MLB Player News

After starting the first two games in left field, Twins outfielder Oswaldo Arcia received a day off Thursday against the Tigers. He was replaced in the starting lineup by infielder Eduardo Escobar.

Arcia is off to a slow start through two games, batting .167 (1 for 6) with three strikeouts. He has no walks or extra-base hits.

Rays manager Kevin Cash said Tuesday's batting order against the Orioles will be the standard lineup for when a left-handed starter is on the mound, according to the Tampa Bay Times. The Orioles are starting Wei-Yin Chen on Tuesday.

The Rays lineup Tuesday was Brandon Guyer (LF), Steven Souza (RF), Asdrubal Cabrera (SS), Evan Longoria (3B), Desmond Jennings (CF), Logan Forsythe (DH), James Loney (1B), Rene Rivera (C) and Tim Beckham (2B).

Rays third baseman Evan Longoria provided the team's first run of the season, but it wasn't enough in a 6-2 Opening Day loss to the Orioles. 

Longoria hit a 1-0 pitch to left center in the seventh inning for a solo homer off of starter Chris Tillman. 

Batting cleanup, Longoria went one for four with two strikeouts. 

With the Twins opening their season on a seven-game road trip, Twins manger Paul Molitor said he'd like to get infielder Eduardo Escobar in the lineup a couple of times during the road trip, reports the St. Paul Pioneer Press.

In addition to playing in the infield this year, Escobar will also receive some playing time in the outfield, Molitor previously indicated.

Twins manager Paul Molitor posted the team's starting lineup for Monday's Opening Day game against the Tigers.

The Twins will face LHP David Price with the following lineup: 

Danny Santana SS, Brian Dozier 2B, Joe Mauer 1B, Torii Hunter RF, Kennys Vargas DH, Trevor Plouffe 3B, Oswaldo Arcia LF, Kurt Suzuki C, Jordan Schafer CF. Phil Hughes will be the starting pitcher.

Rays manager Kevin Cash told reporters that his lineup against the Tigers on Saturday, will be the same he uses on Opening Day, and against right-handed pitchers, according to the Tampa Bay Times.

The club will roll with John Jaso, Steven Souza, Asdrubal Cabrera, Evan Longoria, James Loney, Desmond Jennings, Logan Forsythe, Rene Rivera and Kevin Kiermaier.

Against left-handed pitchers, Cash told reporters he will use Brandon Guyer at the leadoff spot, Jennings and Loney will flip spots in the order, Forsythe will serve as a designated hitter and Tim Beckham will be at second base, per the Tampa Tribune.

Twins infielder Eduardo Escobar drove in three runs in a 5-2 victory over the Red Sox on Friday.

Escobar is hitting .344 this spring with four home runs and 17 RBI. He finished Friday's contest with two doubles. 

Rays third baseman Evan Longoria was scratched Thursday afternoon against the Phillies in Grapefruit League play because of an illness, according to the Tampa Tribune.

"He's just not feeling well," manager Kevin Cash said.

Longoria is hitting .298/.321/.511 with three homers and 10 RBI over 47 at-bats this spring. Jake Elmore will take Longoria's spot at third base and bat ninth in the lineup on Thursday.

Orioles regular shortstop J.J. Hardy is on the shelf for awhile and the team is in need of a replacement for the beginning of the season. Manager Buck Showalter hinted Tuesday third baseman Manny Machado may slide over to shortstop to provide some additional help, reports the Baltimore Sun.

"We are looking at all possibilities, all possible scenarios," Showalter said. "I don't have any doubt that we have a number of guys that could do it, including Manny, but you've got to be careful about robbing Peter to pay Paul."

Machado was a shortstop before making it to the majors.

The Athletics decided to reassign three players Sunday including: shortstop Andy Parrino, catcher Luke Carlin and first baseman Max Muncy, reports the San Francisco Chronicle.

Carlin git .273 with six RBI in 22 plate appearances this spring while Muncy hit .375 in 32 at-bats with two home runs and 10 RBI. Parrino hit just .196 with four doubles and 11 strikeouts in 46 at-bats.

Carlin is likely to be back with the team Tuesday to catch for Barry Zito, according to the report.