MLB Player News

Rays third baseman Evan Longoria went 2 for 5 with an RBI double and a solo homer against the Marlins on Thursday.

Longoria's production this year has come in fits and starts, as he's had some nice hot streaks, but at the end of the year, his numbers are mediocre by third-base standards. But hey, he's closing things out on a high note, with five hits in the last three games.

Indians rookie third baseman Giovanny Urshela (shoulder) is back in the lineup Thursday against Minnesota.

The physical issue sidelined Urshela for nearly two weeks, but as Terry Francona noted Wednesday, he's now healthy enough to take the field.

Urshela has shined defensively since his promotion, but has struggled at the plate. He will be considered a risky Fantasy option in 2016, particularly since he has not locked up a starting job.

Royals third baseman Mike Moustakas went 1 for 4 with a two-run home run in a 5-3 win over the White Sox on Wednesday.

The home run came off lefty Jose Quintana, and that's a feat in itself for Moustakas. That's been the big change for Moustakas this season, as he has annually struggled against southpaws. This year however, he is batting .264 against lefties with a .456 SLG.

Twins shortstop Eduardo Escobar is out of the lineup for Game 1 of a doubleheader Wednesday against host Cleveland.

While Escobar will take the first game off, it seems likely he'll receive the start for the nightcap while others rest.

Indians third baseman Giovanny Urshela (shoulder) remains out of the lineup Tuesday against the Twins.

According to Jordan Bastian of MLB.com, the Indians remain undecided on what to do with Urshela, who is now set to miss his 11th straight start as a result of the shoulder injury. Technically, Urshela's not shut down, but manager Terry Francona will not return Urshela to action unless he receives the green light from the training staff.

Athletics infielder Danny Valencia (elbow) is in the lineup for Monday's game against the Angels, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Valencia will get the start Monday despite taking a pitch off the elbow the day before. He will bat cleanup against Angels starter Hector Santiago.

Indians infielder Jose Ramirez was scratched from Monday's lineup against the Twins.

Ramirez was initially slated to bat fifth and play third base, but Mike Aviles will assume the hot corner duties in the new lineup. It's unclear if the 23-year-old suffered a late setback, but the move may have been a reaction to a late pitching change by the Twins, switching from the right-handed Phil Hughes to southpaw Tommy Milone.

Twins third  baseman Trevor Plouffe (illness) is back in the lineup Monday against the Indians, LaVelle E. Neal of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Plouffe was held out of the lineup Sunday with an illness, but it was apparently not a major issue as he's back in the lineup Monday. He'll serve his usual third base duties and bat fifth.

Indians third baseman Giovanny Urshela (shoulder) is not in the lineup Monday against the Twins, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Urshela has been sidelined since Sept. 17 with a shoulder injury, and there is still no clear timetable for a return at this point. Jose Ramirez will continue to fill in at third base, batting fifth Monday.

Athletics third baseman Danny Valencia is considered day to day after taking a pitch off of the elbow Sunday, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports. 

Valencia was hit on the elbow pad by a pitch, causing him to leave the game after logging just one at-bat. X-rays returned negative and Valencia told reporters he's fine, but the team is considering him day to day nonetheless.