MLB Player News

The Phillies are turning away from infielder Cody Asche recently, as he was on the bench for the third straight game Wednesday against the Dodgers.

He has started just five of the team's last 11 games, after he was in the starting lineup for eight of the first 10. Manager Ryne Sandberg told MLB.com he does not have to talk with Asche about the situation, even with Freddy Galvis, his replacement, struggling mightily.

"I don't need to because I already have," he said. "I just told him to be ready to go in any capacity. The biggest change in the last three games is quality pitching and good defense behind. Freddy has been a part of that combination for the last three games."

Asche is hitting just .196/.275/.304 through 46 at-bats, with one home run, three RBI, six runs scored and 14 strikeouts. 

Cubs manager Rick Renteria said Tuesday it's time to start playing Mike Olt at third base more often, per The Chicago Sun-Times.

"We’ve talked about gradually getting him into that role," Renteria said. "Do I plan on playing him [Wednesday]? Yes.

"Everything’s very calculated. So I’m going to throw him out there and let him run with it a little bit. We’re still measuring everything; we’re still trying to be kind of guarded, but he’ll be in there (Wednesday) again."

Olt is welcoming the opportunity for more playing time at third base.

"That’d be great," Olt said of getting regular playing time. "I definitely did a lot of work to get myself ready. I definitely feel I’m ready for the task and can build off the last couple games and go from there."

Cubs third baseman Mike Olt continued his all-or-nothing season Tuesday, clubbing his fourth home run of the season in a 9-2 win over the Diamondbacks.

Olt went 1 for 4 in the game and struck out twice, giving him eight strikeouts in the last four games. Still, he clubbed a three-run shot in the fifth inning to provide what would ultimately be the winning margin in the game.

Olt is hitting just .195, but is providing the kind of power that became his calling card in the minors. Of his eight hits in 16 games, four are home runs and five are for extra bases. He has a .195/.250/.512 line in 41 at-bats. 

Orioles third baseman Manny Machado will begin a rehab assignment with high Class A Frederick Friday, MLB.com reports.

Machado played in an extended spring training game Monday as he continues to work his way back from a knee injury. He could be back on the field with the Orioles in the first few weeks of May.

Orioles third baseman Manny Machado (knee) could begin a rehab assignment by the end of the week, which could mean he makes his season debut in the first half of May, according to FOX Sports.

Orioles third baseman Manny Machado (knee) went 0 for 5 with a sac fly in an extended spring game Monday, per MASNsports.com. Machado is slated to play nine innings and serve as the DH Tuesday.

"I'm getting closer," Machado said.

Rays third baseman Evan Longoria made his presence felt at the plate on Saturday, launching his second home run of the season in his team's 16-1 win over the Yankees.

Longoria took New York starter Ivan Nova deep for a two-run home run in the third inning. He drove in a run on sacrifice fly in the fifth inning and slapped an RBI single in the sixth. He finished 2 for 3 with two runs scored and four RBI. In 18 games, he is hitting .348 with two homers and 10 RBI in 66 at-bats.

Orioles third baseman Manny Machado is off Sunday, according to MLB.com.

Machado's day off was scheduled as part of his rehab. He will return to the field Monday and play seven innings. He's working his way back from a knee injury.

Orioles third baseman Manny Machado was able to get through an extended spring game Saturday, according to MASN.

Machado had four at-bats during the contest. He hit a double and a single, but also struck out once. His other at-bat ended in a fielder's choice. Machado played five innings. He plans to play Sunday as well. Machado is working his way back from knee surgery.

Orioles third baseman Manny Machado could begin a minor league rehab assignment next week, according to MLB.com.

Buck Showalter said, however, that it will likely not begin until some point after the team begins a series in Toronto next Tuesday.

Machado has been sidelined since sustaining a serious knee injury at the end of last season.