MLB Player News

Athletics third baseman Josh Donaldson went 1 for 4 with a solo home run in his team's 5-1 win over the Blue Jays Saturday.

Donaldson had managed just one home run since June 6 before knocking one out in the third inning Saturday to even the score at 1-1. He has hit .244/.323/.464 with 19 home runs and 62 RBI in 336 at-bats.

Royals third baseman Danny Valencia went 3 for 4 with a solo home run in his team's 7-3 loss to the Indians Saturday.

Valencia has strung together a modest six-game hitting streak, and Saturday's three-hit night was just his second of the season. His home run was also his second of the year, with the first coming way back on April 16. Valencia has hit .310/.351/.437 with 10 RBI in 87 at-bats.

Nationals infielder Anthony Rendon doubled three times Saturday against the Cubs. 

Rendon also walked and picked up his eighth steal during the game. He finished 3 for 4, with three runs and two RBI. Rendon is hitting .286 following the game. 

Orioles third baseman Manny Machado was reinstated from his five-game suspension Saturday, for the second game of a doubleheader against the Red Sox. He is expected back in the lineup for the second game. 

Rays third baseman Evan Longoria reached base five times Friday against the Tigers.

Longoria managed to double his first time up. In his second at-bat, Longoria belted a solo shot out to left field. He was hit by a pitch in the sixth, and walked his next two plate appearances. Longoria finished 2 for 2, with two runs scored and one RBI. He's hitting .265/.339/.405 over 343 at-bats.

Pirates third baseman Pedro Alvarez and first baseman Ike Davis are catching a break for the Friday game against Philadelphia starter Roberto Hernandez, who has been far stronger against left-handed batters this season.

Alvarez is 0 for 2 lifetime against Hernandez while Davis has yet to face him.

Athletics third baseman Josh Donaldson has returned to the lineup for the Friday game against Toronto after missing two games with back stiffness.

Donaldson hopes he can heat up at the plate. He has just one hit in his last 11 at-bats.

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.