MLB Player News

Plouffe (groin) remains out of the lineup Saturday but will take swings and groundballs on the field prior to the game, Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Plouffe continues to nurse a groin injury, but the Twins received good news Saturday morning when he passed a running test. He'll progress to taking swings in the batting cage in addition to fielding work with his eye on a return to the lineup within the next few days, potentially as early as Sunday. At this point, it appears Plouffe will avoid a stint on the DL.

Machado (suspension) went 2-for-4 with a solo homer and two runs in Friday's 6-3 victory over the Rays.

The young slugger celebrated his return to the field in fine fashion, extending his hitting streak to four games while launching his third homer in his last eight contests. Despite having to serve the four-game suspension, Machado is enjoying a stellar month overall, slashing .329/.359/.616 over 73 at-bats.

Donaldson (neck) is in the lineup Friday, batting second and playing third base.

The reigning MVP was dealing with some neck stiffness on Toronto's getaway day Wednesday, but he was able to play through it and he'll remain in the lineup Friday. Donaldson will draw a matchup with lefty Carlos Rodon on Friday. Although Donaldson has never faced Rodon, he has an excellent track record against southpaws as evidenced by his .545 slugging percentage against them this season.

Machado (suspension) is back in the lineup for Friday's game against the Rays.

After serving his four-game suspension this week, Machado will return to his post at the hot corner for Friday's series opener against the Rays. He'll bat third in the order against Matt Moore, a lefty he's struggled to figure out thus far in his career. Machado owns a 3-for-19 lifetime mark against Moore entering Friday.

Plouffe (groin) is not in Friday's lineup against the Yankees, Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Plouffe left Thursday's contest against the Phillies with a mild right groin strain after hobbling off the field during a ground out. He may miss some time but is hopeful that he will not have to go on the disabled list. For Friday's game against the Yankees, Eduardo Nunez will start at third base.

Peterson is in the lineup against the Mets on Thursday.

Peterson will be leading off and manning the keystone against Matt Harvey and the Mets. The 26-year-old is 21-for-82 on the year, with one home run and 10 RBI for the Braves.

Plouffe (groin) is hopeful he'll be able to avoid landing on the DL, LaVelle E. Neal III of the Star Tribune reports.

Plouffe left Thursday's tilt early with a right groin strain and had difficulty walking off the field, but he reported feeling better after the game. At this point it appears as though it's simply a day-to-day situation, but it wouldn't be a surprise if the 30-year-old misses some time. Eduardo Escobar figures to draw the starts at the hot corner if Plouffe is absent from the lineup going forward.

Plouffe was lifted early from Thursday's game with a mild right groin strain, LaVelle E. Neal III of the Star Tribune reports.

Plouffe left the field hobbling after a sixth inning ground out, though it appears as though he avoided anything overly serious. He's considered day-to-day for the time being, but should Plouffe be forced to miss any time, a combination of Eduardo Nunez -- who came into the game in his place Thursday -- and Eduardo Escobar figure to fill in at third base.

Plouffe went 3-for-4 with a double, two runs and an RBI Wednesday against the Phillies.

Plouffe drove in the first run of the game with a first-inning RBI single before scoring the eventual game-winning run in the seventh inning. This was the first time he's posted multiple hits in back-to-back games in over a month, and he's now slashing .254/.277/.386.

Suarez went 2-for-4 with a three-run homer and his fifth steal Wednesday against the Rangers.

Of course, this being Suarez, he also struck out for the 79th time in 70 games. It's nice to see the slugging shortstop come out with a big game -- and he now has more homers this year than he did in 97 games last season -- but those strikeouts have been murder on his batting average. He's a good fastball hitter, but breaking balls have been awful tough on Suarez this year. That said, he's also been unlucky with a .273 BABIP despite improvements in his line-drive and hard-hit rates, and there aren't many shortstop-eligible players on pace to legitimately threaten 30 homers.