MLB Player News

Twins manager Paul Molitor suggested after Sunday's game that Plouffe has been playing at less than 100 percent recently, ESPN reports.

In all likelihood Plouffe is still bothered a bit by the intercostal strain that landed him on the DL for the last couple of weeks in April, but Molitor didn't go into specifics on what exactly is ailing the third baseman. Minnesota doesn't get another break in their schedule until May 26, so after sitting out Sunday's game, don't be surprised if Plouffe receives a couple more days off in the meantime.

Donaldson was ejected from Sunday's game at Texas for his involvement in a bench-clearing brawl, Stefan Stevenson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

The eighth-inning brawl was precipitated by Matt Bush plunking Jose Bautista, who proceeded to take out Rougned Odor in an attempt to break up a double play at second base. After some posturing, Odor clocked Bautista with a closed right fist, and the dance of the Blue Jays and Rangers was in full force. Although it's unclear what role Donaldson played in the ensuing action, he could be subject to a suspension once MLB examines the tape.

Longoria went 2-for-4 with a double in Saturday's 6-0 victory over the A's.

The veteran third baseman now has a three-game hitting streak, with a double in each of those contests as well. Longoria is having a slightly better May than April, as he's slashing a respectable .262/.347/.524 line over 42 at-bats during the month.

Alvarez will start at third base and bat seventh Sunday against the Tigers.

It's the second straight start at the keystone for Alvarez, who has been utilized primarily as a designated hitter this season. The 29-year-old's subpar defense could make him susceptible to getting replaced by Ryan Flaherty late in contests, but Alvarez's considerable pop may be enough for him to earn semi-frequent starts at third base while Manny Machado moves over to fill in at shortstop for J.J. Hardy (foot), who remains on the DL.

Plouffe is out of the lineup Sunday against the Indians, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

It looks to be just a routine day off for Plouffe, who returned from the DL earlier this month with a rib injury. Since rejoining the Twins, Plouffe is batting .229 with one homer and three RBI in 35 at-bats. Miguel Sano will cover third base in Plouffe's stead Sunday.

Valencia (hamstring) went 2-for-4 with two solo homers in Friday's 6-3 victory over the Rays.

The veteran third baseman returned to the lineup in fine fashion after missing the last two games of the series versus the Red Sox due to his hamstring ailment. The performance continued a streak of hot hitting for Valencia, who's now hit safely in four straight games. The effort also marked the first time that the 31-year-old had gone deep all season, and brings his 2016 line to .323/.362/.462 over 65 at-bats.

Ramirez, who is starting at third base and hitting fifth Saturday, could be in line for a short-term bump in playing time with Michael Brantley (shoulder) landing on the 15-day DL.

Rajai Davis is starting in left field Saturday, but when Ramirez is not starting at third base, he should be the go-to option in left while Brantley is out. He's not much of a power hitter, but his position flexibility, strong hit tool, and advantageous placement in the Indians lineup makes him a valuable player in many formats.

Bregman will start at third base for Double-A Corpus Christi on Friday, the Houston Chronicle reports.

This is certainly an interesting development, as third base has been a black hole for the major league team and Bregman has been raking with the Double-A affiliate to this point (.311/.414/.662, 10:7 BB:K) while playing exclusively at shortstop. General manager Jeff Luhnow declined to say how often Bregman will play third moving forward, but he did gush some about the 22-year-old on Friday. "[Bregman's] been terrific," Luhnow said. "He's exceeded my expectations, which were high, for him this season, and I think he's put himself into consideration to quite frankly maybe help our club this year."

Moustakas (thumb) was able to take dry swings and play catch Thursday, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.

Thursday marked a big step in the right direction for Moustakas as he was able to resume baseball activities for the first time since being placed on the disabled list with a fractured thumb. His initial timetable as of May 7 was a 2-3 week absence, and the fact that he's already playing catch and taking dry swings suggests that he's on track to return in that time frame. The next step in the recovery process for Moustakas will likely be taking live batting practice.

Ramirez (hand) is back in the lineup for Friday's game against the Twins.

A hit by pitch Wednesday gave Ramirez a bit of a scare, but X-rays were negative and it seems the bruising has diminished enough to where Ramirez can give it a go. Ramirez is still not playing quite every day, but he's been hot to begin the 2016 campaign and figures to be in the lineup more often than not for the foreseeable future.