MLB Player News

Escobar (undisclosed) is in the lineup Wednesday against the White Sox, batting second and playing third base, Brandon Warne of ZoneCoverage.com reports.

Escobar was removed from Tuesday's contest due to an apparent injury, but it seems to not be a hindrance to the utility infielder any longer. The 28-year-old has been scorching hot as of late as his 1.318 OPS over the past 14 games suggests, so it's great news that he'll be able to continue playing without an injury holding him back. He doesn't seem to have a set spot in the Twins' lineup, but manager Paul Molitor seems intent on keeping his bat in the lineup in some capacity for most game while he's knocking the cover off the ball.

Plouffe will start at third base and bat fifth Wednesday against the Reds, Bill Chastain of MLB.com reports.

The Rays have wasted no time in seeing what Plouffe can do after acquiring him from the Athletics over the weekend. He'll make his third straight start Wednesday, with his entry into the lineup coming at the expense of Colby Rasmus (hip), who has yet to see the field during the series. At the very least, Plouffe looks to see regular at-bats against left-handed pitching, but he'll need to show more improvement upon his .184/.243/.346 season-long line against right-handers to secure a full-time role.

Rendon (neck) will start at third base and bat cleanup Wednesday against the Marlins, Dan Kolko of MASN Sports reports.

Much to the relief of fantasy owners, Rendon only ended up missing one game due to the neck stinger he sustained early in Monday's contest. The Nationals have an off day Thursday, so if Rendon's injury was truly a serious concern, it's likely the team would have held him out of the lineup in the series finale. With Rendon seemingly at full strength, Stephen Drew, who filled in admirably for the third baseman with five hits and four RBI the last two games, will settle back into a bench role.

Longoria is out of the lineup Wednesday against the Reds, Bill Chastain of MLB.com reports.

Manager Kevin Cash will take advantage of the Rays' open date in the schedule Thursday to give Longoria two full days of rest after the franchise cornerstone started the last 46 games at either third base or designated hitter. With Longoria sitting, the newly acquired Trevor Plouffe will cover the hot corner and bat fifth.

Machado went 4-for-4 with a double, two home runs, three runs scored and four RBI in Tuesday's 6-5 win over Cleveland.

He'd been hitting just .189 (7-for-37) over his prior 10 games, so Tuesday's offensive explosion was a welcome sight for fantasy GMs who might be losing patience with the superstar's relatively slow start to the campaign. Despite a .753 OPS that would be his lowest in four seasons if he can't improve on it, Machado still has 15 homers and 36 RBI, putting him on pace for his third straight season with at least 35 HR and 80 RBI.

Escobar exited Tuesday's game against the White Sox in the seventh inning, Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Escobar was 1-for-3 at the plate with a walk and run scored before he was eventually replaced in the field by Ehire Adrianza during the seventh inning. The reason for Escobar's early departure is currently unknown.

Segura (ankle) is expected to be activated from the disabled list Thursday, Bob Dutton of The Tacoma News Tribune reports.

Wednesday was the original target date, but the Mariners will hold off one day just to be safe. He began a rehab assignment Monday as the Triple-A affiliate's designated hitter and is expected to play shortstop Tuesday. As long as all goes well with that, the young shortstop should resume his normal position with the major-league club Thursday, moving Taylor Motter to the bench.

Chapman (knee) said that the antibiotics are reducing the swelling as hoped, Jane Lee of MLB.com reports.

The top prospect also has better range of motion in his knee since starting the medication, so it seems that the situation is nearly handled. The plan is for Chapman to continue taking the antibiotics over the next couple days with the hope of returning to the lineup afterward. Consider him day-to-day for now, with Ryon Healy taking over at third base in the meantime.

Chapman (knee) is out of the lineup Tuesday against the Astros, Jane Lee of MLB.com reports.

As anticipated, Chapman will watch Tuesday's bout from the bench as he continues to nurse a knee infection. More information regarding his status for the coming days is expected to come forth relatively soon. Ryon Healy will log another start at the hot corner.

Rendon (neck) is not in the lineup Tuesday against the Marlins, Mark Zuckerman of MASNsports.comreports.

Rendon was forced out of Monday's game with a pinched nerve, and although the Nationals don't believe it is anything overly serious, he'll get another day to rest up before hopefully returning to the lineup for Wednesday's series finale. Stephen Drew is starting at third base in his place.