MLB Player News

Longoria is pleased with his power numbers to date in 2016, but is still looking to boost his overall production, Roger Mooney of the Tampa Tribune reports.

The veteran third baseman hit solo homers in back-to-back games versus the Blue Jays over the weekend series, tying him for the team lead with Corey Dickerson and Steven Souza with five. While the increased power as compared to 2015 is certainly welcome -- he had only one homer at this same time last season -- Longoria is aiming to hit safely a lot more consistently, particularly with men on base. The eight-year veteran is hitting just .214 over his last 17 games, and has only one hit in his last 14 at-bats with runners in scoring position. However, he has the full confidence of manager Kevin Cash, who's encouraged by his veteran infielder's 55.9 percent swing rate to date this season. "We want all the guys to drive the ball. You're not going to do that by being ultra-selective," Cash said. "To Longo's credit, when you're in that funk a little bit, sometimes you've got to swing your way out of it. I'm not saying he did that or not, but it looks good."

Longoria went 2-for-4 with a solo homer Sunday against the Blue Jays.

Longoria's fifth bomb of the season tied the game at one in the sixth inning of a game the Rays would go on to lose. He's now homered in back-to-back games to raise his slugging percentage to .455.

Donaldson went 1-for-3 with a solo homer, two runs, and a walk Sunday at the Rays.

Donaldson's ninth bomb of the season gave the Blue Jays a one-run lead in a game they'd eventually go on to win. He's now homered in two of his last three games and boasts a .293/.391/.667 slash line.

Valencia (hamstring) is expected to return to the lineup Friday against Baltimore, John Hickey of the Bay Area News Group reports.

The veteran third baseman will set out on a three-game rehab stint this week, which will be the final hurdle for him to clear before rejoining the A's. He suffered a left hamstring strain on April 20 and was subsequently placed on the DL, but the A's current timetable for him suggests that Valencia won't be on the disabled much longer than the minimum 15 days.

Alvarez is out of the lineup Sunday against the White Sox, Jon Meoli of the Baltimore Sun reports.

The Orioles have faced three lefty starters in their four-game matchup with the White Sox, resulting in Alvarez making just one start during the series. He'll again give way to Mark Trumbo at DH.

Machado will bat leadoff against the White Sox on Saturday.

With Joey Rickard on the bench, Machado will move up for his third start atop the order this season. Machado had two more hits out of the two-hole Friday, his 10th multi-hit game already this year. He currently ranks third in the American League in home runs with seven.

Escobar went 1-for-4 with an RBI in Friday's 9-2 loss to the Tigers.

Like the majority of his teammates, the five-year veteran is struggling at the plate overall, slashing a mediocre .231/.277/.295 line on the season. Escobar has hit safely in seven of the last 10 contests however, providing some measure of consistency. While his five doubles currently have him tied with Joe Mauer and Brian Dozier for the team lead, he's been silent with the long ball this season after having launched 12 homers over 409 at-bats in 2015.

Manager Bob Melvin said Saturday that Valencia (hamstring) will play in three minor league rehab games before rejoining the A's, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

A location and start date for his rehab has not been officially announced, but Valencia suggested he will likely head out soon to join the team's High-A Stockton affiliate. It seems Valencia has a chance to return May 6 when first eligible.

Valencia (hamstring) ran 12 30-yard sprints Thursday, and is also hitting off a pitching machine, Joe Stiglich of CSN California reports.

It was reported earlier in the week that Valencia was hitting off a tee and generally progressing well, and it seems he's successfully ramped up his activity in recent days. Valencia figures to ultimately head out on a short rehab assignment, before returning to the major league roster possibly as soon as May 6.

Plouffe (intercostal strain) will begin a rehab assignment with High-A Fort Myers on Saturday, Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

This is in line with the last report on Plouffe's status, as he continues to target a May 3 return to the Twins. He will play seven innings at third base Saturday and nine innings at third base Sunday, at which point the next step will be determined.