inning provided the bulk of Milwaukee's output in the narrow victory. With William Contreras entrenched as the team's primary backstop, Caratini has been on the bench more often than not of late -- his start Thursday was his first over Milwaukee's past four games. Caratini has made the most of his limited opportunities in June, slashing .344/.389/.531 with two homers, seven RBI, six runs and a stolen base over 10 contests.
Jun 5 2023Caratini went 2-for-4 with a solo home run in Sunday's 5-1 win over the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Carantini's homer off Ben Lively was his third of the season, his first since May 9. His two-hit performance was also his first multi-hit effort since May 4. Carantini is now just 3-for-26 (.148) in his last seven games. For the season, he's slashing .216/.301/.338 with 10 RBI through 83 plate appearances while backing up William Contreras in Milwaukee.
Jun 3 2023Caratini went 0-for-5 with two RBI in Friday's extra-inning victory over the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini was held without a hit, but he did record multiple RBI in a game for the second time this season. Caratini has not made much contact of late, picking up just three hits over his last 37 at-bats, but he has gotten a fair share of opportunities, starting eight of Milwaukee's last 18 games. Starting catcher William Contreras opened the other 10 games behind the plate and also served as the designated hitter three times over that span.
May 9 2023Caratini went 1-for-3 with a homer in Tuesday's 6-2 loss against the Dodgers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini hit one of the two Milwaukee homers in the seventh inning. The backup catcher has two home runs on the season and has an .867 OPS. He is William Contreras' backup, but has produced at the plate when given at bats.
Jan 12 2023Caratini signed a one-year, $2.8 million contract with the Brewers to avoid arbitration Thursday, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini has served as a backup catcher for the majority of his career. However, he's managed to top 300 plate appearances in each of his last two seasons while also grading out as a well above-average framer behind the dish. Entering 2023, Caratini figures to serve as the second catcher in Milwaukee behind William Contreras.
Sep 5 2022Caratini went 2-for-3 with a three-run homer and a walk in Monday's 6-4 win over Colorado. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini launched the go-ahead shot during Milwaukee's four-run sixth inning. He snapped a 24-game homerless drought with his first long ball since Aug. 4 and ninth on the year. The 29-year-old catcher is now slashing .207/.317/.365 with 17 extra-base hits and 29 RBI through 259 plate appearances.
Aug 28 2022Caratini is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Cubs. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini went 2-for-12 with a run scored while starting in each of the Brewers' last three games, all of which came with left-handed pitchers taking the hill for the opposition. The lefty-hitting Omar Narvaez will step back in behind the plate Sunday against Cubs righty Adrian Sampson, so the switch-hitting Caratini looks like he'll fill a short-side platoon role moving forward.
Aug 17 2022Caratini is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Dodgers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini will give way to Mario Feliciano behind the dish after catching in the first two games of the series. Though he remains atop the depth chart for now, Caratini could soon fade to the No. 2 role after top backstop Omar Narvaez (quadriceps) began a minor-league rehab assignment Tuesday.
Aug 14 2022Caratini is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Cardinals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After starting eight straight games Caratini will get a chance to rest. Mario Feliciano will take Caratini's place behind the plate.
Aug 12 2022Caratini went 3-for-4 with a double and an RBI in Friday's 3-1 loss to the Cardinals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini was the only player on either team to record multiple hits. He also produced the Brewers' lone run, playing Luis Urias with a single in the seventh inning. Caratini entered Friday 0-for-10 across his last three games, though his starting role is not yet in doubt since Omar Narvaez (quadriceps) is a week away from beginning a rehab assignment. For the season, Caratini is slashing .233/.351/.413 with eight home runs, 22 RBI, 21 runs scored and seven doubles through 205 plate appearances.
Aug 5 2022Caratini went 1-for-3 with a solo homer in Thursday's loss to the Pirates. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini saw himself elevated to the No. 1 catcher recently after Pedro Severino was designated for assignment and Omar Narvaez (quadriceps) was placed on the 10-day IL. The switch hitter wasted no time taking advantage of the increased role by cracking his eighth home run of the season, this one off Pirates starter Zach Thompson.
Aug 4 2022Caratini will start at catcher and bat seventh in Wednesday's game against the Pirates. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: In less than 24 hours, Caratini has seen both of his primary challengers for playing time exit the Brewers' active roster. Prior to Wednesday's 8-7 loss, the Brewers designated No. 3 backstop Pedro Severino for assignment to clear space on the 40-man roster for starting pitcher Freddy Peralta, who was reinstated from the 60-day injured list. Then, No. 1 catcher Omar Narvaez exited Wednesday's contest with a left quadriceps strain, which resulted in him being placed on the 10-day injured list. Milwaukee called up Mario Feliciano from Triple-A Nashville to add depth at catcher, but the switch-hitting Caratini should be in line to see regular starts against both left- and right-handed pitching while Narvaez is on the shelf. Caratini draws walks at a high rate and makes contact at a decent clip for a catcher, but his average power and low placement in the batting order will likely render him a low-end fantasy option.
Jul 4 2022Caratini went 1-for-5 with a three-run homer in Monday's 5-2 win over the Cubs. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini took Scott Effross deep for a three-run shot in the bottom of the 10th inning to defeat the Cubs. On the flip side, he struck out in his other four at-bats. The 28-year-old is up to seven homers this season with six of those coming in his last 20 appearances. Caratini is now slashing .245/.368/.464 with 17 RBI and 10 extra-base hits through 133 plate appearances.
