MLB Player News

Phillies infielder Cody Asche homered twice to start his rehab assignment Friday with Class A Lakewood.

Asche went 2 for 3 with two runs scored and four RBI in his first game action. He is expected to play in Lakewood until Sunday before joining Triple-A Lehigh Valley for three or four more games before his return to the big-league club. 

Royals infielder Danny Valencia is scheduled to begin a minor-league rehab assignment with Double-A Northwest Arkansas on Sunday, the Kansas City Star reports. Valencia will only need a few games before returning from the disabled list, according to the paper.

Rockies promising third baseman Nolan Arenado is perturbed that he won't be ready to return from a finger injury in time for a key series this weekend in San Francisco, but he's encouraged by his progress.

"I think it's healing great," he told MLB.com. "It's feeling better, I'm starting to move it a little bit and it doesn't hurt. There's no pain anymore."

The finger will be examined again next week. If it's deemed to be healed enough, the Rockies will accelerate his rehab. A minor league stint is likely.

The Athletics have given slumping third baseman Josh Donaldson the night off for their Wednesday night game against the host Angels.

Donaldson, who told the media before the game that he wouldn't mind the break, is hitless in his last 21 at-bats to drop his average from .284 to .260.

Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg said Wednesday third baseman Cody Asche (hamstring) will begin a rehab assignment with Class A Lakewood Friday. Asche is expected to need 6-7 games before coming off the 15-day disabled list.

After missing three games with a thumb injury, Nationals infielder Anthony Rendon is back in the lineup as expected Tuesday against the Giants.

Rendon suffered an injury to his thumb while playing the field Friday, but has progressed enough that he will take his usual place at third base and batting second for Tuesday's game.  

Phillies third baseman Cody Asche is participating in simulated games at the team's spring training complex in Florida, according to manager Ryne Sandberg. Asche will probably begin a rehab assignment Friday.

Orioles third baseman Manny Machado, who's batting second in Tuesday's lineup, said he'll appeal his five-game suspension. The appeal could be heard Thursday, June 19, when the Orioles have an off day.

Orioles third baseman Manny Machado plans to appeal his five-game suspension, reports MLB.com. Machado was suspended and fined for his unsportsmanlike actions over the weekend against the Athletics.

Orioles third baseman Manny Machado will be suspended five games and fined for his actions over the weekend against the Athletics, reports MLB.com. Machado was ejected Sunday after appearing to intentionally throw his bat toward Athletics third baseman Josh Donaldson.