MLB Player News

The Nationals officially recalled infield prospect Anthony Rendon from Triple-A Syracuse Tuesday, but he was not in the lineup for the team's game against the Mets that night.

Rendon took Danny Espinosa's spot on the active roster, though it is not yet known whether Espinosa was placed on the disabled list or optioned.

Rendon appeared in eight games earlier in the season for the Nationals, hitting .240 with a .647 OPS.

Nationals infield prospect Anthony Rendon is at Nationals Park ahead of Tuesday's game against the Mets, though it is not yet clear if he will be recalled prior to the game. 

Need a third baseman? Get in line with the Mike Moustakas, Will Middlebrooks, Pedro Alvarez, Todd Frazier and Brett Lawrie owners. What about a second baseman? Yeah, pretty much everyone is with you there.

So tell me: Why haven't you gone after Anthony Rendon<player idref= yet? I assume you haven't. He's owned in only 26 percent of leagues even though the Nationals recently promoted him to Triple-A to play second base in anticipation of him eventually taking over for Danny Espinosa -- a move CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Danny Knobler suggests could happen in a matter of days.

I understand Rendon didn't set the world on fire his first time up, but what can we assess from that stint? He was getting sporadic at-bats in his first taste of the big leagues. He's still an exceptional hitter who the Nationals selected sixth overall in 2011 even though he had missed most of his last year in college with an injury. Oh, and he just tore up Double-A with 1.064 OPS.

If you're one of the many with a need at either of the two positions where he's eligible, Rendon could be the answer to your prayers.

Athletics third baseman Josh Donaldson picked up two hits on Monday during a blowout win at Milwaukee. Donaldson singled twice and drove in a run.

He went 2 for 5 and now has 35 RBI on the year to go with his .321 average. Donaldson has recorded multiple hits in six of his last 10 games.

Twins third baseman Trevor Plouffe told MLB.com Sunday his calf is feeling better and hopes to return once he's eligible on June 13.

Plouffe was placed back on the disabled list after getting hurt while running sprints prior to Wednesday's game against the Brewers. It was the same day he was activated from the seven-day concussion DL. Plouffe, who has not played since May 22, is expected to go on a minor-league rehab assignment before returning to the Twins.

The Rangers have promoted infielder Mike Olt to Triple-A Round Rock, according to Fox Sports Southwest.

Olt returned from the disabled list Friday due to an issue with his vision. He hit .333 (4 for 12) in his first three games back from the DL. He had a .139 batting average with one home run and six RBI in 20 games played at Triple-A earlier this season.

Rays third baseman Evan Longoria hit his 10th home run as part of a big game Sunday against Cleveland.

Longoria finished 2 for 5 with three RBI and a run scored. His line is up to a cool .305/.361/.527 with the effort.

Pirates third baseman Pedro Alvarez endured a quiet night at the dish in his first game back from a wisdom-tooth extraction Saturday night against the Reds.

Alvarez finished 0 for 2 with a walk and a strikeout in a 2-0 defeat. He is hitting .198/.258/.401 in 48 games.

The Nationals called top prospect Anthony Rendon up to Triple-A Syracuse Saturday, where he will make the move from third base to second. According to CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Danny Knobler, the move indicates Nationals are considering having Rendon play just a handful of games at second before possibly calling him up to replace Danny Espinosa. Espinosa has battled injuries and has just a .478 OPS on the season.

Rendon had a 1.064 OPS at Double-A Harrisburg, while having his stay interrupted for a brief cameo in the majors. Rendon has played five games at second base in his career, all this season. 

Pirates third baseman Pedro Alvarez was back in the starting lineup Saturday against the Reds, after missing the previous two games due to wisdom tooth extraction.  

Alvarez was originally in the starting lineup Friday, but was a late scratch due to lingering soreness.