Jun 19 2022Caratini went 2-for-2 with a homer, a walk, a hit-by-pitch and two RBI in a 6-3 win Sunday in Cincinnati. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini reached base all four times he came to the plate and delivered a two-out, two-run homer in the fourth inning to give Milwaukee an early 3-0 lead. Over his last four starts, he is 8-for-13 with three extra-base hits and three walks. While he's primarily starting against left-handed pitching, the 28-year-old is making the most of his opportunities and has posted a career-high .843 OPS through 30 contests.
Jun 10 2022Caratini is not in the lineup for Friday's game at Washington. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 28-year-old served as Milwaukee's No. 1 backstop over past week with Omar Narvaez (illness) on the COVID-19 injured list, but Narvaez is back on the active roster and is starting Friday. Caratini started six of seven games during that stretch and went 4-for-18 with a double, two walks and a run. He should continue to see playing time against left-handed pitching while Narvaez handles most of the starts against righties.
Jun 4 2022Caratini isn't starting Saturday against the Padres. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini started in the last two games and went 0-for-4 with a run, a walk and a strikeout. Alex Jackson will start behind the plate and bat ninth Saturday.
May 30 2022Caratini went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in a 3-1 win over the Cubs in the second game of Monday's doubleheader. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini saw out the matinee contest, but he was in the lineup for the nightcap. He delivered his second homer in his last two games and his third of the year to put the Brewers ahead 2-1 in the fifth inning. The 28-year-old catcher is up to a .207/.299/.379 slash line with seven RBI, five runs scored and a double in 67 plate appearances. With Omar Narvaez hitting well, Caratini is unlikely to see much more than a backup role.
May 28 2022Caratini went 2-for-3 with a two-run home run and a walk in Saturday's 8-3 loss to the Cardinals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini singled in the seventh before launching a two-run shot off T.J. McFarland in the top of the ninth. The homer was his second of the year while the two hits were his first since May 13, going 0-for-16 in his prior six games. Caratini remains the backup to Omar Narvaez at catcher, receiving only one or two starts a week.
May 1 2022Caratini (undisclosed) was activated from the COVID-19 injured list Sunday, Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 28-year-old landed on the COVID-19 IL on Tuesday and will rejoin the active roster after clearing MLB's testing protocols. Caratini should resume duties as the Brewers' No. 2 catcher behind Omar Narvaez and will likely see most of his starts against left-handed pitchers.
Apr 26 2022The Brewers announced Tuesday that Caratini was placed on the COVID-19 injured list, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: As a result of Caratini either testing positive for the virus or being deemed a close contact of an infected person, the Brewers made their first roster move since Opening Day. In a corresponding transaction, Milwaukee recalled Alex Jackson from Triple-A Nashville to serve as the No. 2 catcher behind Omar Narvaez while Caratini is away from the team.
Apr 17 2022Caratini went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in a loss to the Cardinals on Saturday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini provided all of Milwaukee's offense with his solo shot in the eighth inning. It was the first long ball for the backstop as a Brewer after he hit seven homers for the Padres last season. Caratini is slashing .308/.400/.615 on the campaign, and he has split time behind the plate with Omar Narvaez thus far.
Apr 13 2022Caratini will start at catcher and bat ninth in Wednesday's game against the Orioles. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Both Caratini and Omar Narvaez have each picked up three starts apiece, but a timeshare arrangement doesn't seem to be in the works between the two catchers. Instead, manager Craig Counsell seems to be favoring a platoon setup, with the switch-hitting Caratini entering the lineup against southpaw pitchers, while the lefty-hitting Narvaez plays against righties.
Apr 6 2022Caratini was traded from the Padres to the Brewers on Wednesday in exchange for Korry Howell and Brett Sullivan, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Padres have plenty of options to serve as catching depth, so Caratini will head to Milwaukee to serve as the No. 2 backstop behind Omar Narvaez after Pedro Severino was issued an 80-game suspension Tuesday. Caratini appeared in 116 games for the Padres last year and slashed .227/.309/.323 with seven home runs, 39 RBI, 33 runs and two stolen bases.
Oct 3 2021Caratini is not in the lineup Sunday against the Giants. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini started the first two games of the season but will take a seat for the final game of the season. Barring an appearance off the bench, the 28-year-old will end his first year in San Diego with a .224/.307/.321 slash line with seven homers, 38 RBI and 32 runs in 355 plate appearances.
Sep 30 2021Caratini is not in Thursday's lineup against the Dodgers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini has started four consecutive games behind the dish so he'll draw a rest day. Webster Rivas takes over at catcher and will hit eighth.
Sep 24 2021Caratini isn't starting the second game of Friday's twin bill against Atlanta. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini was behind the dish for the conclusion of the suspended game against Atlanta on Friday, but he'll head to the bench for the nightcap. Although the 28-year-old is in line to serve as the Padres' primary catcher with Austin Nola (thumb) out for the season, Webster Rivas will start behind the dish and bat seventh.
Sep 23 2021Caratini went 3-for-5 with two RBI in Thursday's 7-5 win over the Giants. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini got the starting assignment with Yu Darvish on the mound for the Padres, and he responded with a game-winning RBI single in the 10th inning that snapped a 6-6 deadlock. Caratini also produced an RBI single in the first inning and finished with his first three-hit performance of the season. He is hitting just .221/.306/.311 on the year and is firmly behind Austin Nola in the No. 2 catching role.
Sep 8 2021Caratini will start at catcher and bat eighth Wednesday against the Angels. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini continues to serve as the personal catcher for Yu Darvish, who is on the mound Wednesday for the Friars. Beyond Darvish's starts, Caratini has struggled to pick up playing time behind No. 1 backstop Austin Nola since early August. Dating back to Aug. 1, Caratini has started in only 11 of the Padres' 32 games, slashing .175/.190/.225 with four runs and three RBI.
