MLB Player News

The Athletics have dealt third baseman Josh Donaldson to the Blue Jays for third baseman Brett Lawrie and pitcher Kendall Graveman, according to FoxSports.com. CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman has confirmed the deal.

Pitcher Sean Nolin and shortstop Franklin Barreto are also heading to Oakland, according to Yahoo! The 28-year-old Donaldson is entering his first year of arbitration. He's under team control until 2019. Lawrie is also entering his first year of arbitration, but will become a free-agent in 2018. Lawrie is entering his age-25 season. Graveman sky-rocketed through Toronto's farm system last year, jumping multiple levels. The 23-year-old posted a 1.83 ERA in 27 starts over four levels. He made his major-league debut as well, coming out of the bullpen five times at the end of the year. 

The 24-year-old Nolin posted a 3.43 ERA over three levels in the minors last season. He tossed one inning in the majors last season, giving up one run. The 18-year-old Barreto hit .311/.384/.481 over 328 at-bats in Class A ball. 

Rays third baseman Evan Longoria left an exhibition game Tuesday in Japan for precautionary reasons after being hit by a pitch on his left forearm. Longoria was batting in the third inning of the sixth game in the Japan All-Star series when he suffered the injury.

MLB.com first reported doctors diagnosed Longoria with a bruised forearm and he did not need to undergo any further testing. The Rays then confirmed Longoria only suffered a bruise.

He appeared to be OK after getting hit, as he was able to take first base and play in the field in the bottom of the third inning. However, he was then replaced in the fourth inning. Longoria hit a grand slam in the exhibition opener Nov. 11.

The Red Sox will target Pirates third baseman Pedro Alvarez and Indians counterpart Lonnie Chisenhall as trade possibilities if their attempt to sign free agent Pablo Sandoval is unsuccessful, according to the Boston Herald.

The 27-year-old Alvarez was moved to first base last season, but prefers the hot corner, where he committed 24 throwing errors in 2014. Chisenhall also struggled mightily on defense and fizzled out at the plate after a torrid start.

Both players are arbitration-eligible. The Indians have been rumored to be seeking an upgrade at third base and are also looking to be less dependent on left-handed hitters.

Orioles third baseman Manny Machado and catcher Matt Wieters are progressing well from their injuries, according to MLB Network Radio.

Manager Buck Showalter said he expects both players to be fully healed by next season, but added that the club will prepare as though neither player will be around. Machado had knee surgery in August. Wieters is coming off June Tommy John surgery. 

The Athletics will listen to offers for pitchers Jeff Samardzija and Scott Kazmir, according to FoxSports.com.

The team isn't actively looking to shop either player, but would listen if any offers came in. Both Samardzija and Kazmir are entering the final years of the their contracts. Samardzija will likely be too expensive to remain in Oakland once his deal ends, while Kazmir could price his way off the team with another solid year. 

The club is adamant about keeping third baseman Josh Donaldson. Donaldson is eligible for arbitration for the first time in his career, and should receive a healthy raise, but he's too valuable a piece for the team to trade. 

Orioles third baseman Manny Machado told reporters Wednesday he has full range of motion in his right knee coming off surgery in late August, according to MASNsports.com. He could begin jogging in a pool next week.

Athletics third baseman Josh Donaldson, who's been dealing with a knee injury, said he's encouraged because it feels more "stable" than it did the past couple days, reports CSNCalifornia.com. Donaldson should be in the lineup when Oakland visits the Royals in Tuesday's Wild Card game.

Twins general manager Terry Ryan told reporters that third baseman Trevor Plouffe underwent surgery on his fractured forearm on Monday, per MLB.com.

Plouffe slashed .258/.328/.423 with 14 home runs and a team-high 80 RBI over 520 at-bats. He became the just the third Minnesota player to 80-plus RBI over the last four seasons. Ryan expects Plouffe to be ready for the start of spring training.

Twins shortstop Eduardo Escobar collected four hits and drive in six in a convincing 12-3 win over Detroit on Saturday.

Escobar singled in two runs in the fifth, singled in another in the seventh and launched a three-run home run in the eighth inning. He finished 4 for 5 with two runs scored and six RBI. He is hitting .277 with six home runs and 37 RBI over 430 at-bats.

Athletics third baseman Josh Donaldson is in the starting lineup for Saturday's matchup with the Rangers.

Donaldson suffered a knee injury in Friday's game but managed to stay in and finish the game. He was examined after the game and expressed hope he'd be able to play Saturday. Donaldson has hit .251/.340/.452 with 28 home runs and 97 RBI in 593 at-bats.