MLB Player News

Valencia (hamstring) ran 12 30-yard sprints Thursday, and is also hitting off a pitching machine, Joe Stiglich of CSN California reports.

It was reported earlier in the week that Valencia was hitting off a tee and generally progressing well, and it seems he's successfully ramped up his activity in recent days. Valencia figures to ultimately head out on a short rehab assignment, before returning to the major league roster possibly as soon as May 6.

Plouffe (intercostal strain) will begin a rehab assignment with High-A Fort Myers on Saturday, Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

This is in line with the last report on Plouffe's status, as he continues to target a May 3 return to the Twins. He will play seven innings at third base Saturday and nine innings at third base Sunday, at which point the next step will be determined.

Machado went 2-for-5 with a walk, grand slam, career-high five RBI and three runs in Thursday's 10-2 shellacking of the White Sox.

After starting the season on a 16-game hitting streak, Machado went hitless (0-for-17) in his next four games. He got back on track Thursday by blasting his team-leading seventh homer of the year and raising his batting average to .333. His slash line of .333/.389/.678 is well above the 23-year-old's career averages, but growth is to be expected from the young superstar who has been held back by injuries early in his career.

Duffy went 3-for-4 with three runs scored as he continued to hit third against the Padres on Wednesday.

After starting the season off with a bang (two homers in three games), Duffy has fallen into a prolonged cold streak. Manager Bruce Bochy tried to wake his bat by moving Duffy to third in the order on April 22. Since that time, he is batting .333 with a pair of three-hit games including Wednesday's. His .288 BABIP is still about 50 points lower than last year's and his 28.0 LD% is actually higher than last year's (20.9 LD%), so his batting average should continue to climb.

Rendon is not in the lineup Thursday against Washington, Mark Zuckerman of MASN reports.

It looks like a routine day off for Rendon, as the Nationals go with Stephen Drew at third base in his place. Drew will bat eighth in the order against Philadelphia's Aaron Nola.

Rivera will start at second base Thursday against the Cubs.

With Scooter Gennett (oblique) landing on the disabled list Thursday, it's important to note that Rivera is starting over switch-hitter Colin Walsh against right-hander Jake Arrieta, as manager Craig Counsell made a couple other moves that placed left-handers into key spots in the batting order. Counsell has not confirmed his plans for the keystone in Gennett's absence, but Thursday's lineup makes Rivera the early favorite to be the regular second baseman until Gennett returns.

Ramirez will start at third and bat seventh against the Twins on Wednesday.

Ramirez has been playing a decent amount in the early stages of the season, switching between third base and left field for the Indians. In 13 games this season, he has batted .296 with seven RBI while hitting .333 against right-handers. With Juan Uribe out of the lineup, Ramirez will make the start at third base for Wednesday's game.

Escobar is out of the lineup Wednesday against the Indians.

Escobar is fairly firmly ensconced as the team's starting shortstop; however, Eduardo Nunez's incredible start has forced his way into the lineup. On Wednesday, Escobar is the odd man out to make way for Nunez for the third time this season. Escobar is hitting .230 on the season, but has just one hit in his last 17 at-bats.

Alvarez is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Rays, Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports reports.

After a wretched start to the season, Alvarez has back-to-back multi-hit games, raising his average up to .186. Despite his recent run of success, he'll draw out of the lineup Wednesday in favor of Nolan Reimold.

Peterson is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Red Sox.

Peterson sat out Tuesday with left-hander David Price on the hill for Boston, but the 25-year-old will take a seat despite right-hander Steven Wright taking the ball for the Red Sox Wednesday. Jeff Francoeur will slot into left field in his stead.