MLB Player News

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.

Third baseman Josh Donaldson lost his arbitration case with the Blue Jays and will receive $4.3 million in 2015, according to CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman.

Donaldson, heading into his first season in Toronto, was seeking $5.75 million while the Blue Jays were offering $4.3 million. Donaldson hit .255 with 29 home runs and 98 RBI in 2014 for the Athletics.

Blue Jays infielder Danny Valencia won his arbitration case Friday and will be paid a $1.675 million salary for the 2015 season, according to the Associated Press. The Blue Jays were offering $1.2 million.

The Blue Jays acquired Valencia in a July trade with the Royals. He hit .258 with four home runs, 16 doubles and 30 RBI in 86 games last season between Toronto and Kansas City.

Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos doesn't see the team adding a second baseman before the start of the regular season, but the team is still exploring options to add to the bullpen via trade or free agency, MLB.com reports.

"Second base, I don't expect anything to change between now and the time camp starts," Anthopoulos told reporters Thursday. "We had some things we worked on, we just couldn't get close. The bullpen, those are still open, both in trade and free agency."

The Blue Jays appear ready to address the second-base position with one of four internal candidates: Ryan Goins, Maicer Izturis, Steve Tolleson or Danny Valencia. Goins, Tolleson and Valencia all had between 150 and 200 at-bats with the Blue Jays last season, while Izturis racked up 365 at-bats with the team in 2013.

Though the team is exploring bullpen options, the Blue Jays may not necessarily add a high-profile closer, as Anthopoulos and manager John Gibbons expressed confidence that left-hander Brett Cecil or right-hander Aaron Sanchez could handle the role.

Orioles third baseman Manny Machado is progressing through his rehab and says he's "ready to roll" for the upcoming season.

"I have a lot of time to get ready. That is the key: having a regular offseason," Machado said Saturday. "Was doing my rehab in Sarasota and then went to Miami to do my regular weightlifting and get ready for the season. Been exciting. Looking forward to spring training."

Machado has taken part in baseball activities for the past few weeks since having surgery on Aug. 27 after tearing a ligament in his knee.

"It will be awesome," he said of the prospect of having a normal spring. "I'm dying to get back on the field. Spring training is key for a lot of players to get your at-bats and your reps. I think some take it for granted but it's a very big key for success for the year."

Machado hit .278 in 2014 with 12 home runs and 32 RBI for Baltimore.