MLB Player News

Twins manager Paul Molitor marked infielder Eduardo Escobar as "an important part" of the team in 2014 and believes he will be the same this season, the Star Tribune reports.

"He was an important part of our team last year," Molitor said. "He will be this year, too."

Escobar delivered the best performance of his career in 2014, hitting .275/.315/.406 with six home runs and 37 RBI in 433 at-bats. However, he arrived at camp to learn he was in a competition for the shortstop role with last year's center fielder, Danny Santana. Breaking the news to Escobar was a delicate conversation for the manager.

"Obviously," Molitor said. "You’ve got a guy who came in and played every day for you last year, and then you’re thinking about doing something different. I’ve tried to explain it to him the best I could. His answers, at least for now, are, 'No problem. I understand.'"

Orioles third baseman Manny Machado is in the team's lineup Thursday after going 0-for-3 in his spring debut the previous day while playing in his first game since August, masnsports.com reports.

"It's great to be back out there, great to get it rolling. It's fun to go get some [at-bats] and make some plays," Machado said Wednesday. "I was just excited to be back on the field playing and trying to get back into that rhythm. It's going to take some time, but it's good we're out there playing and running around."

When asked about the last time he was this excited to play baseball, Machado said, "I can't remember. I guess the day before I got hurt, or the day I got hurt. It was just overall a great feeling to get back out there and get in the groove of things and get out there rolling. I'm excited to get out there and get my at-bats and get where I need to be."

Machado was limited to 82 games last season and underwent season-ending knee surgery for the second straight year. He's in the leadoff spot Thursday so that he can receive extra at-bats.

Orioles third baseman Manny Machado struggled with an 0-for-3 day at the plate in his first game since back from an elbow injury.

Manager Buck Showalter was happy Machado finally got on the field, according to MASN.com.

"Manny needs to play in some games. He's tired of all the work. You think of all the work he's done since he was able to start going on the field after the surgery and you think about the last time he got to play a lot," Showalter said. "We'll try to get as many reps for him as we can, because physically it's not a challenge for him. He's in good shape."

Twins third baseman Trevor Plouffe returned to workouts Monday after missing two days due to an illness, according to the Pioneer Press.

Plouffe said he made it through Monday's workout without any issue and believes he will be back to full speed Tuesday.

Twins infielder Trevor Plouffe missed the team's workout on Saturday with an illness. 

Plouffe showed up for the morning meetings, and then the team sent him home. 

Blue Jays manager John Gibbons hinted that Danny Valencia and Chris Colabello will see some time at left field this spring, according to Sportsnet.ca. Toronto is hoping to fill a void at left field after the team announced Thursday that Michael Saunders will be sidelined until July with a torn meniscus in his left knee.

In his career, Valencia played left field in only five games in the minors. Colabello has logged 30 career games in the majors at left field.

Rays third baseman Evan Longoria gave a vote of confidence to new manager Kevin Cash on Tuesday, according to the Tampa Bay Times. 

"I just think there comes a time when it's just the right time for somebody new," Longoria said. While that may come off as an indictment of former manager Joe Maddon, Longoria stressed that is not the case. "That's no knock on Joe. Obviously he did so many great things for the franchise and so many great things for me as a player. But I guess all good things come to an end at some point."

Having Cash around should inject some excitement into the team, according to Longoria. "I think it's a great time for Kevin to be able to step in and kind of experience the sense of newness with a lot of people. And the guys who have been here are excited for what he's going to bring."

The 29-year-old hit .253/.320/.404 over 624 at-bats last year. 

Orioles third baseman Manny Machado, who was limited to 82 games last season due to injury, is expected to see a lot of playing time during spring training, per MLB.com. Machado is coming off season-ending knee surgery for a second straight year.

“I’ll take as many [at-bats] as I can get,” Machado said. “I haven’t played in a long time. As much as I can get, I’ll take it. I’m pumped for spring. I’m pumped to play some games. I want to get out there and play as much as I can. If I need to go on extra road trip games, I’ll go. If I have to stay back, I’ll stay back. No matter what, I’m just excited to play.”

Machado said he hasn't had any setbacks in his recovery from knee surgery and remains hopeful of being ready by opening day.

“I think everything has been going smooth, knock on wood,” Machado said. “Everything’s been going good. I’ve just got to keep my strength up. I’ve got two brand new knees now, so it’s just time to go out there and play and keep do what I’ve been doing, stay on it.”

Blue Jays manager John Gibbons confirmed Monday veteran Edwin Encarnacion will remain the starting first baseman. However, Gibbons added the 32-year-old slugger will get some games at DH to help avoid any issues with his back.

Gibbons also said Justin Smoak, Danny Valencia and Dioner Navarro are the top candidates for playing time at DH.

Orioles manager Buck Showalter told MLB Network Radio on Wednesday third baseman Manny Machado and starting pitcher Dylan Bundy will not be limited "at all" in spring training.

Machado is coming off August knee surgery, while Bunday made nine starts in the minors in 2014 returning from Tommy John surgery. Although, he pitched just 41 1/3 innings last year.