MLB Player News

Peterson will start at second base and serve as the Braves' leadoff hitter for the sixth straight game Sunday against the Mets.

After getting demoted to Triple-A Gwinnett following a poor start to his season, Peterson returned to the big leagues earlier this month and has been able to reclaim his regular starting role. He's also helped his cause to remain atop the lineup by recording one hit in each of his last six games, but he's had a multi-hit effort in only one of those contests. Still, with Mallex Smith (hand) on the DL, Peterson should give the Braves an element of contact-hitting and speed in the leadoff spot, though don't look for him to produce many helpful counting stats.

Alvarez is out of the lineup Sunday against the Rays.

Alvarez will hit the bench with the Rays bringing southpaw Drew Smyly to the rubber, as Orioles manager Buck Showalter looks to avoid as many lefty-on-lefty matchups as possible. With Alvarez taking a seat, the Orioles will be able to give Chris Davis a day out of the field and deploy him as the DH.

Plouffe (groin) is back in the lineup Sunday against the Yankees, slotting in at first base and batting fifth, the St. Paul Pioneer Press' Mike Berardino reports.

Plouffe has been out since Thursday after hurting his groin while running out a groundout. He took swings and groundballs Saturday without any issues, but will get a start at first base rather than third base to ease himself back into action.

LeMahieu went 2-for-4 with a three-run homer, walk and two runs in Saturday's 11-6 victory over the D-backs.

LeMahieu sent a 424-foot shot to center with Mark Reynolds and Charlie Blackmon aboard to put the finishing touches on a memorable day for the Colorado offense. The second baseman has been on a tear, tallying three straight multi-hit efforts, as well as five in his last six games. As good as his month of May was, LeMahieu's been even better in June, with a slash line of .349/.424/.570 over 86 at-bats.

Asche is not in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Giants, Matt Gelb of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Although the numbers aren't great by any stretch, Asche has been able to maintain a regular role since joining the big club in early June by slashing .265/.306/.456 with two homers and three steals. He will sit Saturday with lefty Madison Bumgarner starting for San Francisco, and his exposure to lefties will likely remain limited. Asche may also lose out on occasional starts against right-handers to the likes of Tyler Goeddel and Jimmy Paredes.

Plouffe (groin) remains out of the lineup Saturday but will take swings and groundballs on the field prior to the game, Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Plouffe continues to nurse a groin injury, but the Twins received good news Saturday morning when he passed a running test. He'll progress to taking swings in the batting cage in addition to fielding work with his eye on a return to the lineup within the next few days, potentially as early as Sunday. At this point, it appears Plouffe will avoid a stint on the DL.

Machado (suspension) went 2-for-4 with a solo homer and two runs in Friday's 6-3 victory over the Rays.

The young slugger celebrated his return to the field in fine fashion, extending his hitting streak to four games while launching his third homer in his last eight contests. Despite having to serve the four-game suspension, Machado is enjoying a stellar month overall, slashing .329/.359/.616 over 73 at-bats.

Donaldson (neck) is in the lineup Friday, batting second and playing third base.

The reigning MVP was dealing with some neck stiffness on Toronto's getaway day Wednesday, but he was able to play through it and he'll remain in the lineup Friday. Donaldson will draw a matchup with lefty Carlos Rodon on Friday. Although Donaldson has never faced Rodon, he has an excellent track record against southpaws as evidenced by his .545 slugging percentage against them this season.

Machado (suspension) is back in the lineup for Friday's game against the Rays.

After serving his four-game suspension this week, Machado will return to his post at the hot corner for Friday's series opener against the Rays. He'll bat third in the order against Matt Moore, a lefty he's struggled to figure out thus far in his career. Machado owns a 3-for-19 lifetime mark against Moore entering Friday.

Plouffe (groin) is not in Friday's lineup against the Yankees, Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Plouffe left Thursday's contest against the Phillies with a mild right groin strain after hobbling off the field during a ground out. He may miss some time but is hopeful that he will not have to go on the disabled list. For Friday's game against the Yankees, Eduardo Nunez will start at third base.