MLB Player News

Braves second baseman Jace Peterson has returned to the lineup Thursday after sitting the last two games. He is batting seventh.

Peterson is back in action with a .238 average that is at its lowest point since May 1.

Athletics third baseman Danny Valencia has overcome a shoulder issue and is back in action Thursday as the cleanup hitter against the White Sox, per Doug Padilla of ESPN Chicago.

Valencia missed two games with issue, but has claimed an advantageous spot in Oakland's lineup.

He had a really nice month or so, but his career numbers suggest he is better suited for the short side of a platoon. It would not be surprising if he regressed over the final two weeks of the season.

White Sox third baseman Mike Olt went 1 for 4 with a two-run homer -- his first of the year -- in Wednesday's win over the A's.

The White Sox said Olt would receive the lion's share of playing time at third base in the season's final weeks, and they have remained true to their word. Olt has started every game but one since he joined the roster earlier in the month, but Wednesday's long ball was his first since joining the organization. He should continue to be the favorite to start as the season winds down.

Royals third baseman Mike Moustakas went 1 for 4 with a solo home run in a 5-1 loss to the Indians on Wednesday.

Moustakas was in a bit of a slump after the All-Star break, but he's been hot as of late. Over his last 22 games, Moustakas has eight homers with 28 RBI.

It's been a breakout season for Moustakas and if it weren't for the incredible depth at third base in baseball right now, his great season would be much more publicized.

Athletics third baseman Danny Valencia (shoulder) remains out of the lineup Wednesday against the White Sox. 

Stiffness in Valencia's trapezius muscle resulted in the 30-year-old's scratch from Tuesday's lineup, and he'll be forced to sit again Wednesday.

Brett Lawrie will start again at third base, but look for Valencia to push Lawrie back to the keystone once healthy, while likely also returning to the cleanup spot in the batting order.

Rockies slugger Nolan Arenado went 3 for 7 with a go-ahead solo homer in the top of the 16th inning in a 4-3 win over the Dodgers on Tuesday.

The homer was his 39th of the season, tying Bryce Harper of Washington for the National League lead.

After playing all 16 innings of the game, it wouldn't be a surprise if manager Walt Weiss elected to rest Arenado for the series finale Wednesday.

Orioles 3B Manny Machado was 2 for 5 with a solo homer, a walk and two runs scored in Tuesday's 6-5 victory over the Red Sox. 

Machado continues to add to his banner 2015 and is likely just tapping into his considerable potential. Tuesday's effort was already his fourth multi-hit outing of September, and he has now reached base safely by hit or walk in 14 consecutive contests dating back to Aug. 31.

Machado continues on pace to close out the season with career-best numbers in every major offensive category.

Reds shortstop Eugenio Suarez is not in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Giants.

The 24-year-old will head to the bench following 21 consecutive starts, affording Ivan De Jesus an opportunity at shortstop. Suarez has hit safely in all but three games so far this month, although he's now gone 12 straight games without a homer and six straight without an extra-base hit.

Pirates first baseman Pedro Alvarez is not in the lineup for Game 2 of Tuesday's doubleheader with the Cubs.

Michael Morse will get the start at first base in the nightcap with left-hander Jon Lester toeing the rubber for Chicago. Alvarez went 0-for-2 in Game 1, but he did also draw two walks for the third straight game.

Athletics infielder/outfielder Danny Valencia has been scratched from Tuesday's starting lineup.

Max Muncy is now slated to play third base against Jeff Samardzija and the White Sox, with Mark Canha at first base and Jake Smolinski in left.

Valencia was scratched Tuesday with a stiff trap muscle, MLB.com's Jane Lee reports. No explanation was originally provided regarding why Valencia was scratched, and this doesn't seem like something that will keep Valencia out for long.