Aug 8 2021Caratini is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Diamondbacks. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini will cede catching duties to Austin Nola in the series finale after going 0-for-3 with a strikeout in Saturday's 6-2 win. Since Nola was reinstated from the 10-day injured list July 22, Caratini has picked up seven starts at catcher to Nola's eight, so the Padres seem content to deploy a timeshare at the position.
Jul 22 2021Caratini is not in the lineup Thursday against the Marlins, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Austin Nola (knee) will receive the start in his first game back from the injured list, pushing Caratini to the bench. Caratini will see a drop in playing time, though there's a chance he and Nola could split work behind the plate.
Jul 21 2021Caratini is out of the lineup for the first game of Tuesday's doubleheader with Atlanta. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Webster Rivas will catch Chris Paddack in the opening game, but Caratini should be behind the dish for the nightcap, when the newly recalled Reiss Knehr makes his second start of the season. Caratini, who is holding down a .658 OPS on the season, will likely shift back to the No. 2 catcher role in the coming days with Austin Nola (knee) closing in on a return from the 10-day injured list.
Jul 17 2021Caratini will sit Saturday against the Nationals, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini's time as the Padres' primary catcher may be up soon, as Austin Nola (knee) has begun a rehab assignment. Webster Rivas will start in his place Saturday.
Jul 10 2021Caratini (hand) is back in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against the Rockies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini left Thursday's game against the Nationals after being hit by a foul ball on his right hand. X-rays came back negative, but the backstop was still absent from Friday's lineup. He'll return to the starting nine as he bats eighth and catches Joe Musgrove on Saturday.
Jul 9 2021Caratini (hand) is not in the lineup Friday against the Rockies, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Despite receiving negative X-ray results for his right hand, which was hit with a foul ball Thursday, Caratini doesn't crack the lineup for Friday's series opener. Webster Rivas will start behind the dish and likely be the catcher for however long Caratini needs to recover.
Jul 8 2021Caratini was removed from Thursday's game after being clipped on the hand by a foul ball, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini took a foul ball off his right hand. He attempted to stay in the game but was ultimately lifted in favor of pinch-hitter Webster Rivas in the sixth inning. If Caratini is forced to miss more game time, the Padres will be left thin behind the plate with Austin Nola (knee) still sidelined.
Jul 7 2021Caratini is not starting Wednesday's game against the Nationals, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 27-year-old is hitting .167 in his last 10 games, having recorded neither a homer nor a multi-hit game in that stretch. Austin Nola (knee) is expected to return not long after the All-Star break and will offer Caratini more competition than current backup Webster Rivas, who is starting Wednesday.
Jul 4 2021Caratini is out of the lineup Sunday against the Phillies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini started the first two games of the series and will take a seat for the finale after going 1-for-6 with a walk. Webster Rivas will start behind the plate in his place Sunday.
Jul 1 2021Caratini isn't starting Thursday's game against Cincinnati. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini has gone 1-for-7 with a walk and four strikeouts across the last two games, and he'll get a day off in Thursday's series finale. Webster Rivas will start at catcher and bat eighth.
Jun 26 2021Caratini isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Diamondbacks. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini started behind the plate in each of the last two games and went 1-for-4 with a home run, three RBI, two walks and two strikeouts. Webster Rivas will start behind the dish and bat eighth.
Jun 23 2021Caratini went 1-for-2 with a solo home run, sacrifice fly, walk and strikeout in a 5-3 triumph over the Dodgers on Wednesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini broke a 2-2 tie with his seventh inning home run off Trevor Bauer then added a key insurance run with a sacrifice fly that brought Manny Machado home in the eighth. He's capitalized on additional playing time with Austin Nola injured and should serve as the primary backstop until Nola returns.
Jun 22 2021Caratini is not in the starting lineup for Tuesday's game against the Dodgers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The backstop will get a rest after starting the previous two games behind the plate. Webster Rivas will catch Blake Snell and bat eighth Tuesday.
Jun 19 2021Caratini is not starting Saturday's game against the Reds, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The switch-hitting catcher rests after consecutive successful days at the plate, launching a walk-off homer and going 2-for-4 Thursday before walking three times Friday. Webster Rivas fills in behind the plate Saturday.
Jun 17 2021Caratini went 2-for-4 with a walkoff two-run home run in Thursday's 6-4 win over Cincinnati. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini took Cincinnati reliever Amir Garrett deep with one out in the ninth inning. The homer was Caratini's fifth of the season. The catcher has added 25 RBI, 19 runs scored and a pair of stolen bases while slashing .218/.310/.361 through 168 plate appearances. The 27-year-old will continue to see the majority of the catching duties while Austin Nola (knee) remains on the injured list.
Jun 16 2021Caratini isn't starting Wednesday's game against Colorado. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini went 1-for-6 with a double, an RBI and two strikeouts across the last two games. Webster Rivas will start behind the dish and bat eighth.
Jun 13 2021Caratini is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Mets. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini gets a routine breather after he caught each of the last three games for San Diego. Webster Rivas will form a battery with starting pitcher Chris Paddack in the series finale.
Jun 8 2021Caratini is on the bench Tuesday against the Cubs, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com of reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He gets a day off following a solid, 2-for-3 performance Monday. Caratini's double against the Cubs was just his third extra-base hit in his last 18 games, and he's slugging a mere .357 on the season. Webster Rivas starts behind the dish and bats eighth Tuesday.
