MLB Player News

Valencia (hamstring) ran 12 30-yard sprints Thursday, and is also hitting off a pitching machine, Joe Stiglich of CSN California reports.

It was reported earlier in the week that Valencia was hitting off a tee and generally progressing well, and it seems he's successfully ramped up his activity in recent days. Valencia figures to ultimately head out on a short rehab assignment, before returning to the major league roster possibly as soon as May 6.

Plouffe (intercostal strain) will begin a rehab assignment with High-A Fort Myers on Saturday, Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

This is in line with the last report on Plouffe's status, as he continues to target a May 3 return to the Twins. He will play seven innings at third base Saturday and nine innings at third base Sunday, at which point the next step will be determined.

Machado went 2-for-5 with a walk, grand slam, career-high five RBI and three runs in Thursday's 10-2 shellacking of the White Sox.

After starting the season on a 16-game hitting streak, Machado went hitless (0-for-17) in his next four games. He got back on track Thursday by blasting his team-leading seventh homer of the year and raising his batting average to .333. His slash line of .333/.389/.678 is well above the 23-year-old's career averages, but growth is to be expected from the young superstar who has been held back by injuries early in his career.

Ramirez will start at third and bat seventh against the Twins on Wednesday.

Ramirez has been playing a decent amount in the early stages of the season, switching between third base and left field for the Indians. In 13 games this season, he has batted .296 with seven RBI while hitting .333 against right-handers. With Juan Uribe out of the lineup, Ramirez will make the start at third base for Wednesday's game.

Escobar is out of the lineup Wednesday against the Indians.

Escobar is fairly firmly ensconced as the team's starting shortstop; however, Eduardo Nunez's incredible start has forced his way into the lineup. On Wednesday, Escobar is the odd man out to make way for Nunez for the third time this season. Escobar is hitting .230 on the season, but has just one hit in his last 17 at-bats.

Alvarez is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Rays, Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports reports.

After a wretched start to the season, Alvarez has back-to-back multi-hit games, raising his average up to .186. Despite his recent run of success, he'll draw out of the lineup Wednesday in favor of Nolan Reimold.

Plouffe (intercostal strain) is expected to head out on a rehab assignment this weekend, Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

It seems the plan is for Plouffe to play two or three games with a minor league affiliate to knock the rust off, with an eye toward returning May 3 when first eligible. Plouffe landed on the DL earlier this month with an intercostal strain, leaving Eduardo Nunez and Miguel Sano to handle duties at the hot corner. The 29-year-old Plouffe went 12-for-43 with four doubles and two homers in his first 12 games.

Valencia (hamstring) hit off a tee Monday and appears to be progressing well, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

This is good to hear considering not much was known about Valencia's rehab to this point. There's still not a definitive timetable for the third baseman's return, but the A's are hopeful that they can limit his stay on the disabled list to 15 days. If Valencia can continue progressing well like he has so far, that may be a very reasonable goal.

Donaldson will serve as the DH and bat second against the White Sox on Tuesday, Brendan Kennedy of the Toronto Star reports.

Donaldson was hit by a pitch over the weekend that has left him with a bruised thigh, so he'll be relegated to DH duties for the second straight game. Given that he's been able to stay in the lineup, it doesn't appear to be a major concern but it may keep him out of the field for the time being.

Plouffe (intercostal strain) is doing well in his recovery and could be ready to return from the DL when he's first eligible May 3 against Houston, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com

According to LaVelle Neal of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, Plouffe hit from a tee Monday and was on the field for pregame workouts. Once Plouffe returns, the Twins will have to jettison another position player from the 25-man roster.