MLB Player News

Valencia (wrist) is out of the lineup for the second straight game Sunday.

After getting scratched from Saturday's lineup, Valencia will spend another day on the bench with a scheduled day off coming Monday. In his place, Taylor Motter will once again man first base.

Moustakas is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Blue Jays, 610 Sports Radio Kansas City reports.

Moustakas has started each of the Royals' 21 games in June, so manager Ned Yost has decided to give the slugging third baseman the day off. Cheslor Cuthbert will draw the start in his stead.

Suarez is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Nationals.

Hitless in his previous three contests, Suarez will be granted the day off against Tanner Roark and the Nationals. Patrick Kivlehan takes over at third base, batting sixth.

Asuaje started at second and batted second Saturday, going 2-for-3 with a double and a run scored in a win over the Tigers.

The 25-year-old has started two consecutive games since being recalled from the minors, and he appears to be taking over at the keystone for the Padres while Yangervis Solarte (oblique) recovers on the disabled list. Asuaje didn't offer much power or speed during his 62-game stint with Triple-A El Paso, but if he can carry over his ability to get on base (.369 OBP) to the majors, then there is some potential for run production if he continues to bat second in the lineup.

Ramirez went 1-for-4 with a solo homer Saturday against the Twins.

Ramirez slammed his 12th home run of the season to put the Indians on the board in the fourth inning of a home loss. The fifth-year veteran is enjoying a breakout season, and his .319/.373/.564 slash line is making him an exceptional draft-day value selection.

Valencia was scratched from Saturday's lineup with a sore wrist, Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times reports.

Taylor Motter will take over at first base and bat eighth in his stead. Valencia missed three games with a wrist injury earlier this season, and it seems to still be giving him some problems, though the team may simply be exercising precautionary measures. The veteran infielder has had a hot month at the plate, hitting .316 with 20 RBI over 79 at-bats.

Longoria went 2-for-4 with a solo homer Saturday against the Orioles.

Longoria connected on his 11th bomb of the year to tie the game at three in the third inning. Despite hitting in the middle of the Rays lineup, Longoria's .428 slugging percentage has made him a disappointing fantasy player this season.

Robinson was recalled from Triple-A Round Rock on Saturday.

Robinson slashed .273/.380/.524 in 58 games with Triple-A Round Rock this season before being promoted. His stay could prove to be brief with Cole Hamels (oblique) expecting to come off the disabled list to start Monday's contest against the Indians.

Valencia went 4-for-5 with a two-run single and two runs in Friday's 13-3 win over the Astros.

The 32-year-old has reached safely in eight of his last nine plate appearances across the last two games, although all six of his hits over that span have been singles. However, the surge has helped push Valencia to his best monthly line of the season, as he's now slashing .316/.364/.456 with three home runs and an impressive 20 RBI in June. Since opening May with a .181 average, Valencia has produced a .311/.364/.458 line and a .352 wOBA across the subsequent 47 games.

Devers is expected to start at third base for Double-A Portland about five times per week, according to Boston president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski, Tim Britton of the Providence Journal reports.

The question of playing time became an issue after the Red Sox promoted third baseman Michael Chavis to Portland this week, but he'll spend the majority of his time at designated hitter for the time being. Devers will remain in Portland for now after Boston inked MLB veteran Jhonny Peralta to a minor-league deal. Peralta will play third base for Triple-A Pawtucket to serve as organizational depth at a position which Boston has been among the worst in MLB. Dombrowski admitted that it was "probably not an opportune time" to promote Devers. There's been speculation about Devers reaching Boston this season, but that's not imminent.