MLB Player News

Matt Williams has explained the flip-flopping of Bryce Harper and Anthony Rendon in the lineup Friday for the Nationals against the Cubs. Harper was moved up from sixth to second after having complained about hitting down in the lineup.

"I think it's a question of trying to create a little bit with Bryce at the top of the lineup, especially against a righty," Williams told the Washington Post. "We've faced three lefties the last three games. I wanted to give him some opportunity to drive runs in and the same holds true for Anthony in that regard. Bryce at the top of the lineup against the right-handed pitcher, he can create some stuff."

It remains to be seen if the switch becomes permanent against both righties and lefties.

Athletics third baseman Josh Donaldson is dealing with back stiffness, according to CSN.

The injury explains why Donaldson is not in the team's starting lineup Thursday. Donaldson also missed Wednesday's game, but the team did not initially announce an injury. He will be re-evaluated Friday.

Donaldson is hitting .245/.325/.459 over 327 at-bats. 

Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado has been activated from the disabled list Thursday.

Arenado has been sidelined with a finger injury, but was expected back Thursday. Arenado is hitting .305/.333/.489 over 190 at-bats. 

Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado, who has been out since late May with a broken finger, is set to come off the disabled list Thursday against the Dodgers, according to The Denver Post. Arenado has hit .333 (6 for 18) with two doubles and three RBI in the first four games of a rehab assignment with Triple-A Colorado Springs.

Athletics third baseman Josh Donaldson is getting the afternoon off in Detroit. His has been replaced by Alberto Callaspo in the lineup.

Donaldson is hitless in his last two games. His .245 average is at its lowest point since April 14.

Phillies third baseman Cody Asche went 2 for 5 with a solo home run in his team's 5-4 loss to the Marlins Tuesday.

Asche followed up a home run in the eighth inning with one of his own to tie the game before the Phillies went on to lose in 11 innings. The homer was his first since returning from the disabled list in mid-June. Asche has hit .253/.317/.406 with five home runs and 25 RBI in 170 at-bats.

Rockies infielder DJ LeMahieu went 1 for 3 with a solo home run in his team's 7-1 loss to the Nationals Tuesday.

LeMahieu's eighth-inning blast was the only offense the Rockies could muster in the face of a dominant effort by Stephen Strasburg. The infielder owns a seven-game hitting streak, and he has hit .272/.333/.346 with three home runs, 24 RBI and eight stolen bases in 257 at-bats.

Brewers outfielder Carlos Gomez (neck) and shortstop Jean Segura (leg) returned to the starting lineup Tuesday at Toronto. Both players only missed Sunday's game vs. Colorado due to injury.

As expected, Twins third baseman Trevor Plouffe (oblique) and infielder Eduardo Nunez (hamstring) were activated from the 15-day disabled list Monday.

Despite the continued success of Josh Harrison, Pirates general manager Neal Huntington said Sunday the team is not considering moving Pedro Alvarez to first base to clear up regular at-bats for Harrison at third base. Huntington added he likes the duo of Ike Davis and Gaby Sanchez at first base.

"Ike, the power hasn't been maybe what it was in the past, but he gives us quality, professional at-bats and has played solid defense for us there," Huntington said. "If we can get Pedro back on track to 30-something home runs, being a productive major league hitter and playing adequate defense at third, that's a pretty good tandem to have on the corners."

Huntington said Harrison will continue to fill a utility role for Pittsburgh.

"To play a 162-game season this year, in this environment, it's about depth," Huntington said.

"We're working through all different scenarios, but right now what we feel very comfortable with is Josh bouncing around giving everybody rest."