Jun 6 2021Caratini is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Mets. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After he was behind the plate for all nine innings of Saturday's 4-0 loss to the Mets, Caratini will be given a routine breather for the day game after a night game. Webster Rivas will catch starting pitcher Chris Paddack in the series finale.
Jun 2 2021Caratini isn't in the lineup Wednesday against the Cubs. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini will get a breather after he blasted a solo home run in Tuesday's loss to the Cubs. Webster Rivas will start behind the dish and bat eighth.
Jun 1 2021Caratini went 1-for-4 with a solo home run during Tuesday's loss to the Cubs. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: His fifth-inning shot against Kyle Hendricks got the Padres on the board. Caratini, who has tallied four long balls across 40 games this season, is expected to see an uptick in playing time with Austin Nola (knee) on the 10-day injured list.
May 28 2021Caratini isn't starting Friday's game against the Astros. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini should serve as the primary catcher in the near future after Austin Nola (knee) was placed on the 10-day injured list Friday, but he'll be held out for the series opener in Houston. Webster Rivas will start behind the dish and bat eighth.
May 26 2021Caratini went 0-for-3 with a walk, a run scored and a stolen base in Tuesday's 7-1 win over the Brewers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With the score 0-0 in the third inning and runners on the corners against Corbin Burnes, the Padres got aggressive and Caratini did something no San Diego catcher had ever done before in franchise history -- steal home. After Ha-Seong Kim took off for second base, Caratini headed home when the throw from Omar Narvaez went through and he just beat the return toss from Willy Adames. The Padres made life miserable for Narvaez all night by going 6-for-6 on steal attempts, allowing them to rack up offense despite only five hits and zero homers. Caratini's swipe was his second of the season but only the third of his career.
May 12 2021Caratini went 1-for-2 with a grand slam and a walk in a 5-3 win over Colorado in Game 1 of Wednesday's doubleheader. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini's blast in the sixth inning gave San Diego all the offense it needed to emerge with a win. The catcher has three home runs, 16 RBI, 10 runs scored and a stolen base through 27 games played this year. He's likely to split time with Austin Nola throughout the season, although Caratini is nearly guaranteed to play when Yu Darvish is on the mound.
May 6 2021Caratini went 1-for-4 with a solo home run and an additional run scored in Wednesday's win over Pittsburgh. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The backstop put the Padres on the board with 401-foot blast in the third inning. The homer was Caratini's second this season and accounted for his 12th RBI. He is slashing .217/.313/.333 overall.
May 1 2021Caratini will continue to get plenty of work behind the plate despite the return of Austin Nola, Bill Center of FriarWire reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Nola may eventually emerge as the Padres' primary catcher, but in the short term he will essentially split time with Caratini behind the plate, according to manager Jayce Tingler. "Victor has played extremely well, he's done a great job with the staff. Also, Nola, having some issues with the finger and some swelling and things like that, I don't think we've got him built up to go four on, one-off. There's the opportunity to split some time and keep both guys active." So far this season, Caratini is slashing .230/.333/.311 with 11 RBI and a 30.6 percent strikeout rate.
Apr 28 2021Caratini will start at catcher and bat seventh Wednesday against the Diamondbacks. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 27-year-old was originally positioned on the bench for Wednesday's series finale, but he'll end up receiving the start with Luis Campusano optioned to the alternate site to make room on the roster for Austin Nola (finger). Caratini has a .236/.317/.327 slash line and 34.9 percent strikeout rate through 20 games this season, and he should see a decrease in playing time with Nola back from the injured list and slated to take over primary catching duties.
Apr 22 2021Caratini isn't starting Thursday's game against the Dodgers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini will retreat to the bench for the second time in the last three games after he went 1-for-4 with a double, one RBI and two strikeouts in Wednesday's loss to Milwaukee. Luis Campusano will start behind the plate, batting seventh.
Apr 16 2021Caratini isn't starting Friday's game against the Dodgers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini will retreat to the bench for a second straight contest after he went 1-for-11 with a double and one RBI in his last four games. Luis Campusano will start behind the dish Friday, batting eighth.
Apr 13 2021Caratini is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Pirates. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini appears to be receiving a maintenance day after making starts at catcher Sunday and Monday. Luis Campusano checks in behind the plate Tuesday, catching for southpaw Blake Snell.
Apr 10 2021Caratini isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Rangers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini caught Joe Musgrove's no-hitter against Texas on Friday, and he'll get a breather for the second game of the series. Luis Campusano will start behind the dish Saturday, batting eighth.
Apr 7 2021Caratini is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Giants. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini is sitting out the series finale in what amounts to little more than maintenance after he started behind the plate Monday and Tuesday. The backstop came up big at the plate in both contests, going a combined 2-for-5 with a home run, a walk and four RBI. Luis Campusano will catch for Blake Snell on Wednesday.
Apr 2 2021Caratini is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Diamondbacks. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 27-year-old received the start Opening Day with Austin Nola (finger) sidelined, and Caratini went 2-for-4 with three RBI and one strikeout. Luis Campusano will catch for lefty Blake Snell on Friday.
Mar 19 2021Caratini would replace Austin Nola (finger) as the team's starting catcher if Nola isn't ready by Opening Day, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Nola has been able to catch in recent days without any issues, but he has yet to resume full workouts. If swinging a bat with his fractured left middle finger proves to be problematic, Caratini could slide into the starting role until Nola is able to return. Such a scenario would also mean that Luis Campusano would likely break camp as the team's second catcher.
Jan 15 2021Caratini signed a one-year, $1.3 million contract with the Padres on Friday to avoid arbitration, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 27-year-old was acquired from the Cubs along with Yu Darvish in late December and won't require salary arbitration to officially get under contract for 2021. Caratini figures to work with Darvish and operate as the backup catcher to Austin Nola for San Diego.
