MLB Player News

Ramirez was named AL Player of the Week on Monday after going 16-for-31 (.516) with three home runs, seven RBI and a stolen base for the week of June 18.

The 24-year-old has raised his average from .265 to .320 over the team's last 22 contests. Among AL third basemen, Ramirez headed into Tuesday's games ranked first in hits (81), doubles (23), runs (44), average (.318), slugging percentage (.561) and steals (seven). He's now on pace to blast 25 home runs and 50-plus doubles while scoring over 100 runs this year.

Chapman (knee) is not in the lineup Wednesday against the Astros, Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Chapman will remain on the bench for a third straight contest as he continues to recover from a knee infection. It appears the top prospect is improving thanks to a steady dose of antibiotics, so he'll hopefully be able to return to the lineup in the coming days. While Chapman remains day-to-day, Ryon Healy will draw another start in his place at the hot corner.

Senzel was promoted to Double-A Pensacola on Wednesday, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

The first-round draft pick (2016) continued to mash in his first taste of the High-A level this season, batting .302 while lashing out 32 extra-base hits and driving home 31 runs. Senzel will now get the opportunity to strut his stuff at the next level, where he'll continue his development as one of the organization's top prospects. His progression likely has him on track for a MLB debut sometime later in the 2018 season.

Reynolds was optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas on Wednesday.

The 26-year-old infielder had been recalled on June 16 but only logged four plate appearances in that span. With Zack Wheeler (biceps) landing on the disabled list, the Mets opted to add more bullpen depth rather than keep another bench bat around, so Reynolds will head back to the minors to make room on the active roster for reliever Erik Goeddel. Reynolds will likely continue to shuttle between the two levels as needed for the reminder of the season.

Escobar (undisclosed) is in the lineup Wednesday against the White Sox, batting second and playing third base, Brandon Warne of ZoneCoverage.com reports.

Escobar was removed from Tuesday's contest due to an apparent injury, but it seems to not be a hindrance to the utility infielder any longer. The 28-year-old has been scorching hot as of late as his 1.318 OPS over the past 14 games suggests, so it's great news that he'll be able to continue playing without an injury holding him back. He doesn't seem to have a set spot in the Twins' lineup, but manager Paul Molitor seems intent on keeping his bat in the lineup in some capacity for most game while he's knocking the cover off the ball.

Plouffe will start at third base and bat fifth Wednesday against the Reds, Bill Chastain of MLB.com reports.

The Rays have wasted no time in seeing what Plouffe can do after acquiring him from the Athletics over the weekend. He'll make his third straight start Wednesday, with his entry into the lineup coming at the expense of Colby Rasmus (hip), who has yet to see the field during the series. At the very least, Plouffe looks to see regular at-bats against left-handed pitching, but he'll need to show more improvement upon his .184/.243/.346 season-long line against right-handers to secure a full-time role.

Rendon (neck) will start at third base and bat cleanup Wednesday against the Marlins, Dan Kolko of MASN Sports reports.

Much to the relief of fantasy owners, Rendon only ended up missing one game due to the neck stinger he sustained early in Monday's contest. The Nationals have an off day Thursday, so if Rendon's injury was truly a serious concern, it's likely the team would have held him out of the lineup in the series finale. With Rendon seemingly at full strength, Stephen Drew, who filled in admirably for the third baseman with five hits and four RBI the last two games, will settle back into a bench role.

Longoria is out of the lineup Wednesday against the Reds, Bill Chastain of MLB.com reports.

Manager Kevin Cash will take advantage of the Rays' open date in the schedule Thursday to give Longoria two full days of rest after the franchise cornerstone started the last 46 games at either third base or designated hitter. With Longoria sitting, the newly acquired Trevor Plouffe will cover the hot corner and bat fifth.

Machado went 4-for-4 with a double, two home runs, three runs scored and four RBI in Tuesday's 6-5 win over Cleveland.

He'd been hitting just .189 (7-for-37) over his prior 10 games, so Tuesday's offensive explosion was a welcome sight for fantasy GMs who might be losing patience with the superstar's relatively slow start to the campaign. Despite a .753 OPS that would be his lowest in four seasons if he can't improve on it, Machado still has 15 homers and 36 RBI, putting him on pace for his third straight season with at least 35 HR and 80 RBI.

Escobar exited Tuesday's game against the White Sox in the seventh inning, Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Escobar was 1-for-3 at the plate with a walk and run scored before he was eventually replaced in the field by Ehire Adrianza during the seventh inning. The reason for Escobar's early departure is currently unknown.