MLB Player News

Moustakas (thumb) went 0-for-3 in his return to the lineup Wednesday.

In a game that became very lopsided, Moustakas departed early in favor of Christian Colon. He'll get another day off Thursday before the Royals begin a weekend series in Cleveland on Friday evening.

Escobar is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Astros, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Escobar is sitting on a .245 batting average with only five extra-base hits and six RBI on the year. The greatest area for concern lies with his 22 strikeouts versus only five walks on the year. Even though he is known as a player that doesn't draw walks, he is not providing any pop or stolen bases (zero on the year) to the lineup either. Eduardo Nunez will start in Escobar's place on Wednesday, playing shortstop and batting ninth.

Alvarez is out of the lineup Wednesday against the Yankees, Jon Meoli of the Baltimore Sun reports.

Since April 16, Alvarez either has two or more hits or no hits in a game, watching his average jump from .167 to .208 over that span while picking up his first home run. Really only able to act as the designated hitter these days, Alvarez gives way to Nolan Reimold while Mark Trumbo slides over as the designated hitter.

Ramirez is out of the lineup Wednesday against the Tigers, Ryan Lewis of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

After making consecutive starts at third, the versatile Ramirez will get the day off in favor of Juan Uribe. Ramirez is hitting .292 while logging time at left field and third base. His versatility should keep him in the lineup most days, even as the 23-year-old continues to learn how to play left field.

Moustakas (thumb) is back in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Nationals.

After missing two straight games due to a swollen thumb, Moustakas will reclaim his usual spot at third base Wednesday and bat second in the order against Washington's Stephen Strasburg. Wednesday marks the first time Moustakas has faced Strasburg, but he has had some success against righties this season, belting six of his seven home runs against them.

Machado started at shortstop Tuesday and the Orioles are taking it one day at a time at the position while J.J. Hardy is on the DL, MASN Sports reports.

Machado is already one of the best players in the game no matter where he plays on the field. That said, his normal third base position is rather deep, with Josh Donaldson, Nolan Arenado and Kris Bryant at the fantasy position. If Machado earns shortstop eligibility, the flexibility could be very nice for his owners. Machado has logged five games at shortstop so far. Ryan Flaherty started at third base Tuesday and Machado figures to have a green light at shortstop unless he starts to make errors.

Moustakas is not in Tuesday's lineup due to a swollen thumb, Rustin Dodd of The Kansas City Star reports.

Moustakas' injury is only minor, according to manager Ned Yost, and there is a chance he could play Tuesday if needed even though he will not start. Moustakas should have a chance to return to action Wednesday, but he faces a quick turnaround with the Royals playing an early afternoon affair.

Plouffe is in the lineup Tuesday against the Astros, Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Plouffe was activated off the disabled list earlier in the day after dealing with a right intercostal strain, but it looks as though he's good to go. He'll man third base and bat fifth against Collin McHugh on Tuesday.

Moustakas is not in the lineup Tuesday against the Nationals, Josh Vernier of 610 Sports Radio reports.

It's a bit surprising, as this will be the second day in a row Moustakas takes a seat, and Tuesday's matchup comes against the right-handed Tanner Roark. There's no indication as of now that anything is wrong though, and Christian Colon will once again draw the start at the hot corner in his stead.

Ramirez is in the lineup and batting eighth for Tuesday's game against the Tigers.

Ramirez will make his second straight start at third base for the Indians, as Juan Uribe continues to struggle offensively. The 23-year-old has split time between third base and left field this season and is hitting an impressive .295/.328/.410 with seven RBI, eight runs, and one stolen base. If he continues to produce at the plate he should keep seeing fairly consistent playing time.