MLB Player News

Donaldson went 3-for-3 with two doubles, two walks and two runs against the Angels on Thursday.

Getting on base all five times makes for about as impressive a return as you can ask for after the reigning AL MVP was sidelined three games with a hip injury. Donaldson's markedly improved his plate discipline this year -- he now has 97 walks, exceeding his previous career high by more than 20. Perhaps predictably, that extra patience has come at the expense of RBI -- not to knock Donaldson's outstanding total of 92, but he hasn't driven home a run since the end of August and doesn't stand any chance of matching last season's 123.

Donaldson (hip) will serve as the designated hitter and bat second Thursday against the Angels, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca

The reigning AL MVP will tough it out and return as the DH Thursday after missing three starts. Apparently, the hip has not responded well to treatment and it's uncertain when he may be cleared to return to the field, but clearly whatever Wednesday's MRI showed was nothing that will keep Donaldson off the field entirely down the stretch. He'll be looking to record his first hit since Sept. 3.

Bregman left Wednesday's game with right hamstring discomfort.

Bregman pulled up as he advanced to third base on a Tyler White groundout in the sixth inning and left the game shortly thereafter. The Astros have since clarified that it was indeed a hamstring issue that forced Bregman out, but the severity of the injury is unknown as is Bregman's status for Friday's series opener in Seattle.

Bregman left Wednesday's game with apparent hamstring injury, Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reports.

The Astros have yet to provide an official diagnosis, but Bregman pulled up as he went to third base following a leadoff double in the bottom of the sixth inning. He left after a brief visit from a trainer, as Tony Kemp came into the game to pinch run.

Alvarez is not in Wednesday's lineup against the Red Sox, Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports reports.

The left-handed hitting Alvarez was held out of the lineup the last three games as the Orioles faced a pair of southpaws in that span, but he'll remain out for a fourth straight day even with righty Rick Porcello opposing the Baltimore lineup. Mark Trumbo will get another turn as the team's DH on Wednesday.

Donaldson (hip) will have an MRI on Wednesday, Jays broadcaster Mike Wilner reports.

The hip injury will keep Donaldson out of the lineup Wednesday for the third straight game. His ailment has not responded to treatment as expected, which is why the MRI was deemed prudent. Donaldson is obviously miserable that he can't be out there while the Blue Jays fight to chase down the Red Sox in the AL East (they are two games back), so the fact that he hasn't returned yet speaks to the severity of the injury. Ryan Goins and Darwin Barney are the Jays' only other options at the hot corner while Donaldson is sidelined.

Donaldson (hip) remains out of the lineup Wednesday against the Rays.

The Jays had initially hoped Donaldson would be able to return to action Wednesday, but he'll sit for the third straight game as he continues to nurse what manager John Gibbons described as a "jarred" right hip. Toronto will go with Ryan Goins at third base Wednesday, and he'll bat ninth in the order.

Moncada was named the Minor League Player of the Year by Baseball America.

In two minor-league stops, Moncada hit .294/.407/.511/.918 with 15 homers, 62 RBI and 45 stolen bases. His development this season was so tantalizing that the Red Sox summoned him to Boston for the September roster expansion. Unfortunately, what we learned at the Double-A level -- he's challenged by offspeed pitches, particularly the changeup -- was exposed to a greater degree in the majors. Offspeed pitch recognition is an obvious area of improvement for the young infielder entering the 2017 season.

Valencia's roster spot is safe over the rest of the season, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

There were rumors that Valencia may suffer a similar fate as Billy Butler -- with the A's releasing him before the end of the season -- but apparently the team has decided to keep Valencia around for the final few weeks. He is in the lineup Tuesday, batting third against Royals lefty Danny Duffy. Valencia has put together a .291/.347/.461 line this season, but he's been a major negative in the field and it seems likely he will be non-tendered or traded this winter.

Donaldson remains out of the lineup Tuesday against the Rays, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet reports.

Donaldson will sit for the second consecutive day, and manager John Gibbons indicated that the reigning MVP "jarred" his right hip during Sunday's game, leading to some minor discomfort. The Jays will again go with Darwin Barney at third base Tuesday, with the hope that Donaldson will be able to return to the lineup Wednesday afternoon.