MLB Player News

Ramirez is not in the lineup for Friday's series opener against the Twins.

Ramirez hasn't had a day off since May 21 and is riding a 10-game hitting streak, so this appears to be a routine day off for the 24-year-old. Erik Gonzalez will man the hot corner in his stead.

Valencia went 2-for-2 with two walks and a run in Thursday's 9-6 win over the Tigers.

Although he was overshadowed by teammate Robinson Cano's spectacular night, Valencia was a thorn in the side of Tigers pitching in his own right. The veteran infielder came through with his first multi-hit effort since June 14 and also crossed the plate for the 14th time during the month. Despite being a tad behind the pace he set in May, Valencia's June line remains a solid .284/.337/.432, which includes an impressive 18 RBI.

Devers has been joined at Double-A Portland by Michael Chavis who was promoted from High-A Salem on Thursday, Chris Hatfield of SoxProspects.com reports.

The addition of Chavis means the Sea Dogs are now home to Boston's top two third base prospects, which likely means Devers will be headed to Triple-A Pawtucket soon. According to Jen McCaffrey of MassLive.com, a source confirmed that Devers will not be promoted right now. Between third base and designated hitter, the two can co-exist on the same team for the time being.

Donaldson (knee) is looking to play Friday for the series opener against the Royals, Gregor Chisholm of MLB.com reports.

Donaldson stated that he didn't believe this was a serious injury and it stemmed from hitting his knee on the concrete while stretching earlier this week. He has dealt with the swelling in the past couple games before getting scratched from the lineup for Thursday's contest. Donaldson is day-to-day for now, but is basically a 50/50 decision for Friday.

Plouffe went 1-for-3 with a solo home run and a walk in Wednesday's 8-3 win over the Reds.

The round tripper was Plouffe's first in his three games with the Rays, and he's now notched one hit in each of his contests in a Tampa uniform. The 31-year-old's prevailing problem this season has been his strikeout rate, as it's ballooned to a 28 percent figure that is his highest since his initial cup of coffee with the Twins back in 2010. He's whiffed only once over a modest sample of 12 plate appearances in his new digs, however, so perhaps the change of scenery will bring about some success at the plate.

Chapman is in the hospital receiving an antibiotic IV for the cellulitis in his left knee, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports. He's expected to be discharged Friday, and the Athletics believe he'll likely return from the 10-day disabled list when eligible.

The third baseman was just getting a clear opportunity at playing time before a knee infection halted him. The medical treatment seems to be working, though, and barring a setback, Chapman should keep only a normal DL stay.

Donaldson has been scratched from the Blue Jays' lineup Thursday with left knee soreness, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.

The last-minute change deprives the Jays of their No. 3 hitter. Kendrys Morales will give up his day off and instead hit third Thursday. As for Donaldson, the club should provide more details in the near future, but considering his lower-body issues this year, this deserves at least a close look.

Escobar is batting fifth and playing third base Thursday, Chad Graff of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Minnesota is looking to keep him in the lineup as often as possible, so it is deploying Miguel Sano at designated hitter. Escobar is riding an eight-game hit streak in which he's 16-for-32 with two home runs and six RBI, and his versatility to play several positions will work in his favor as long as he keeps this up to some degree. He's worth a pickup in many mixed fantasy leagues for the hope he sustains this, though he's much safer in the long term as a matchup play against left-handed pitching.

Chapman was placed on the 10-day disabled list Thursday with left knee cellulitis, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Chapman clubbed 16 home runs at Triple-A Nashville and earned a recent call-up, but he's dealt with knee issues the last few days and will spend some time on the sidelines. Matt Olson will return from Nashville and may assume a decent workload in at least the short term.

Segura (ankle) went 1-for-3 with a walk in his return from the disabled list Wednesday against Detroit.

After missing the last 18 games with an ankle injury, there seemed to be no lingering effects as the 27-year-old ran around the bases to score twice in the late innings. Segura, who is batting .341 on the year, will move back into his everyday role at shortstop, where he will look to continue his hot season at the plate.