MLB Player News

The Red Sox will target Pirates third baseman Pedro Alvarez and Indians counterpart Lonnie Chisenhall as trade possibilities if their attempt to sign free agent Pablo Sandoval is unsuccessful, according to the Boston Herald.

The 27-year-old Alvarez was moved to first base last season, but prefers the hot corner, where he committed 24 throwing errors in 2014. Chisenhall also struggled mightily on defense and fizzled out at the plate after a torrid start.

Both players are arbitration-eligible. The Indians have been rumored to be seeking an upgrade at third base and are also looking to be less dependent on left-handed hitters.

Orioles third baseman Manny Machado and catcher Matt Wieters are progressing well from their injuries, according to MLB Network Radio.

Manager Buck Showalter said he expects both players to be fully healed by next season, but added that the club will prepare as though neither player will be around. Machado had knee surgery in August. Wieters is coming off June Tommy John surgery. 

Pirates general manager Neal Huntington said Tuesday infielder Josh Harrison will be the team's "regular" third baseman in 2015, per MLB.com. Although, Huntington did leave the door open for Pedro Alvarez to receive some starts at third base as well.

"His (best) fit is at first, but we'll keep Pedro's versatility in mind," Huntington said.

The Athletics will listen to offers for pitchers Jeff Samardzija and Scott Kazmir, according to FoxSports.com.

The team isn't actively looking to shop either player, but would listen if any offers came in. Both Samardzija and Kazmir are entering the final years of the their contracts. Samardzija will likely be too expensive to remain in Oakland once his deal ends, while Kazmir could price his way off the team with another solid year. 

The club is adamant about keeping third baseman Josh Donaldson. Donaldson is eligible for arbitration for the first time in his career, and should receive a healthy raise, but he's too valuable a piece for the team to trade. 

After being re-examined the day before his team got eliminated by the Giants, Pirates infielder Pedro Alvarez will not require surgery for the stress reaction in his left foot, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Alvarez played just one game since Aug. 27 because of the issue. He batted .231/.312/.405 over 398 at-bats. 

Pirates third baseman Pedro Alvarez (foot) and catcher Chris Stewart (wrist) are not in the starting lineup for Wednesday's wild-card game against the Giants. Alvarez hasn't played since Sept. 5, while Stewart sits in favor of regular starter Russell Martin.

Orioles third baseman Manny Machado told reporters Wednesday he has full range of motion in his right knee coming off surgery in late August, according to MASNsports.com. He could begin jogging in a pool next week.

Athletics third baseman Josh Donaldson, who's been dealing with a knee injury, said he's encouraged because it feels more "stable" than it did the past couple days, reports CSNCalifornia.com. Donaldson should be in the lineup when Oakland visits the Royals in Tuesday's Wild Card game.

Twins general manager Terry Ryan told reporters that third baseman Trevor Plouffe underwent surgery on his fractured forearm on Monday, per MLB.com.

Plouffe slashed .258/.328/.423 with 14 home runs and a team-high 80 RBI over 520 at-bats. He became the just the third Minnesota player to 80-plus RBI over the last four seasons. Ryan expects Plouffe to be ready for the start of spring training.

Twins shortstop Eduardo Escobar collected four hits and drive in six in a convincing 12-3 win over Detroit on Saturday.

Escobar singled in two runs in the fifth, singled in another in the seventh and launched a three-run home run in the eighth inning. He finished 4 for 5 with two runs scored and six RBI. He is hitting .277 with six home runs and 37 RBI over 430 at-bats.