Dec 28 2020Caratini has been traded to the Padres along with Yu Darvish in exchange for Zach Davies and prospects Reginald Preciado, Owen Cassie, Yeison Santana and Ismael Mena, Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini slashed .241/.333/.328 with one home run and 16 RBI while serving as the Cubs backup catcher and occasional designated hitter in 2020. The 27-year-old will now head to San Diego with Darvish, where he figures to spell Austin Nola behind the plate.
Sep 25 2020Caratini went 1-for-3 with a walk, a two-run home run and two total runs scored in Friday's 10-0 win over the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Somewhat surprisingly, this was Caratini's first home run in 42 games this season, as he hit 11 bombs in 95 games a year ago. The 27-year-old remains behind Willson Contreras at catcher but he has been seeing time as the designated hitter, through manager David Ross can also deploy the likes of Jason Kipnis, Nico Hoerner and David Bote at DH. Caratini's playing time in the playoffs will likely be based on matchups and whether he can get hot at the plate.
Sep 23 2020Caratini isn't starting Wednesday against the Pirates. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini will hit the bench for a second consecutive game as his playing time has dipped recently. Kyle Schwarber will serve as the designated hitter Wednesday with Cameron Maybin starting in left field.
Sep 22 2020Caratini is not in the lineup Tuesday against the Pirates. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini has been in the majority of the Cubs' lineups this season, getting the nod in 33 out of 55 games, but his role appears to be slipping of late. He's been on the bench in four of the last six games. A loss of playing time shouldn't be a big surprise given that he's hitting just .240/.331/.308 on the year. Willson Contreras will be the catcher Tuesday, with Jose Martinez serving as the designated hitter.
Sep 21 2020Caratini will serve as the designated hitter and bat ninth in Monday's game against the Pirates. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini caught Yu Darvish on Sunday and will now make his second straight start after spending the previous three games on the bench. The 27-year-old has been slumping lately with a .494 OPS across his last 10 games, though the Cubs have several regulars who are struggling at the plate, so Caratini could earn more playing time if he gets hot.
Sep 20 2020Caratini is starting at catcher and batting eighth in Sunday's game against the Twins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini has been on the bench for the past three games but will return to the lineup Sunday as the personal catcher for Yu Darvish, with Willson Contreras shifting over to designated hitter. Other than catching when Darvish starts, Caratini seems to have lost a grip on regular playing time, which limits his fantasy appeal the rest of the season.
Sep 19 2020Caratini is not in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Twins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: This is the third straight game on the bench for Caratini, who has just a .456 OPS over his last 17 contests. Willson Contreras is starting at catcher and David Bote is serving as the designated hitter, so it appears that Caratini has fallen into more of a reserve role while manager David Ross looks to ride some hotter hitters.
Sep 18 2020Caratini will be on the bench Friday against the Twins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini has started 31 out of the Cubs' 51 games this season, but he'll sit for the second straight game here. With a .456 OPS over his last 17 games, it certainly wouldn't be a surprise if his opportunities drop off down the stretch. Willson Contreras will catch Friday, with Jason Kipnis serving as the designated hitter.
Sep 16 2020Caratini is not starting Wednesday against Cleveland. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini has been in the lineup for the majority of the Cubs' games this season but doesn't have close to an everyday role, as he's started 31 out of 50 contests thus far. Willson Contreras will be the catcher Wednesday, with Kyle Schwarber serving as the designated hitter.
Sep 13 2020Caratini went 2-for-4 with a double, a walk, three RBI and two runs scored Sunday against the Brewers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini busted out of a 2-for-17 slump to deliver plenty of production. He had two separate RBI knocks, the first a single in the fourth frame followed by a double in the seventh inning. His relatively lengthy slump has put a damper on his overall numbers, as Caratini is now hitting .253/.343/.316 across 108 plate appearances.
Sep 10 2020Caratini is not in Thursday's lineup against the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: While Caratini still figures to get a decent amount of starts at designated hitter and catcher now that Jose Martinez was optioned to South Bend, he will sit in favor of David Bote in this one. Caratini is also slumping, hitting .121 with zero extra-base hits over his last 33 at-bats.
Sep 9 2020Caratini will start at catcher and will bat sixth in Wednesday's game against the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Chicago has largely been splitting catching and designated-hitter duties with Willson Contreras and Caratini this season, but the latter looked like he was on track to get squeezed out of DH opportunities after the Cubs acquired Jose Martinez on Aug. 30. However, after going hitless in his first 14 at-bats with Chicago, Martinez was optioned to the Cubs' alternate site Tuesday, which seemingly leaves Caratini in line to pick up more regular work. Caratini's lack of power and speed limits his overall fantasy upside, but he boasts decent enough contact skills to provide a non-toxic batting average from the second catcher spot in leagues that start two backstops.
Sep 2 2020Caratini is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Pirates. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini has been filling a quasi-everyday role for the Cubs this season, often serving as the team's designated hitter on days when he's not catching for a resting Willson Contreras. After Jose Martinez was acquired from the Rays on Sunday, however, Caratini doesn't look like he'll have a clear path to at-bats at DH any longer. If he's only getting two or three starts per week, Caratini will be tough to justify holding, even in leagues that start two catchers.
Aug 30 2020Caratini is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini is 0-for-15 with eight strikeouts over his past five games and will stick on the bench Sunday. Willson Contreras starts behind the plate while Jason Kipnis serves as the designated hitter in the series finale.
