MLB Player News

Moustakas is not in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Tigers, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.

Moustakas heads to the bench in favor of Cheslor Cuthbert as manager Ned Yost begins the process of giving some regulars the day off following the Royals' elimination from playoff contention. Over the course of the season, Moustakas has slashed .271/.314/.523 with a franchise-record 38 home runs to go along with 85 RBI.

Robinson went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Wednesday's 12-2 win over the Astros.

Robinson went yard for the second game in a row, but his .188/.188/.469 batting line in September doesn't inspire much confidence that he'll provide much value in the fantasy realm heading into the Rangers' final four games of the season. It does at least appear that Robinson could be in store for regular starts at the hot corner over the weekend, as the Rangers have already revealed that primary third baseman Adrian Beltre would be shut down for the season for rest purposes with the team eliminated from playoff contention.

Escobar is not in the lineup against the Indians on Thursday, MLBpressbox.com reports.

Escobar, along with a few other regulars, will spend the series finale on the bench after securing a playoff spot due to the Angels' loss Wednesday night. Over the course of September, Escobar is slashing .257/.299/.584 with eight home runs and 22 RBI. Ehire Adrianza draws the start at the hot corner in his stead.

Candelario went 2-for-5 with three RBI in Wednesday's loss to the Royals.

The 23-year-old has been raking since joining the Tigers at the July 31 trade deadline, and he now has a solid .299/.379/.453 slash line. The club has shifted Nick Castellanos to right field to make room for Candelario, and the youngster should be the everyday third baseman to begin 2018.

Urshela is not in the lineup for Wednesday's matchup against the Twins.

Urshela has been Cleveland's primary option at third base lately, but he'll get the day off and give way to Yandy Diaz at the hot corner. Over 23 games in the month of September, Urshela has hit .280/.308/.420.

Valencia went 1-for-2 with a three-run home run and a walk in Tuesday's 6-3 win over the Athletics.

Valencia's 410-foot shot to center in the seventh erased a 3-2 deficit and gave the Mariners a lead they wouldn't relinquish. The 33-year-old hadn't gone deep since Aug. 28, and the three RBI he tallied with Tuesday's round tripper brought his monthly total to a meager four. The lack of run production is part of what has been a miserable September for Valencia, one that's seen him hit just .167 over 32 plate appearances.

Donaldson went 3-for-5 with a pair of solo homers against the Red Sox on Tuesday.

Both came off star left-hander Chris Sale, and they pushed Donaldson's homer total to 33 in just 110 games this season. If not for the time he missed to injury earlier this year, Donaldson would surely have cleared 40 long balls by now, and while his batting average is down from the last two seasons, he's drawing walks at a higher pace while unleashing his power stroke with regularity. At 31 years old, he should have a number of seasons left as one of the game's top third basemen.

Moustakas is expected sit Thursday's game against the Tigers, Josh Vernier of 610 Sports reports.

With the Royals out of the playoff picture, manager Ned Yost will afford a few of his starters a day off as the season winds down. It will be Moustakas' final day off of 2017, as he's expected to start all three games against the Diamondbacks over the weekend. The 29-year-old has enjoyed a breakout season in which he's hit .271/.312/.526 with 38 homers in 143 games.

Candelario (knee) is back in the lineup Tuesday against the Royals.

This was expected, but Candelario is indeed set to return after missing Sunday's game with a knee contusion. He will bat cleanup against lefty Jason Vargas; Candelario is 7-for-18 with four doubles against left-handed pitching at the big-league level so far this season.

Moncada (shin) is in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Angels.

Moncada was held out of Monday's game in order to rest and recover, and it appears the day off had the desired effect. Moncada will play second and hit second for the White Sox on Tuesday night.