MLB Player News

Moustakas is out of the lineup Sunday against the Angels.

Moustakas has started six games in a row, so it was likely time for a routine maintenance day. Cheslor Cuthbert will man the hot corner in his stead.

Ramirez went 4-for-4 with two home runs, a walk, three runs and six RBI Saturday against the Tigers.

Ramirez blasted a three-run homer in the first inning, but it was his second three-run blast in the eighth inning that put the game out of reach for the Indians in a winning effort. After a bit of a slow start to begin the season, he's now collected nine hits over his last three games to raise his batting average to .341, and he's quickly resembling the breakout player we saw in 2016.

Arenado went 3-for-5 with a double and a solo homer Saturday against the Giants.

Arenado's fourth blast of the season came in the first inning and would be all the run support the team would need in a shutout victory.

Peterson is not in the lineup Saturday against the Padres, Kevin McAlpin of 680 The Fan reports.

Peterson has been manning left field for the Braves while Matt Kemp (hamstring) remains on the disabled list, though he'll take a seat in favor of Chase d'Arnaud with southpaw Clayton Richard taking the mound.

Plouffe is manning third base and batting second for Saturday's game against the Astros.

Manager Bob Melvin is trying to shake things up in a struggling A's lineup and Plouffe's three-game hitting streak appears to have warranted a chance for more at-bats. The veteran third baseman still has a .194 average to begin the season, a statistic that should continue to improve with time.

Asche is batting fifth and starting at first base Saturday against the Twins.

It will be his first career start at first base and allows Jose Abreu to get a day off from playing in the field as he shifts to the DH. Asche has two hits and eight strikeouts in 20 at-bats this season, but continues to receive plenty of opportunities in the starting lineup as the season gets underway.

Plouffe went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in a 7-2 loss to the Astros on Friday.

The veteran third baseman launched his first home run of the season in the ninth, a modest bright spot in an otherwise dismal game -- and start to the season -- for the offseason acquisition. Plouffe went down on strikes in his three other at-bats Friday, and even with the round-tripper, his batting average is just .194.

Escobar is starting at second base and batting sixth Saturday against the White Sox.

Escobar will fill in for Brian Dozier, who is out with mild knee soreness. The switch-hitter is 4-for-14 in limited playing time this season and just 4-for-23 against White Sox starter Jose Quintana. Nevertheless, the unexpected playing time provides Escobar a nice opportunity to get some exposure.

Rendon went 2-for-5 with a double and an RBI in Friday's extra-inning win over the Phillies.

He's off to a slow start, slashing .171/.216/.200 through nine games, but Rendon looked to be getting his swing in order Friday, tying the game in the seventh inning with a blast off the scoreboard that likely would have carried for a homer in warmer weather. As long as he stays healthy -- never a guarantee with the 26-year-old -- he should quickly rack up more extra-base hits and boost that OPS.

Hayes is slashing .280/.357/.440 through six games with High-A Bradenton.

The top prospect's season was cut short last year due to a broken rib incurred during a rehab stint, but he seems to be back to his past self in the early-going of 2017. Hayes already has two triples, six runs and four RBI in just 25 at-bats, so he seems to be doing his best to warrant a trip up to Double-A Altoona before the end of the season.