Aug 29 2020Caratini is not in the lineup for Game 2 of Saturday's doubleheader against the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini started behind the plate in Game 1 and will head to the bench after going 0-for-3 with two strikeouts. Willson Contreras will catch for Alec Mills in the nightcap, while Kyle Schwarber serves as the designated hitter.
Aug 28 2020Caratini is catching and batting eighth in Friday's game against the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Cubs will deploy Willson Contreras as the DH Friday, which opens up catching duties for Caratini. The 27-year-old has played regularly so far this season, posting a .270/.361/.349 slash line in 23 games to date. He's still looking for his first home run after popping 11 in 95 games last year.
Aug 26 2020Caratini is not starting Wednesday against the Tigers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini will head to the bench following a string of four consecutive starts. He's hitting .270 with nine RBI through 23 games this season. In his absence, Kyle Schwarber is starting at DH while Albert Almora gets the nod in center field.
Aug 22 2020Caratini went 2-for-2 with a double and a run scored in Friday's 10-1 loss to the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: While he didn't get the start, Caratini wound up supplying the Cubs' only extra-base hit of the night and scoring their only run after entering the game in the sixth inning as manager David Ross emptied his bench in the rout. Caratini is now slashing .302/.373/.377 through 59 plate appearances, but his backup role behind Willson Contreras continues to limit his production -- he has only three runs and seven RBI and is still looking for his first homer of the year.
Aug 21 2020Caratini is not in the lineup Friday against the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini started the past four games and went 2-for-8 with a double, three RBI and three walks during that stretch, but he'll take a seat for Friday's series opener. Willson Contreras will start behind the plate while Kyle Schwarber serves as the designated hitter.
Aug 17 2020Caratini is out of the lineup for the first game of Monday's doubleheader with the Cardinals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Willson Contreras is catching the first game of the twin bill, but he'll presumably be deployed as the Cubs' designated hitter in the nightcap or sit out the contest entirely. As a result, expect Caratini to draw a start in the second game.
Aug 16 2020Caratini is not in Sunday's lineup against the Brewers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He is hitting .304/.333/.348 in 23 at-bats this month. Kyle Schwarber will start at designated hitter while Steven Souza gets the start in left field.
Aug 14 2020Caratini is out of the lineup Friday versus the Brewers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini started the past five games between catcher and designated hitter, and he'll receive a day off after going 6-for-17 in that stretch. Willson Contreras will start behind the plate while Jason Kipnis serves as the designated hitter Friday.
Aug 4 2020Caratini is not starting Tuesday against the Royals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini started seven of the first eight games for the Cubs but posted a poor .541 OPS. He's since gone on to sit for three straight. Kyle Schwarber will be the designated hitter Tuesday, with Steven Souza getting a start in left field.
Aug 3 2020Caratini is not in the lineup Monday against the Royals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Although Caratini managed to carve out playing time as the Cubs' designated hitter to begin the season, he'll sit Monday for the second consecutive contest. Kris Bryant (illness) will return to the starting lineup in left field while Kyle Schwarber will serve as the designated hitter.
Aug 2 2020Caratini is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against Pittsburgh. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini has been a regular starter through the first nine games of the season but will head to the bench Sunday. He's 5-for-23 with seven strikeouts in 25 plate appearances. Josh Phegley will serve as the designated hitter in the series finale.
Jul 27 2020Caratini isn't in the lineup for Monday's game against the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini had a spot in the starting lineup over each of the first three games with the addition of the designated hitter in the National League, but he'll play a bench role in the team's first road contest Monday. Kyle Schwarber will serve as the designated hitter with David Bote entering the starting nine at third base, batting seventh.
Jul 26 2020Caratini is the designated hitter and batting eighth in Sunday's game against the Brewers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: That makes two starts at DH for Caratini during the weekend series, with an appearance behind the plate as Yu Darvish's personal catcher in between. It looks like rookie manager David Ross is going to try to get both Caratini and Willson Contreras into the lineup most days, with one catching and the other serving as DH. The Cubs elected to keep Josh Phegley on the 30-man roster as a third catcher, so they can afford to deploy Contreras and Caratini at DH and still be covered behind the plate.
Jul 25 2020Caratini is the starting catcher and batting seventh in Saturday's game against the Brewers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After serving as the designated hitter in Friday's opener, Caratini moves behind the plate to serve as Yu Darvish's personal catcher, while Willson Contreras flips spots with him. It's encouraging to see Caratini start on consecutive days to begin the season, and it seems that he and Contreras could alternate between catching and serving as DH throughout the 60-game season to keep both players fresh.
Jul 24 2020Caratini will bat seventh as the designated hitter in Friday's season opener against the Brewers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini would seemingly be good enough to start behind the plate for several teams, as he's coming off a year in which he hit .266/.348/.447 in 95 games, but the presence of Willson Contreras means he won't fill that role for the Cubs any time soon. The addition of the universal designated hitter this season offers a potential pathway to at-bats for Caratini, though it will take more than just one game to determine how often he'll fill that role.
Jul 19 2020Caratini is an option to see regular time at first base early in the season with Anthony Rizzo (back) uncertain for the start of the year, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini has primarily worked as a catcher for the Cubs, though he did appear in 23 games at first last year. The 26-year-old has been tabbed as the personal catcher for Yu Darvish, so he'll still get time behind the plate, but the team may need to use him more at first if Rizzo can't go in the early going. Caratini has looked pretty good at the plate when he's been able to play regularly, so fantasy managers should take note if the playing time is there.
