MLB Player News

Ramirez went 2-for-4 with a walk and two runs scored in Monday's 15-6 win over the Reds.

Ramirez has delivered back-to-back two-hit games and looks to be entrenched as the Tribe's everyday left fielder until Michael Brantley (shoulder) returns from the DL. While he possesses less pop than desired from a corner spot, Ramirez could make for a decent source of runs and stolen bases while he sees a steady stream of at-bats.

Moustakas (thumb) took batting practice inside the batting cages Monday, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.

Moustakas isn't expected to be back until the end of the month, but he's progressing very well through his recovery process. He just resumed baseball activities Friday, so he's really moving quickly through his rehab. He may need to test his thumb in some rehab games before returning to the Royals, but any information on that should come relatively soon, especially if he continues through his recovery fairly quickly.

Escobar (hamstring) has started running and should be close to going out on a rehab assignment, LaVelle E. Neal of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Escobar went on the DL on May 7 and it sounds like he may only miss the minimum 15 days. Eduardo Nunez has taken over as the primary shortstop with Escobar hurt.

Longoria went 2-for-4 with a double and a solo homer in Sunday's 7-6 loss to the A's.

The veteran third baseman's modest hitting streak is now at four games, a stretch that has featured a double in each contest as well. The solo homer was Longoria's third of May and brings his RBI total for the month to nine, just one shy of equaling his April figure in that category.

Valencia went 3-for-5 with three home runs and five RBI, including a game-winning two-run shot in the top of the ninth inning, during Sunday's 7-6 victory over the Rays.

He now has five homers in his last three games after going the first six weeks of the season without leaving the yard once. Valencia will look to continue his hot streak when the A's head back to Oakland to begin a seven-game homestand Monday.

Twins manager Paul Molitor suggested after Sunday's game that Plouffe has been playing at less than 100 percent recently, ESPN reports.

In all likelihood Plouffe is still bothered a bit by the intercostal strain that landed him on the DL for the last couple of weeks in April, but Molitor didn't go into specifics on what exactly is ailing the third baseman. Minnesota doesn't get another break in their schedule until May 26, so after sitting out Sunday's game, don't be surprised if Plouffe receives a couple more days off in the meantime.

Donaldson was ejected from Sunday's game at Texas for his involvement in a bench-clearing brawl, Stefan Stevenson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

The eighth-inning brawl was precipitated by Matt Bush plunking Jose Bautista, who proceeded to take out Rougned Odor in an attempt to break up a double play at second base. After some posturing, Odor clocked Bautista with a closed right fist, and the dance of the Blue Jays and Rangers was in full force. Although it's unclear what role Donaldson played in the ensuing action, he could be subject to a suspension once MLB examines the tape.

Longoria went 2-for-4 with a double in Saturday's 6-0 victory over the A's.

The veteran third baseman now has a three-game hitting streak, with a double in each of those contests as well. Longoria is having a slightly better May than April, as he's slashing a respectable .262/.347/.524 line over 42 at-bats during the month.

Alvarez will start at third base and bat seventh Sunday against the Tigers.

It's the second straight start at the keystone for Alvarez, who has been utilized primarily as a designated hitter this season. The 29-year-old's subpar defense could make him susceptible to getting replaced by Ryan Flaherty late in contests, but Alvarez's considerable pop may be enough for him to earn semi-frequent starts at third base while Manny Machado moves over to fill in at shortstop for J.J. Hardy (foot), who remains on the DL.

Plouffe is out of the lineup Sunday against the Indians, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

It looks to be just a routine day off for Plouffe, who returned from the DL earlier this month with a rib injury. Since rejoining the Twins, Plouffe is batting .229 with one homer and three RBI in 35 at-bats. Miguel Sano will cover third base in Plouffe's stead Sunday.