MLB Player News

Orioles third baseman Manny Machado is one of baseball's top defensive players, but he has found himself in a rut recently, committing his eighth error of the season in Tuesday night's loss. 

Machado made just nine errors in 82 games last season, but is in a stretch of 19 games where he had committed eight miscues, many of them on errant throws. Five of his errors have come in the eighth inning or later, per MASNSports.com.

"It's not turning out like it's supposed to be," Machado said. "Keep grinding, keep catching those grounders and keep making those throws."

Shortstop Jose Ramirez was one of the pleasant surprises for the Indians last season, but according to manager Terry Francona, the youngster is "pressing" this year on both offense and defense, per MLB.com. 

Ramirez's error in Tuesday's loss marked the sixth miscue in 24 games played for Ramirez, who made only four errors in 56 games last season. At the plate, Ramirez is hitting just 1-for-24 against left-handed pitching, earning him a seat on the bench. 

"He used to walk around like he owned the field," Francona said. "And the one thing we always talked about so much was his clock. Right now, I think he's definitely pressing a little bit, and I understand it."

Orioles third baseman Manny Machado went 3 for 4 and doubled twice in Tuesday's loss to Toronto. 

Machado scored once and improved his average to .288. He has seven doubles on the season. 

Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson hit a two-run home run and drove in three runs in Tuesday's win over Baltimore. 

Donaldson went 2 for 5, increasing his average to .319. He went deep for the eighth time this year and drove in his 24th run. 

Unsurprisingly, Athletics first baseman Ike Davis is out of the starting lineup on Tuesday against the Red Sox. Davis left Monday's game after suffering a left quad strain. He might be available to pinch-hit, but the team has not provided an update on his status.

Rookie Max Muncy will draw the start at first base and hit sixth in the batting order. 

Twins third baseman Trevor Plouffe is back in the starting lineup, batting cleanup Tuesday against the Tigers. Plouffe missed the last two games while attending a funeral for his grandfather. Plouffe has been hitting well lately, batting .345 with two doubles, two home runs and nine RBI in eight games this month.

Manny Machado connected for a leadoff home run Monday in the Orioles' victory over the Blue Jays.

Machado now has six homers on the season, tied for second best on the team.

Twins third baseman Trevor Plouffe was a late scratch from Sunday's lineup after his flight back from Dallas was delayed. 

Plouffe left the team to attend his grandfather's funeral. Doug Bernier will replace him in the starting lineup, batting seventh. 

Twins third baseman Trevor Plouffe may not be at the stadium in time for Sunday's game, per the Pioneer Press. 

Originally listed in the starting lineup, Plouffe's flight from Dallas was delayed. He's scheduled to arrive at 12:40 PM. There will be a driver waiting to take him to the ballpark, but with a 1:10 start time, it will be tough to make it in time for first pitch. 

Doug Bernier will get the start if Plouffe isn't there in time. 

Plouffe was in Texas tending to a family emergency.

Indians infielder Zach Walters gets his first start of the season at shortstop on Sunday. 

Walters replaces Jose Ramirez, who has started 23 games at short this season. He'll bat ninth in the order. 

The Indians are -160 money-line favorites at home against Minnesota.