MLB Player News

Robinson went 1-for-2 with a two-run home run and a pair of walks in Saturday's 5-2 win over the Angels.

With Joey Gallo (hamstring) unavailable for the second straight game, a spot in the lineup was open in left field for Robinson, a versatile utility man who was recalled from Triple-A Round Rock prior to the series opener Friday. Robinson made his presence felt at the bottom of the order, with his two-run blast -- his second of the season -- giving the Rangers a four-run lead in the sixth inning. If Gallo remains sidelined Sunday, Robinson could stick in the lineup, but he'll likely reprise a bench role after the All-Star break with Gallo expected to be fully healthy by then.

Burger made his debut for Low-A Kannapolis on Friday , going 3-for-3 with a double and two runs scored.

Burger, the 11th overall pick in the 2017 draft, had a quick four-game taste of the Arizona Rookie League before his promotion to the Intimidators.

Machado filled the stat sheet Saturday in Minnesota, going 2-for-4 with his 17th double of the year, an RBI, two runs and a walk.

Mike Petriello of MLB.com reports that Machado has ranked among the top three players in hard-hit balls practically all season. Unfortunately, the third baseman has been a bit unlucky despite consistently hammering baseballs. However, things are starting to brighten up for Machado as he's hit safely in seven of eight July games while pounding out three home runs, eight RBI and five runs in the process.

Donaldson went 1-for-1 with a three-run homer, three walks and two runs in a victory over the Astros on Saturday.

Donaldson blasted his ninth home run of the season to erase a one-run deficit. The blast was his first since June 11, and he's now slugging .478.

Valencia went 3-for-4 with a double and two runs in Friday's 7-2 win over the Athletics.

Valencia already has a pair of three-hit efforts in his first seven games of July and is sporting a .346 average over that stretch. Although all but two of his nine hits during that span have been singles, Valencia is doing an excellent job of setting up RBI opportunities for the likes of Robinson Cano, Nelson Cruz, Mitch Haniger and Kyle Seager hitting behind him. His production from the beginning of May to date -- which includes a .312/.367/.470 line with eight home runs and 38 RBI --exemplifies exactly why the Mariners opted to bring his veteran bat on board this offseason.

Plouffe is not in the starting lineup for Saturday's clash with the Red Sox.

Plouffe has seen some irregular playing time lately, starting just four of the last 10 games. The veteran infielder likely needs to demonstrate more consistency at the plate to get an everyday role, as his .216/.276/.357 slash line leaves much to be desired. Corey Dickerson starts as the DH in his stead, allowing Shane Peterson to take over in left field.

Machado went 4-for-5 with two home runs and four RBI in Friday's loss to the Twins.

He twice took Minnesota rookie Felix Jorge deep in the first three innings, helping to stake Baltimore to a 6-0 lead that Kevin Gausman and the bullpen couldn't hold. It's been a disappointing first half for Machado in terms of his batting average, but his 18 homers and 45 RBI over 81 appearances is right in line with expectations.

Moustakas made the AL All-Star team after winning the event's final vote.

Moustakas beat out Xander Bogaerts, Didi Gregorius, Elvis Andrus and Logan Morrison to capture the final vote for the second time in his career (2015). The 28-year-old is hitting .275/.309/.570 with 25 home runs this season, a career high, and was already slated to take part in the Home Run Derby. Moustaskas will need to pack for an extra night, though, as he prepares for his big weekend under the spotlight.

Valencia went 1-for-4 with a three-run home run in Thursday's 7-4 loss to the Athletics.

Valencia gave Seattle a brief ray of hope with his ninth-inning round tripper, which marked his first homer of July. The veteran has hit safely in four of the first six games of the month as well, a solid start after hitting .306 and .308, respectively, in May and June.

Robinson was called up from Triple-A Round Rock on Friday.

Robinson makes the journey up to the big leagues again after going 8-for-34 with five RBI during the past eight games with Round Rock. The shortstop was recalled to the team a little over a week ago, blasting a home run and a double in a win over the Yankees before getting sent back down to Triple-A. With Elvis Andrus on paternity leave, Robinson could get a little action on the field, although Jurickson Profar is in Friday's lineup at short against the Angels.