Jul 13 2020Caratini will serve as Yu Darvish's personal catcher this season, Tim Stebbins of NBC Chicago reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The pair reportedly have a good rapport and worked well together last season. The assignment will make Caratini's playing time slightly easier to predict than it would be for most backup backstops, though it remains to be seen how often he's in the lineup with other pitchers on the mound. Caratini is one of the better backup catchers in the league, as he hit a solid .266/.348/.447 last season, but he's stuck behind one of the better starting catchers in Willson Contreras.
May 18 2020Caratini could work as the Cubs' DH if MLB adopts a universal DH for a shortened 2020 season, Will Laws of SI.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Kyle Schwarber is perhaps the first name that comes to mind as a DH for the Cubs, but he's improved his defensive play to the point where Chicago may elect to keep him in left field. That could open things up for Caratini as the team looks to get his bat in the lineup along with No. 1 catcher Willson Contreras. Caratini's DH case would be bolstered if the team kept three catchers, which would provide added insurance behind Contreras and take some burden off Caratini as a defensive option.
Mar 23 2020Chicago manager David Ross said he has a "ton of confidence" in Caratini, Patrick Mooney of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Ross praised Caratini's ability to provide quality at-bats despite not playing every day and said he's one of the team's most valuable reserves. Willson Contreras is blocking the 26-year-old behind the plate and Anthony Rizzo has first base secured, but Caratini can capably spell either player. And if an injury opened up a more regular role, Caratini would have instant fantasy appeal.
Feb 23 2020Caratini went 2-for-2 with a solo home run and a double in Sunday's 4-2 Cactus League loss to the Dodgers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini started his spring on a nice note after a solid 2019. The 26-year-old will serve as a backup at catcher and first base this year, and his fantasy value could rise if an injury opens up a more regular role.
Sep 28 2019Caratini went 2-for-5 with a solo home run in Saturday's 8-6 win over the Cardinals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini launched a moonshot off of St. Louis starter Adam Wainwright in the fifth inning, giving him a career-high 11 home runs this season. In fact, the 26-year-old came into 2019 with only three career MLB home runs in 107 games. Caratini has some definite talent, though the likes of Willson Contreras and Anthony Rizzo are keeping him from receiving everyday playing time in Chicago.
Sep 21 2019Caratini is starting at catcher and batting sixth in Saturday's game against the Cardinals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Cubs are giving regular catcher Willson Contreras a breather after he started the last five games. Caratini enters the contest with a respectable .271/.352/.457 slash line in 221 at-bats this season.
Sep 19 2019Caratini will not start at first base Thursday against the Cardinals as originally anticipated. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini was slated to start at first base, but Anthony Rizzo will make a surprising return to action, and he will get the nod at the position instead.
Sep 15 2019Caratini is starting at catcher and batting sixth in Sunday's game against the Pirates. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Caratini appeared as a pinch hitter Saturday and popped his 10th home run of the season in the process. With regular catcher Willson Contreras getting a breather Sunday, Caratini will have a chance for a few more at-bats.
Sep 14 2019Caratini went 1-for-1 with a solo home run in a 14-1 win over the Pirates on Saturday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Entering the game as a pinch hitter in the seventh, Caratini completed the scoring with a solo homer off Parker Markel. Caratini has played less in September with Wilson Contreras (hamstring) now healthy and Jonathan Lucroy also on the roster, but he has still been able to generate a .277/.359/.466 slash line over 206 at-bats this season.
Sep 2 2019Caratini is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Mariners.
Aug 30 2019Caratini went 3-for-4 with two home runs and four RBI in a win over the Mets on Thursday.
Aug 25 2019Caratini is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Nationals.
Aug 23 2019Caratini is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Nationals.
Aug 20 2019Caratini is not in Tuesday's lineup against the Giants.
Aug 17 2019Caratini is not in Saturday's lineup against the Pirates.
Aug 16 2019Caratini is not in Friday's lineup against the Pirates.
Aug 13 2019Caratini is not in Tuesday's lineup against the Phillies.
Aug 11 2019Caratini is starting at catcher and batting eighth in Sunday's game against the Reds.
Aug 10 2019Caratini isn't in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against the Reds.
Aug 8 2019Caratini is not in the lineup Thursday against the Reds.
Aug 4 2019Caratini started at catcher and batted sixth in Sunday's game against the Brewers.
Jul 22 2019Caratini is not in the lineup<\/a> Monday against the Giants.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jul 21 2019Caratini is not in the lineup<\/a> for Sunday's series finale against the Padres.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jul 19 2019Caratini will be on the bench<\/a> Friday against the Padres.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jul 14 2019Caratini is starting at catcher and batting fifth<\/a> in Sunday's game against the Pirates.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jul 3 2019Caratini went 2-for-4 with two home runs and three RBI in a 6-5 loss against the Pirates on Wednesday.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 27 2019Caratini went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run in Thursday's 9-7 win over the Braves.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 22 2019Caratini is starting at first base and batting seventh<\/a> in Saturday's game against the Mets.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 8 2019Caratini went 2-for-2 with a walk, a double and an RBI in Friday's 3-1 win over the Cardinals.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 25 2019Caratini is starting at catcher and batting sixth<\/a> in Saturday's game against the Reds.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 16 2019Caratini (hand) was activated from the 10-day injured list Thursday, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com<\/a> reports. He's starting<\/a> at first base and hitting sixth against the Reds.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 15 2019Caratini (hand) will probably be activated from the 10-day injured list in the next day or two, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 13 2019Caratini (hand) went 3-for-5 with a double and an RBI in a rehab appearance with Triple-A Iowa on Monday.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 6 2019Caratini (hand) will begin a minor-league rehab assignment with Low-A South Bend on Monday, Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jul 19 2018Caratini went 3-for-3 with a walk, an RBI and three runs scored in Thursday's win over the Cardinals.Caratini got the start for Willson Contreras and made it count, as he recorded his first three-hit game of the season. Contreras figures to catch most days, but Caratini will spell him on occasion, and the 24-year-old could also see some time at first base and in the outfield for the Cubs in the second half.
