MLB Player News

Donaldson went 2-for-4 with a pair of solo homers in Wednesday's win over Houston.

While Donaldson's going to have a tough time matching last year's 123 RBI, he's actually outdoing himself anyway -- he's a strong bet for a second straight 40-homer campaign and has lifted his OPS by nearly 60 points from last season, pushing the 1.000 mark. Last season was no mirage -- at 30 years old, he's one of the game's top hitters, and he's actually only getting better.

Arenado went 2-for-3 with his 27th homer, a walk, three RBI and three runs against the Dodgers on Wednesday.

He was lifted for a pinch hitter late with the game well in hand, or Arenado could have added even more to that sparkling line. He's now tied injured teammate Trevor Story for the National League lead in homers with 27, and his 82 RBI are good enough to lead the senior circuit. Considering how much contact Arenado makes and how thunderous it tends to be, it's stunning that he's been such a low-BABIP hitter (.272 this year, .287 in his career) despite playing in Coors Field for half his games. At some point in future seasons, more hits are going to start falling in for Arenado, and he's going to start contending for Triple Crown.

LeMahieu went 3-for-4 with a homer, a walk, two RBI and two runs against the Dodgers on Wednesday.

Fantasy owners who ignored the veteran second baseman in drafts this season have to be regretting it, as he's now hitting a spicy .324 with an .865 OPS -- both career highs. The homer (his seventh of the season) also established a new career mark for LeMahieu, although fantasy owners who were counting on him to steal bases have been rewarded with only nine. Still, that's quite forgivable, considering the guy has a legitimate shot at scoring 100 runs this year.

Valencia is out of the lineup against the Angels on Wednesday.

Valencia will be out of the lineup for the fourth time in the past six games. Max Muncy will get the start in right field for the A's on Wednesday, with Yonder Alonso at first and Ryon Healy at third.

Duffy (Achilles) is aiming to be activated from the DL by the end of next week, the Tampa Bay Times' Marc Topkin reports.

He has resumed his rehab assignment with High-A Charlotte after coming over to Tampa Bay in the Matt Moore trade, but will not be ready join his new team until late next week. Duffy, who will be asked to play some shortstop with the Rays, said he will embrace the position change. It would make sense for the Rays to play him all over the field, kind of like they did with Ben Zobrist back in the day, which should add some positional eligibility to his profile in the coming weeks.

Bregman is out of the lineup Wednesday against the Blue Jays, MLB.com's Brian McTaggart reports.

Bregman, who wasted no time assaulting opposing pitchers upon arriving at Double-A and Triple-A, has found the feat harder to duplicate against big league pitching. He is 1-for-32 to start his career, so it's understandable that the Astros will give him a day to clear his head. Marwin Gonzalez will man third base and hit second Wednesday.

Duffy (Achilles) will resume his rehab assignment Thursday with High-A Charlotte, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Duffy hasn't played a big league game since June 19 but appears to be close to finally making his return. The 25-year-old will likely play a few more rehab games at various levels before making his Rays debut. Duffy has been highly effective against southpaws this season, hitting .290 with two home runs and five RBI in 69 at-bats and could see time at all four infield positions once he is healthy.

Alvarez is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Rangers.

Alvarez will take the night off while Mark Trumbo takes over the DH role and Steve Pearce slides into right field. The 29-year-old has been hot as of late, going 8-for-19 with three home runs, four RBI and four runs scored over the last five games.

Peterson is not in the starting lineup for the Braves on Wednesday.

Peterson will get the day off as Gordon Beckham leads off and plays second base for the Braves. The 26-year-old has played well in the leadoff spot for Atlanta over his last 10 games, hitting .286 with eight walks in 35 at-bats. Expect Peterson back in the lineup Thursday as the Braves face Ryan Vogelsong and the Pirates.

Devers, 19, is batting .273/.333/.438 with nine home runs, 50 RBI and 11 steals through 98 games for High-A Salem.

Considering Devers hit below the Mendoza Line for the first two months of the season, his .273 average is a testament to just how hot he has been recently. The stolen bases are also a surprising development and would only add to his value in long-term keeper leagues. Devers had eight career steals coming into this season.