MLB Player News

Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado left Friday's game early, according to MLB.com.

Arenado was pulled from the game in the fifth inning. The team has not announced whether it was due to an injury. Arenado was involved in an infield groundout where he didn't hustle in the previous inning, and it's unclear if he was benched for his lack of hustle. Arenado is hitting .283/.308/.458 over 251 at-bats.

Orioles infielder Manny Machado was not in the team's starting lineup Friday against the Mariners.

Machado has missed four games due to a back injury. Over 258 at-bats, Machado is hitting .267/.317/.422.

Pirates third baseman Pedro Alvarez missed his second game in a row Friday against the Rockies, due to discomfort in his left knee. He remains day to day moving forward as a result of this injury, which has kept him out since he left Wednesday's game.

Twins third baseman Trevor Plouffe is catching a break Friday against the visiting White Sox. Eduardo Nunez is set to man the position instead.

Plouffe has been steady but far from spectacular lately. He has one hit in six of his last seven games and owns a .243/.314/.409 stat line on the year.

The Padres optioned infielder Jace Peterson to Triple-A El Paso Friday, in order to clear a spot on the roster.

Peterson got the call just before the All-Star break but appeared in just two games for the Padres. He walked in his lone plate appearance before being sent down.

Royals manager Ned Yost told reporters that Billy Butler will lose some time as a designated hitter moving forward, the Kansas City Star reports Thursday. Yost is expected to give Danny Valencia and Raul Ibanez some reps at DH in the near future.

Orioles third baseman Manny Machado was held out of the starting lineup Thursday night against the Mariners, as he continues to work his way back from a back issue. Machado has now missed three straight games with the injury and is targeting a return at some point before the end of the week, according to the Baltimore Sun. He is hitting .267 with 10 homers and 23 RBI in 258 at-bats.

Orioles infielder Manny Machado was not in the team's starting lineup Wednesday against the Angels.

Machado is dealing with a back issue, and was also held out of Tuesday's game. Over 258 at-bats, he's hitting .267/.317/.422.

Indians just-promoted shortstop Jose Ramirez was easily their premier offensive player Wednesday in Minnesota - but that's not saying much.

Ramirez doubled in a run in the third inning and finished with two of their five hits. In the process, he matched his hit total in 18 at-bats in a previous stint this year with Cleveland.

Pirates third baseman Pedro Alvarez was held out of the starting lineup Wednesday vs. L.A. Dodgers after leaving Tuesday's game due to knee discomfort. Josh Harrison started in Alvarez's absence.