MLB Player News

Twins third baseman Trevor Plouffe is making good on his preseason claim that he would focus on driving in more runs this season.

Plouffe has 13 RBI in 20 games, which puts him on a 105-RBI pace for the year. He has remained steady throughout and has embarked on a hot streak in which he has six hits in 17 at-bats with five runs scored over the last four games.

The 27-year-old Plouffe has also grown more patient at the plate. He is on pace to exceed 100 walks - quite remarkable considering his career high is 37.

Orioles third baseman Manny Machado will begin a rehab assignment with high Class A Frederick Friday, MLB.com reports.

Machado played in an extended spring training game Monday as he continues to work his way back from a knee injury. He could be back on the field with the Orioles in the first few weeks of May.

Orioles third baseman Manny Machado (knee) could begin a rehab assignment by the end of the week, which could mean he makes his season debut in the first half of May, according to FOX Sports.

Orioles third baseman Manny Machado (knee) went 0 for 5 with a sac fly in an extended spring game Monday, per MASNsports.com. Machado is slated to play nine innings and serve as the DH Tuesday.

"I'm getting closer," Machado said.

Rays third baseman Evan Longoria made his presence felt at the plate on Saturday, launching his second home run of the season in his team's 16-1 win over the Yankees.

Longoria took New York starter Ivan Nova deep for a two-run home run in the third inning. He drove in a run on sacrifice fly in the fifth inning and slapped an RBI single in the sixth. He finished 2 for 3 with two runs scored and four RBI. In 18 games, he is hitting .348 with two homers and 10 RBI in 66 at-bats.

Orioles third baseman Manny Machado is off Sunday, according to MLB.com.

Machado's day off was scheduled as part of his rehab. He will return to the field Monday and play seven innings. He's working his way back from a knee injury.

Orioles third baseman Manny Machado was able to get through an extended spring game Saturday, according to MASN.

Machado had four at-bats during the contest. He hit a double and a single, but also struck out once. His other at-bat ended in a fielder's choice. Machado played five innings. He plans to play Sunday as well. Machado is working his way back from knee surgery.

Orioles third baseman Manny Machado could begin a minor league rehab assignment next week, according to MLB.com.

Buck Showalter said, however, that it will likely not begin until some point after the team begins a series in Toronto next Tuesday.

Machado has been sidelined since sustaining a serious knee injury at the end of last season.

Orioles third baseman Manny Machado is scheduled to start sliding on Friday, the first time since having knee surgery, MASN Sports reports. He will then begin playing approximately 3-5 extended spring training games before starting a minor-league rehab assignment.

Machado already has 17 at-bats in simulated games during his recovery and is expected to need the full 20 days on his minor-league rehab assignment, according to the report.

Twins infielder Trevor Plouffe drove in two runs Thursday against the Blue Jays.

Plouffe finished with just one hit, but made it count. He hit a run-scoring single in the bottom of the fifth. In the bottom of the sixth, he managed to drive in another run on a sacrifice fly. Plouffe finished the game 1 for 4, with one run scored and two RBI. He struck out in two of his other three at-bats.