MLB Player News

Longoria went 2-for-3 with an RBI single, solo homer and a walk in Friday's 6-3 loss to the Yankees.

The veteran third baseman continued his best season in years with a 403-foot solo shot to left to open the scoring in the first, and then followed up with an RBI single in the third that plated Bobby Wilson. Longoria now has multi-hit efforts in three of his last six contests and five RBI over the last three games.

Alvarez is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Giants.

With the Orioles playing in an NL park this weekend, they'll have to make do without the luxury of a DH. Alvarez is the odd man out Friday, and his lack of viability as a defender could prevent him from starting any game this weekend. He'll likely get a few at-bats as a pinch hitter during the interleague series, however.

Duffy is playing shortstop and batting second Friday against the Yankees, Bill Chastain of MLB.com reports.

Friday's debut with the Rays against CC Sabathia and the Yankees will be Duffy's first MLB contest since he was injured June 19. During three rehab games at Triple-A Durham, Duffy went 2-for-11 with two strikeouts.

Duffy has been activated by the Rays on Friday.

Duffy, who has been on the DL since June 20, will make his Rays debut this weekend against Yankees. Duffy was traded to Tampa Bay in the deal that sent Matt Moore to the Giants. On the season, Duffy was hitting .253/.313/.358 in 257 at-bats with the Giants. The 25-year-old will most likely play first base for the time being with Logan Morrison currently on the 15-day DL.

Ramirez went 1-for-4 with a solo home run and two runs scored during Thursday's win against the Angels.

Ramirez has been one of MLB's hottest hitters in August, posting a ridiculous .459 batting average with almost as many doubles (4) as strikeouts (5). The 23-year-old is also currently riding a 15-game hitting streak and has seen his average rise to .309.

Moncada (ankle) returned to the lineup Thursday at Double-A Portland, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

Boston's top prospect suffered a Grade 1 ankle sprain last week and missed a handful of games, but the injury has healed to the point where he's well enough to return to the lineup. Moncada has slashed .285/.359/.540 with eight home runs and eight steals since being promoted to Double-A.

Escobar is not in the lineup for game two of the doubleheader against the Astros on Thursday.

Escobar played at short for the day game, going 2-for-4 with two strikeouts, and will get the nightcap off. In his place, Jorge Polanco slides over to shortstop while batting sixth.

Duffy (Achilles) will be activated by the Rays on Friday, the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Duffy completed his final rehab game for Triple-A Durham on Wednesday, and after going 5-for-17 at the plate over a five-game rehab stint, the team determined the infielder is ready to join them at the big league level. During that rehab assignment, Duffy played all five games at shortstop, the spot he'll presumably take over upon his return to the majors. The Rays have a team day off Thursday, but Duffy should be on the roster by the time they open a three-game set against the Yankees on Friday.

Alvarez is not in Wednesday's lineup against Oakland, Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports reports.

Alvarez will get the day off after three consecutive starts, with the Orioles deploying a right-handed heavy lineup against southpaw Ross Detwiler. Matt Wieters will occupy the DH spot in his absence, batting seventh.

Duffy (Achilles) will make another rehab appearance for Triple-A Durham on Wednesday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The newly-acquired shortstop went 2-for-3 with a walk in his second appearance for Durham on Tuesday, following a 3-for-6 showing over two games with High-A Charlotte last Thursday and Friday. Duffy's ascension to the big league club appears imminent, with Wednesday's contest potentially serving as his final one in the minors before a call-up.