MLB Player News

Escobar is batting ninth and slotted as the designated hitter for Saturday's game against the White Sox, Phil Miller of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports.

Escobar is normally just a backup infielder, though it seems manager Paul Molitor wants his switch-hitting bat in the lineup Saturday. The 28-year-old is 3-for-6 with a home run and four RBI this season.

Plouffe went 1-for-4 with an RBI single in Thursday's 5-1 victory over the Angels.

The veteran third baseman broke through with his first RBI of the season in the sixth courtesy of a single to deep center, and he's now hit safely in three of the first four games of the season. Plouffe tore the cover off the ball in his first spring with the A's, hitting .370 with three doubles, two triples, two home runs and 11 RBI over 17 games.

Alvarez went 2-for-3 with three walks, launching two home runs and plating five in Thursday's Opening Day for Triple-A Norfolk.

Playing in his first minor-league game since 2011, the 30-year-old appeared far superior to the competition. Alvarez put together a fine showing in Grapefruit League play after signing an NRI deal in March. However, the wick is burning fast on his career, and hanging around Triple-A won't be appealing to Alvarez for long. Although there isn't much room for the slugger on the MLB roster, his long history of posting good power numbers at the highest level should afford him a chance with the Orioles later in the year.

Bregman is out of the lineup Thursday against the Mariners.

The young infielder has gotten off to a sluggish start at the plate (2-for-12), so he'll get the day off to rest prior to Houston's weekend series with the Royals. Marwin Gonzalez will man the hot corner in his stead.

Ramirez went 1-for-4 with two RBI in Wednesday's come-from-behind victory over Texas.

The 24-year-old has just two hits through his first 12 plate appearances of the campaign, but managed to reach base safely in all three games. Ramirez has been tasked with protecting Edwin Encarnacion in the order, and that should lead to a plethora of at-bats with runners on base. Challenging his career-high 76 RBI from last season is a real possibility in 2017.

Segura went 2-for-6 with a two-run home runs in Wednesday's 5-3 extra-inning loss to the Astros.

Segura has been serviceable at the plate thus far over the first three games of the season, hitting .267 (4-for-15) and reaching safely in two of those contests. However, as per Bob Dutton of the Tacoma News Tribune, his defense has been questionable. Segura lacked a sense of urgency on a routine grounder by Jose Altuve in Tuesday's game that would have gone as an infield single save for a successful replay challenge, and also bounced a throw to first baseman Danny Valencia in the ninth inning Wednesday with the score tied, allowing Alex Bregman to reach. The 27-year-old sported a solid .986 fielding percentage in 23 games at shortstop for the Diamondbacks last season, which was a career-best figure outside of a one-game stint at the position with the Angels in his rookie 2012 campaign.

Escobar is not in the Twins' lineup Thursday.

Escobar suited up against Ian Kennedy on Wednesday because he had good numbers against him, but his home run against Matt Strahm wasn't enough to get him a second consecutive start. Jorge Polanco will start most Twins contests at shortstop, though Escobar will slide in there on occasion.

Escobar got the start at shortstop and hit seventh Wednesday, going 2-for-4 with two runs scored and four RBI -- including a three-run home run -- in a 9-1 win over the Royals.

Twins manager Paul Molitor gave the 28-year-old the nod in part because of his excellent career numbers against Royals starter Ian Kennedy, but Escobar's blast came off young left-hander Matt Strahm instead. Jorge Polanco is set as Minnesota's starting shortsop, but if Escobar can get enough playing time in a utility role he could take a run at his 2015 career high of 12 homers.

Valencia went 2-for-4 with an RBI infield single in Tuesday's 2-1 loss to the Astros.

Valencia is getting a crack at the everyday first base job after initially projecting to platoon with Dan Vogelbach at the position. The veteran infielder has rightfully earned a reputation as a terror against southpaws, but he's steadily improved against right-handed pitching over the last two seasons as well. Notably, both of his singles Tuesday came against right-handers Lance McCullers, Jr. and Luke Gregerson.

Longoria went 1-for-2 with two walks in Tuesday's 5-0 loss to the Yankees.

On a night when the Rays only managed five hits, Longoria was on base more often than any of his teammates and has gotten 2017 off to an auspicious start. Factoring in Tuesday's production, he's reached safely in five of eight plate appearances and has an Opening Day home run and three RBI to his credit as well.