MLB Player News

Alvarez is out of the lineup Saturday against the Rays.

A day off was in order for Alvarez after the former Pirates slugger went 0-for-12 with three walks and four strikeouts to start the season. Manager Buck Showalter will keep Matt Wieters' bat in the lineup Saturday by using him at the DH spot while Caleb Joseph is set to start behind the plate. Alvarez's power potential and favorable home ballpark still make him a viable fantasy option, but his slump to start the season is a concerning development.

Moncada reached base safely four times in High-A Salem's season opener Thursday and then went 0-for-3 with a walk Friday.

Moncada, considered Boston's top prospect by some observers, is batting leadoff and playing second base for Salem. Long-term, he may move off second base, but the Red Sox will have no problem finding a spot for him on the field. He's had experience at third base and a move to the outfield has been considered since he signed with Boston.

Donaldson is serving as the designated hitter Saturday against the Red Sox.

While it's nothing serious, Donaldson has had some issues with his calf, and the Jays will continue to exercise caution with their star third baseman. Donaldson will be limited to hitting, while Darwin Barney takes his place at third base against Rick Porcello. Donaldson is not likely to return to the field until Tuesday's matchup with the Yankees, per manager John Gibbons.

Moustakas went 2-for-3 with a double and a walk in Friday's 4-3 victory over the Twins.

The 27-year-old broke through with his first two hits of the season after an 0-for-8 start in his first two games. Moustakas is expected to fill an important offensive role near the top of the lineup after a breakout 2015 that saw him set career highs in virtually every offensive category.

Donaldson went 1-for-5 with a grand slam in Friday's 8-7 loss to the Red Sox.

The reigning AL MVP now has a modest five-game hitting streak to open the season, and already has gone yard on three occasions. Donaldson's seven RBI also leads the Blue Jays, and he's now homered in two straight contests, and three of the last four games.

Machado was 1-for-4 with a solo home run in the Orioles win over Tampa Bay on Friday night.

Machado now has a pair of home runs - both solo shots - but fantasy owners in leagues with minimal qualifying rules will be happy to hear he played the game at shortstop as Baltimore gave J.J. Hardy a night off. A potent bat by any definition, additional eligibility at a middle infield position will only enhance his value in fantasy circles.

Machado is getting the start at shortstop Friday and hitting third, MASN's Roch Kubatko reports.

The O's are giving J.J. Hardy the day off, so Machado will get the start at shortstop, which gives hope to the notion that he could gain shortstop eligibility in leagues with more liberal qualification rules.

Donaldson is in Friday's lineup as the designated hitter and will bat second, Sportsnet's Barry Davis reports.

All indications were that Donaldson would be able to play Friday, and it was just a matter of whether he would play third base or occupy the DH spot. He may not be at 100 percent, but he is healthy enough to continue to play through any lingering discomfort.

Ramirez is starting in left field and hitting ninth Friday against the White Sox.

So far it appears that Ramirez will hit near the top of the order against righties (usually second) and at the bottom of the order against lefties while serving as the go-to left fielder while Michael Brantley is out. Of course, with shoddy options at the other outfield positions, Ramirez could emerge as a starting option even after Brantley comes back if he continues to hit at a solid clip.

Donaldson did not take ground balls on the new dirt infield at the Rogers Centre on Thursday, but manager John Gibbons expects him to start Friday against the Red Sox, the Toronto Sun reports.

If the third baseman can play Friday, he'll have a nice matchup with Red Sox pitcher Joe Kelly on the hill as Donaldson is 8-for-14 against the right-hander in his career. Also, it will be the home opener for the Blue Jays at the Rogers Centre, where Donaldson did most of his damage last season, slashing .330/.398/.647 while hitting 24 home runs.