MLB Player News

Valencia was cut loose by the Orioles on Wednesday, Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports reports.

Baltimore was unable to find a trade partner after designating Valencia for assignment Friday, so he will now hit the free-agent market. Across 79 games with the Orioles this year, Valencia slashed .263/.316/.408 with nine home runs and 28 RBI. The 33-year-old has the ability to provide value at the plate, though the rebuilding Orioles were unwilling to give him at-bats at the expense of their younger players. He will look to latch on with a new organization for the homestretch of the 2018 season.

Moncada (teeth) will man second base and bat seventh against Detroit on Wednesday, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Moncada underwent part one of a root canal Tuesday and will head back to the dentist for part two Thursday during the club's scheduled off day. Considering he was able to make an appearance in Wednesday's starting lineup, he should also be available for Friday's series opener against Kansas City following Thursday's procedure.

Arenado went 1-for-4 with a walk and a two-run home run in Tuesday's win over the Astros.

Arenado connected for his 30th home run of the year off Justin Verlander in the sixth inning. Arenado ranks second in the NL in home runs and OPS (.977), trailing only St. Louis' Matt Carpenter (who has 33 home runs and a .981 OPS). The All-Star third baseman is hitting .306 with 84 RBI and 78 runs.

Candelario went 2-for-5 with a run scored in Tuesday's loss to the White Sox, extending his hitting streak to three games.

While a three-game hitting streak isn't too much to write home about, it's good to see Candelario productive after a prolonged slump saw his average drop to .228 coming into Tuesday's game. In 12 games this month, the 24-year-old is batting a much more respectable .267.

Moncada (teeth) underwent a root canal Tuesday, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

It's the first part of a multi-part procedure, which is to be continued Thursday. Moncada has rejoined the team and is apparently available to play, although he is not in Tuesday's starting lineup.

Moncada is having a tooth issue and is visitng the dentist, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

This explains why Moncada will be missing his first game in two months. He is expected to return before game time, but will remain out of the lineup.

Arenado (shoulder) is starting at designated hitter and batting fourth Tuesday against the Astros, Christian Boutwell of MLB.com reports.

As expected, Arenado is back in the starting lineup for Tuesday's series opener after missing a pair of games with a shoulder issue. With a DH spot available in the Astros' American League ballpark, manager Bud Black will ease his star third baseman back into action. Arenado, who is hitting .306/.390/.584 with 29 homers and 82 RBI in 112 games this season, will face Justin Verlander in his first game back.

Moncada is on the bench for Tuesday's game against the Tigers.

The last time Moncada was out of the lineup was exactly two months ago on June 14. Yolmer Sanchez will slide over to second base, with Matt Davidson starting at third.

Segura went 4-for-5 with an RBI in the Mariners' 7-6 loss to the Athletics on Monday.

Segura has rattled off multi-hit performances in three of his last five starts, lifting his season average back up to .312. The shortstop suffered an injury scare over the weekend when he was hit in the hand by a pitch Friday, but his return to the lineup the next day quelled any concerns about the shortstop's health. He ranks fifth among all qualified hitters in batting average this season while supplementing it with 17 steals, nine home runs, 56 RBI and 78 runs in 112 games.

Chapman went 3-for-5 with three doubles, three runs and two RBI in the Athletics' 7-6 win over the Mariners on Monday.

The three extra-base hits tied a season high for Chapman, who has been on fire since the All-Star break with an 1.190 OPS, 23 runs and 14 RBI in 22 games. Chapman's offensive surge coupled with his aptitude on defense -- he trails only the Angels' Andrelton Simmons this season with a 12.5 UZR -- could garner the 25-year-old some down-ballot MVP votes in a deep American League class of candidates.