MLB Player News

Rendon went 3-for-4 with two home runs, five RBI and three runs in Tuesday's 10-1 win over the Mariners.

When Rendon decides to have a game, he really has a game. Tuesday's explosion marked the second time in less than a month that he has put up a multi-homer effort with at least five RBI. The production hasn't been coming consistently for the Nationals' third baseman, though. He hadn't hit a home run or notched an RBI in his last 11 games (46 plate appearances) prior to Tuesday. However, the last time Rendon filled up the box score like this, he hit .333 and drove in eight runs over his next six games, so maybe a similar hot streak is in his future.

Manager John Gibbons expects Donaldson (calf) to return to the lineup sometime over the weekend against the Rangers, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

The Blue Jays have been fairly optimistic with most of their return dates thus far, so it's worth being a bit leery about this news. However, Donaldson did begin a rehab assignment Monday night and didn't experience a setback, so a Friday return doesn't seem to be out of the question at the moment. More details on this front should come forth as Toronto's weekend series nears.

Valencia (wrist) was a late scratch from Tuesday's lineup, Shannon Drayer of 710 ESPN Seattle reports.

Valencia was originally slotted in as the first baseman for the Mariners' game against the Nationals, but it seems like his wrist may still be bothering him. Consider him day-to-day for now. Taylor Motter will move into the lineup to replace him.

Valencia (wrist) is back in the lineup Tuesday against the Nationals, batting sixth and playing first base, Shannon Drayer of 710 ESPN Seattle reports.

Valencia missed the past two games due to a sore wrist, but after an MRI revealed that there was no structural damage, the Mariners will slot him right back into his normal spot in the lineup. However, the 32-year-old has been in a slump at the plate as of late, picking up just three hits in the past seven games.

Suarez is not in the lineup Tuesday against the Indians.

Suarez will head to the bench for just the second time in May as Carlos Carrasco toes the rubber for the Indians. The 25-year-old is off to a healthy start to the season, slashing .297/.374/.544 with nine homers across 158 at-bats (43 games). Scooter Gennett will draw the start at third base in his stead.

Chapman, who's a superior defensive third baseman but is hitting just .238 over 28 games with Triple-A Nashville, could be called up later this season if Trevor Plouffe is eventually traded to a contender, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports. "He's a Gold Glove defender," an AL scout said. "He has that Nolan Arenado-Manny Machado skill set."

The 24-year-old is clearly still finding his way at the plate, so the Athletics would ideally like for him to continue his development with the Sounds for the duration of 2017. Chapman has smacked nine home runs and 16 RBI over 28 games, but he's also sporting an unsightly 31.1 percent strikeout rate over 119 plate appearances. However, despite his need for further seasoning, he would be a likely call-up this summer if Plouffe is dealt to a contender.

Duffy (heel) isn't progressing as quickly as the Rays anticipated and is hoping to resume a rehab assignment next week, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Duffy kicked off his rehab assignment with High-A Charlotte on May 9, but suffered a setback over the weekend after fouling a ball off his foot during batting practice. Though the Rays don't believe the issue will delay Duffy for a significant time, the team will give the infielder a few more days for the soreness to subside. With Brad Miller (abdomen) recently joining Duffy on the disabled list, the Rays will rely on Daniel Robertson and Tim Beckham on an everyday basis in the middle infield.

Donaldson (calf) went 0-for-2 in his first rehab appearance Monday for High-A Dunedin, Mike Wilner of Sportsnet 590 The Fan reports.

Donaldson has no official timetable for a return to the Blue Jays, who have missed the perennial MVP candidate since he went down in mid-April. Expect him to need a couple more rehab games at Dunedin, but it's possible that he could be back in uniform for Toronto by the end of the week.

Valencia's recent MRI on his wrist confirmed there were no broken bones and he'll therefore avoid the disabled list, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

The veteran originally injured the wrist on a slide in Friday's game against the White Sox, and the discomfort was sufficient to keep him out of the lineup over the weekend. He officially remains day-to-day, but per Bob Dutton of The News Tribune, he'll be on anti-inflammatory medication for the next two days and could return Wednesday.

Machado (hand) is playing third base and batting third Monday against the Twins.

It appears Machado isn't dealing with any lingering soreness after taking a pitch off his hand during Sunday's contest. X-rays early Monday morning came back clean, so Machado should be comfortably deployed in all formats. The 24-year-old, who is slashing .221/.312/.442 with 10 homers and 24 RBI this season (163 at-bats), will face Kyle Gibson and the Twins in Monday's contest.