MLB Player News

Plouffe is out of the lineup Wednesday against the Marlins, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

The lack of a designated hitter spot will keep Plouffe glued to the bench Wednesday, but even if the game were being played in Oakland, the veteran third baseman wouldn't be guaranteed entry into the lineup. He ended up sitting out the Athletics' final two games against the Rays over the past weekend, so it seems Plouffe, who is hitting a career-worst .215/.278/.359 this season, may be playing himself out of an everyday role. Ryon Healy will man the hot corner Wednesday and could end up finding himself at the position on a regular basis.

Longoria went 2-for-3 with a two-run double, two walks and two runs in Tuesday's 8-1 win over the Blue Jays.

Longoria continues to wield a scorching bat, as he's now hit .500 (8-for-16) with three doubles, a home run and six RBI over his last four games. The torrid stretch has the veteran third baseman's average up to a season-high .260, and he's now hit safely in nine of his first 11 games of June overall.

Escober went 5-for-6 -- all singles -- with two RBI and two runs in Tuesday's 20-7 win over the Mariners.

The Twins racked up 28 hits in this one, and Escobar accounted for a big chunk. He's gone 8-for-10 with five RBI over his last two starts, but that's far from the sort of production we typically see from the relatively light-hitting infielder. Thanks to his limited playing time, these two games (plus an 0-for-1 off the bench) have brought his average up from .230 to a much more respectable .274.

Plouffe is not in the lineup Tuesday against the Marlins, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

With Oakland playing in a National League park, there's no designated hitter spot to allow both Ryon Healy and Plouffe to be in the lineup. Healy will get the nod at the hot corner Tuesday, and Plouffe could see his playing time dwindle when they return to American League play given his poor .217 batting average on the season.

Segura (ankle) is expected to do some running Tuesday, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

It's hard to imagine Segura will really cut it loose, as he reported feeling some soreness while moving to his right during fielding drills Monday. A late-June return appears to be the best-case scenario for Segura, who was off to an outstanding start with his new team (.341/.391/.462) before suffering the high-ankle sprain. He was rewarded for that hot start with a new five-year, $70 million extension.

Valencia went 2-for-5 with three RBI from a sacrifice fly, a run-scoring single and a solo home run in Monday's 14-3 win over the Twins.

Valencia has now racked up 14 RBI over his first 11 games of June. matching his total from all of May. The veteran's month-plus surge after an abysmal start at the plate began with a four-hit effort against the Phillies on May 10, as Valencia has raised his average 51 points to .269 while compiling a .361 wOBA in his 119 plate appearances since that date.

Machado (wrist) is back in the lineup Monday against the White Sox, batting third and playing third base.

After sitting out the past four games with a strained wrist, but the Orioles seem confident enough in his health to insert him back into his normal spot in the batting order. He'll resume his regular duties with the hopes of improving his career-worst .719 OPS, beginning with a matchup against the hittable Mike Pelfrey on Monday.

Segura (ankle) fielded grounders prior to Monday's game against the Twins, Bob Dutton of The Tacoma News Tribune reports.

It's Segura's first on-field activity since he suffered the high-ankle sprain June 1. The shortstop is hopeful to come off the disabled list by the end of June, but a return date probably won't come into focus until he's cleared to resume running the bases.

Escobar finished 3-for-4 with a solo home run, a walk and three RBI on Sunday against the Giants.

Although he tends to start more often against left-handed pitching, Escobar was in the starting lineup Sunday and produced off Giants starter Matt Cain. Nonetheless, the utility infielder will most likely continue in his reserve role and will not play every day. He's now slashing .248/.299/.410 in 127 plate appearances on the season.

Donaldson went 3-for-5 with a home run, three RBI and two runs in Sunday's win over Seattle.

The Bringer of Rain drove his eighth homer of the season to opposite field in the first inning, giving the Jays all the offense it needed to take down Seattle 4-0. Since returning from a lengthy disabled list stay, Donaldson has mashed five home runs while putting together a 1.080 OPS in 13 games. He's also tallied nine RBI, six runs and eight walks during that stretch. Needless to say, Donaldson has rounded into form and once again looks like an MVP-caliber player.