MLB Player News

Twins third baseman Trevor Plouffe (calf) began a rehab assignment Monday night with Triple-A Rochester. Playing in a game against Toledo that featured Austin Jackson of the Tigers, Plouffe went 0 for 3 with a walk and a run scored. 

Starting as the designated hitter, Plouffe also struck out as the No. 6 hitter. He has not played for the Twins since May 21 but hopes to rejoin the club when he's eligible June 13.

Athletics third baseman Josh Donaldson has started all but one of 65 games this season. Manager Bob Melvin said it's been tough to take Donaldson out of the lineup.

"You can't give him a day off; he doesn't want one," Melvin said. "I keep going to him to ask if he needs a break, and he just says no."

Donaldson has earned the right to play every day by producing a .324/.521/.914 slash line through 64 games.

"I don't want days off and I don't need days off," Donaldson said. "Bob has come to me a few times now asked about me taking a day off, but I've said I'd rather not."

Rays third baseman Evan Longoria made his fourth start at DH Sunday against the Orioles, finishing 2 for 4 with one double. Longoria is batting .333 (4 for 12) with one RBI, three walks, three doubles and four runs as a DH this season.

Since having his career-best 16-game hit streak end May 24, Longoria is batting .227 (15 for 66) with one triple, one home run, four doubles and seven RBI in his last 16 games. His batting average has gone from .335 to .306 in that span.

Twins third baseman Trevor Plouffe, on the disabled list with a calf injury, is scheduled to start his minor-league rehab assignment Monday with Triple-A Rochester, according to the St. Paul Pioneer Press.

Plouffe has not played since May 21 but hopes to rejoin the club once he's eligible June 13.

Athletics infielder Josh Donaldson only had one good swing Friday against the White Sox, but he made it count. Donaldson accounted for the entirety of the team's offense in a 4-3 win, with a sixth-inning grand slam.

Donaldson finished the game 1 for 4 with four RBI. He has 41 RBI in just 231 at-bats this season after putting up 33 in 274 at-bats a year ago. 

Athletics third baseman Josh Donaldson went 3 for 4 in a win Wednesday over Milwaukee.

Donaldson scored a run and mustered 2 RBI on the three singles. He continues to find his way on base. His slash line us up to a tremendous .332/.402/.529.

Orioles third baseman Danny Valencia hit his third home run in just nine games in Tuesday's win over Houston.

Valencia has been all power so far. He has been on base just eight times in 29 plate appearances (.276 OBP) but five of those eight have been via doubles or home runs. He's slugging a robust .643.

Athletics third baseman Josh Donaldson picked up two hits on Monday during a blowout win at Milwaukee. Donaldson singled twice and drove in a run.

He went 2 for 5 and now has 35 RBI on the year to go with his .321 average. Donaldson has recorded multiple hits in six of his last 10 games.

Twins third baseman Trevor Plouffe told MLB.com Sunday his calf is feeling better and hopes to return once he's eligible on June 13.

Plouffe was placed back on the disabled list after getting hurt while running sprints prior to Wednesday's game against the Brewers. It was the same day he was activated from the seven-day concussion DL. Plouffe, who has not played since May 22, is expected to go on a minor-league rehab assignment before returning to the Twins.

The Rangers have promoted infielder Mike Olt to Triple-A Round Rock, according to Fox Sports Southwest.

Olt returned from the disabled list Friday due to an issue with his vision. He hit .333 (4 for 12) in his first three games back from the DL. He had a .139 batting average with one home run and six RBI in 20 games played at Triple-A earlier this season.