Jul 7 2018Caratini is starting at catcher and batting seventh in Saturday's game against the Reds.Regular catcher Willson Contreras is getting a breather after five straight starts, pushing Caratini into the lineup. On the season, the 24-year-old is slashing .254/.315/.299 and he's still searching for his first home run.
Jul 4 2018Caratini was recalled from Triple-A Iowa and will start at first base and bat eighth in Wednesday's game against the Tigers.Though he'll see work in the field in his first game action with the Cubs since May 22, Caratini projects to see the bulk of his time behind the plate during his latest stint with Chicago. Caratini will take over as the backup catcher behind Willson Contreras after Chris Gimenez was designated for assignment Wednesday in a corresponding move.
May 14 2018Caratini is catching and batting sixth in Monday's game against the Braves.Caratini is spelling regular catcher Willson Contreras, who is getting a rest day as the Cubs play Monday afternoon. Caratini has played both catcher and first base this season, and manager Joe Maddon indicated that he could play additional positions as the season progresses. Caratini is slashing .283/.333/.340 this year.
May 8 2018Cubs manager Joe Maddon indicated that Caratini could play positions besides catcher and first base at some point this season, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.Caratini has made eight appearances behind the plate and five appearances at first base this season, but has not played anywhere else on the diamond. The 24-year-old logged a single inning in the outfield for the Cubs last year, and it stands to reason that he could get some time in right or left at some point in 2018, though it remains to be seen if he'll gain eligibility at any additional positions.
May 7 2018Caratini went 2-for-4 with a walk and two runs scored in Monday's win over the Marlins.Caratini started at first base in this one, something he's now done five times this season. The 24-year-old is the primary backup to Willson Contreras behind the plate, but his ability to play first is getting him a little added playing time. Caratini is now hitting .292 through 48 at-bats.
Apr 14 2018Caratini was taken out of the lineup for Saturday's game against the Braves in order to make room for Albert Almora (illness).Caratini was placed in the original lineup at first base though manager Joe Maddon elected to insert Almora once he was deemed healthy prior to Saturday's matinee. In his place, Ben Zobrist will move over to first and Ian Happ slides to left while Almora gets the nod in center.
Apr 6 2018Caratini is playing first base Friday against the Brewers, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.With Anthony Rizzo scratched due to back tightness, Caratini will be plugged into emergency duty for Friday's matchup. The switch-hitter will look to garner his first hit of the season against Brewers' starter Brandon Woodruff.
Mar 24 2018Caratini was informed Saturday that he has made the Cubs' Opening Day roster, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.In a surprise move, Caratini will open the season as the Cubs' backup catcher. The 24-year-old backstop was expected to open the season in the minors, but a strong showing in camp (.243/.391/.378 slash-line across 46 plate appearances) prompted the Cubs to keep him over veteran Chris Gimenez. The youngster isn't expected to see regular playing time unless Willson Contreras suffers an injury, so it's still possible he heads back to the minors for some more consistent playing time if that proves to be the case.
Mar 19 2018Caratini is likely to begin the season at Triple-A Iowa, the Chicago Sun-Times reports.The Cubs appear to be favoring veteran Chris Gimenez for the backup role behind Willson Contreras. Caratini hit an unremarkable .254/.333/.356 in 66 plate appearances for the Cubs last season. He has little left to prove at the Triple-A level, however, having hit .342/.393/.558 in 326 plate appearances with Iowa last year. He's unlikely to receive regular playing time at the big-league level this year unless Contreras is out with an injury.
Mar 18 2018Caratini (knee) drove in a run and score a run in Saturday's Cactus League game against the Indians.Caratini was able to get back onto the field after briefly dealing with a sore left knee. The 24-year-old backstop is currently battling Chris Gimenez for Opening Day reserve catching duties. Caratini is hitting .241 (.405 OBP) with one home run and four RBI this spring.
Mar 14 2018Caratini is day-to-day with a sore left knee, Carrie Muskat of MLB.com reports.Caratini said that the knee was feeling a little tight after getting plunked by a pitch and being involved in a collision at home plate during Tuesday's contest. Expect to see him back on the field within the next couple days as the 24-year-old battles for the role as backup catcher on the opening day roster.
Feb 22 2018Caratini has a chance to open the season as Chicago's backup catcher but may also spend more time at Triple-A to develop further, Carrie Muskat of MLB.com reports.This is a tough situation for the Cubs, as the young catcher already proved he can rake at Triple-A. In 292 at-bats with the I-Cubs, he slashed .342/.393/.558 with 10 homers and 61 RBI. That said, some think that it would hurt his development if he only played once or twice per week, as he would if he was in the big leagues backing up Willson Contreras. Caratini held his own in 59 MLB at-bats, hitting .254 with a home run, but with veteran Chris Gimenez in camp as a non-roster invitee, the Cubs can afford to keep Caratini in the minors a bit longer. This situation should become clearer as spring training rolls along, but Caratini certainly has done enough to warrant a spot on the big-league roster.
Sep 1 2017Caratini was called up by the Cubs on Friday, Carrie Muskat of MLB.com reports.Caratini may not see much playing time moving forward, even with Willson Contreras (hamstring) shelved for the time being. Alex Avila will likely get most of the starts in his absence while Caratini battles with Rene Rivera for an occasional nod. Throughout 17 games with the club this season, the 24-year-old is hitting .268/.318/.415 with one home run and two RBI.