MLB Player News

Machado filled the stat sheet Saturday in Minnesota, going 2-for-4 with his 17th double of the year, an RBI, two runs and a walk.

Mike Petriello of MLB.com reports that Machado has ranked among the top three players in hard-hit balls practically all season. Unfortunately, the third baseman has been a bit unlucky despite consistently hammering baseballs. However, things are starting to brighten up for Machado as he's hit safely in seven of eight July games while pounding out three home runs, eight RBI and five runs in the process.

Suarez was not in Saturday's lineup against the Diamondbacks, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Suarez will receive a standard day off after starting the past 12 games at the hot corner. In his place, Scooter Gennett slides over to cover third while batting fifth in the order.

Donaldson went 1-for-1 with a three-run homer, three walks and two runs in a victory over the Astros on Saturday.

Donaldson blasted his ninth home run of the season to erase a one-run deficit. The blast was his first since June 11, and he's now slugging .478.

Valencia went 3-for-4 with a double and two runs in Friday's 7-2 win over the Athletics.

Valencia already has a pair of three-hit efforts in his first seven games of July and is sporting a .346 average over that stretch. Although all but two of his nine hits during that span have been singles, Valencia is doing an excellent job of setting up RBI opportunities for the likes of Robinson Cano, Nelson Cruz, Mitch Haniger and Kyle Seager hitting behind him. His production from the beginning of May to date -- which includes a .312/.367/.470 line with eight home runs and 38 RBI --exemplifies exactly why the Mariners opted to bring his veteran bat on board this offseason.

Plouffe is not in the starting lineup for Saturday's clash with the Red Sox.

Plouffe has seen some irregular playing time lately, starting just four of the last 10 games. The veteran infielder likely needs to demonstrate more consistency at the plate to get an everyday role, as his .216/.276/.357 slash line leaves much to be desired. Corey Dickerson starts as the DH in his stead, allowing Shane Peterson to take over in left field.

Machado went 4-for-5 with two home runs and four RBI in Friday's loss to the Twins.

He twice took Minnesota rookie Felix Jorge deep in the first three innings, helping to stake Baltimore to a 6-0 lead that Kevin Gausman and the bullpen couldn't hold. It's been a disappointing first half for Machado in terms of his batting average, but his 18 homers and 45 RBI over 81 appearances is right in line with expectations.

LeMahieu went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run and two runs scored during Friday's win over the White Sox.

After posting a .348 batting average and a .911 OPS last season, LeMahieu has dipped to .308 and .755 marks this year. He's still providing serviceable fantasy numbers with four homers, 41 RBI, four stolen bases and 46 runs, and it shouldn't be a shock that he failed to fully follow up his 2016 breakout. However, a strong second half could be ahead, and LeMahieu also has the Coors Field boost working in his favor.

Arenado went 3-for-5 with a two-run home run, a double, five RBI and two runs scored during Friday's win over the White Sox.

Arenado has perhaps not quite met expectations this season. However, it wouldn't be shocking if Friday's outburst was a sign of what's ahead in the second half. There could be a few buy-low opportunities still lingering, and Arenado's reliability makes him all the more valuable -- especially for contending fantasy clubs. After all, he's now sporting a .302/.352/.552 slash line with 16 homers, 68 RBI and 54 runs, and that's considered a bit of a disappointment.

Moustakas made the AL All-Star team after winning the event's final vote.

Moustakas beat out Xander Bogaerts, Didi Gregorius, Elvis Andrus and Logan Morrison to capture the final vote for the second time in his career (2015). The 28-year-old is hitting .275/.309/.570 with 25 home runs this season, a career high, and was already slated to take part in the Home Run Derby. Moustaskas will need to pack for an extra night, though, as he prepares for his big weekend under the spotlight.

Valencia went 1-for-4 with a three-run home run in Thursday's 7-4 loss to the Athletics.

Valencia gave Seattle a brief ray of hope with his ninth-inning round tripper, which marked his first homer of July. The veteran has hit safely in four of the first six games of the month as well, a solid start after hitting .306 and .308, respectively, in May and June.