MLB Player News

Muncy is out of the lineup Sunday against the Angels.

After starting the previous six games in right field, Muncy will grab some pine with lefty Hector Santiago on the mound for the opposition. While Muncy has been seeing the larger portion of a platoon with Jake Smolinski in right field of late, he'll likely see his at-bats decline considerably with Josh Reddick (hand) scheduled to return from the DL on Monday.

Alvarez is out of the lineup Sunday against the Rays.

Alvarez will hit the bench with the Rays bringing southpaw Drew Smyly to the rubber, as Orioles manager Buck Showalter looks to avoid as many lefty-on-lefty matchups as possible. With Alvarez taking a seat, the Orioles will be able to give Chris Davis a day out of the field and deploy him as the DH.

Plouffe (groin) is back in the lineup Sunday against the Yankees, slotting in at first base and batting fifth, the St. Paul Pioneer Press' Mike Berardino reports.

Plouffe has been out since Thursday after hurting his groin while running out a groundout. He took swings and groundballs Saturday without any issues, but will get a start at first base rather than third base to ease himself back into action.

Plouffe (groin) remains out of the lineup Saturday but will take swings and groundballs on the field prior to the game, Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Plouffe continues to nurse a groin injury, but the Twins received good news Saturday morning when he passed a running test. He'll progress to taking swings in the batting cage in addition to fielding work with his eye on a return to the lineup within the next few days, potentially as early as Sunday. At this point, it appears Plouffe will avoid a stint on the DL.

Machado (suspension) went 2-for-4 with a solo homer and two runs in Friday's 6-3 victory over the Rays.

The young slugger celebrated his return to the field in fine fashion, extending his hitting streak to four games while launching his third homer in his last eight contests. Despite having to serve the four-game suspension, Machado is enjoying a stellar month overall, slashing .329/.359/.616 over 73 at-bats.

Donaldson (neck) is in the lineup Friday, batting second and playing third base.

The reigning MVP was dealing with some neck stiffness on Toronto's getaway day Wednesday, but he was able to play through it and he'll remain in the lineup Friday. Donaldson will draw a matchup with lefty Carlos Rodon on Friday. Although Donaldson has never faced Rodon, he has an excellent track record against southpaws as evidenced by his .545 slugging percentage against them this season.

Machado (suspension) is back in the lineup for Friday's game against the Rays.

After serving his four-game suspension this week, Machado will return to his post at the hot corner for Friday's series opener against the Rays. He'll bat third in the order against Matt Moore, a lefty he's struggled to figure out thus far in his career. Machado owns a 3-for-19 lifetime mark against Moore entering Friday.

Plouffe (groin) is not in Friday's lineup against the Yankees, Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Plouffe left Thursday's contest against the Phillies with a mild right groin strain after hobbling off the field during a ground out. He may miss some time but is hopeful that he will not have to go on the disabled list. For Friday's game against the Yankees, Eduardo Nunez will start at third base.

Plouffe (groin) is hopeful he'll be able to avoid landing on the DL, LaVelle E. Neal III of the Star Tribune reports.

Plouffe left Thursday's tilt early with a right groin strain and had difficulty walking off the field, but he reported feeling better after the game. At this point it appears as though it's simply a day-to-day situation, but it wouldn't be a surprise if the 30-year-old misses some time. Eduardo Escobar figures to draw the starts at the hot corner if Plouffe is absent from the lineup going forward.

Plouffe was lifted early from Thursday's game with a mild right groin strain, LaVelle E. Neal III of the Star Tribune reports.

Plouffe left the field hobbling after a sixth inning ground out, though it appears as though he avoided anything overly serious. He's considered day-to-day for the time being, but should Plouffe be forced to miss any time, a combination of Eduardo Nunez -- who came into the game in his place Thursday -- and Eduardo Escobar figure to fill in at third base.