MLB Player News

The Pirates moved third baseman Pedro Alvarez down in the lineup Friday, with manager Clint Hurdle citing disappointment in Alvarez production out of the leadoff spot so far.

"The production hasn't matched up with the opportunities," Hurdle told MLB.com.

Though Alvarez has 24 RBI on the season, the majority (15) have come on his eight home runs. He has left 100 runners on base in the season. Alvarez's struggles in the cleanup spot are not limited to this season, as he is a .250 hitter for his career as a No. 6 hitter, compared to just .192 at No. 4. 

Brewers shortstop and leadoff hitter Jean Segura didn't do enough to help his team win at Atlanta on Thursday, but he did plenty. He doubled, singled twice, scored twice and stole his ninth base of the season.

Segura singled and scored in the first, then doubled and scored in the third. He has lifted his batting average from .240 to .262 since May 4.

Nationals third baseman Anthony Rendon was not in the team's starting lineup Wednesday against the Reds.

Rendon received a normal day of rest. Kevin Frandsen got the start at third in his place. Rendon has slumped badly in May, and it may just be a mental day off for the 23-year-old. Rendon is hitting .267/.315/.444 in 180 at-bats.

Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado snapped out of his slump with a three-hit game Tuesday, but it was the last that really made an impact in a 5-4 win over the Giants.

Arenado went 3 for 5 in the game with two RBI, both of which came on his last swing of the game. He drove in the tying and winning runs in the ninth inning, on a walkoff double.

Arenado got his batting average back to .300, after it had fallen below for the first time Sunday. He is hitting .301/.327/.486 in 183 at-bats on the season. 

Phillies third baseman Cody Asche could move to the outfield next season, according to Foxsports.com.

The team is discussing the move internally. If Asche were to move to a corner spot, it would allow prospect Maikel Franco to take over the starting role at third base. Asche is hitting .259 over 108 at-bats.

Cubs third baseman Mike Olt clubbed another home run Sunday against the Brewers. 

Olt picked up just one hit during the contest, but made it count. Olt led off the fourth inning against Brewers pitcher Marco Estrada. On the third pitch of the at-bat, he hit an 88 mph fastball out to left center for the solo shot. Olt finished the game 1 for 4, with one run scored and one RBI. 

Phillies third baseman Cody Asche came up big at the plate during Sunday's home win over the Reds.

Asche broke the game open with a three-run home run off reliever Manny Parra in the seventh inning. He added a single and finished 2 for 4 with one run scored and three RBI in an 8-3 victory. He has seven hits in his last 12 at-bats, raising his batting average from .219 to .259 on the season. He has four homers and 18 RBI in 108 at-bats.

Cubs third baseman Mike Olt has returned to the team's starting lineup Saturday.

Olt was held out of Friday's game in favor of Luis Valbuena. He did appear as a pinch-hitter, but did not reach base. Olt will hit seventh against the Brewers Saturday. He's hitting .179, but has eight home runs.

Rockies infielder Nolan Arenado was ejected from Friday's game against the Padres for arguing balls and strikes.

Arenado was tossed after he struck out looking in the eighth inning, capping off an 0-for-4 game.   

Brewers shortstop Jean Segura's bat came to life Friday, in a 4-3 win over the Cubs.

Segura had his first three-hit game since April 5, and his first was the biggest. He drove in two runs with a second-inning single, runs that would prove to provide the game-winning margin. He finished the game 3 for 5 with two RBI and one run scored.

Segura got off to a slow start and has struggled to find consistency, but is now hitting .288 in the month of May.