MLB Player News

Rivera will start at second base Thursday against the Cubs.

With Scooter Gennett (oblique) landing on the disabled list Thursday, it's important to note that Rivera is starting over switch-hitter Colin Walsh against right-hander Jake Arrieta, as manager Craig Counsell made a couple other moves that placed left-handers into key spots in the batting order. Counsell has not confirmed his plans for the keystone in Gennett's absence, but Thursday's lineup makes Rivera the early favorite to be the regular second baseman until Gennett returns.

Ramirez will start at third and bat seventh against the Twins on Wednesday.

Ramirez has been playing a decent amount in the early stages of the season, switching between third base and left field for the Indians. In 13 games this season, he has batted .296 with seven RBI while hitting .333 against right-handers. With Juan Uribe out of the lineup, Ramirez will make the start at third base for Wednesday's game.

Escobar is out of the lineup Wednesday against the Indians.

Escobar is fairly firmly ensconced as the team's starting shortstop; however, Eduardo Nunez's incredible start has forced his way into the lineup. On Wednesday, Escobar is the odd man out to make way for Nunez for the third time this season. Escobar is hitting .230 on the season, but has just one hit in his last 17 at-bats.

Alvarez is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Rays, Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports reports.

After a wretched start to the season, Alvarez has back-to-back multi-hit games, raising his average up to .186. Despite his recent run of success, he'll draw out of the lineup Wednesday in favor of Nolan Reimold.

Peterson is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Red Sox.

Peterson sat out Tuesday with left-hander David Price on the hill for Boston, but the 25-year-old will take a seat despite right-hander Steven Wright taking the ball for the Red Sox Wednesday. Jeff Francoeur will slot into left field in his stead.

Candelario went 2-for-3 with a double, home run, and six RBI for Double-A Tennessee on Tuesday.

Candelario is off to a slow start - he's only slashing .217/.345/.377 in 69 at-bats for the Smokies - but Tuesday's explosion was certainly a step in the right direction. He has a respectable 14:16 BB:K this year as well. He's blocked at the major league level by Kris Bryant, but he's a decent prospect who could be part of a deal to fill whatever hole the Cubs need as the season goes along.

Plouffe (intercostal strain) is expected to head out on a rehab assignment this weekend, Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

It seems the plan is for Plouffe to play two or three games with a minor league affiliate to knock the rust off, with an eye toward returning May 3 when first eligible. Plouffe landed on the DL earlier this month with an intercostal strain, leaving Eduardo Nunez and Miguel Sano to handle duties at the hot corner. The 29-year-old Plouffe went 12-for-43 with four doubles and two homers in his first 12 games.

Valencia (hamstring) hit off a tee Monday and appears to be progressing well, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

This is good to hear considering not much was known about Valencia's rehab to this point. There's still not a definitive timetable for the third baseman's return, but the A's are hopeful that they can limit his stay on the disabled list to 15 days. If Valencia can continue progressing well like he has so far, that may be a very reasonable goal.

Donaldson will serve as the DH and bat second against the White Sox on Tuesday, Brendan Kennedy of the Toronto Star reports.

Donaldson was hit by a pitch over the weekend that has left him with a bruised thigh, so he'll be relegated to DH duties for the second straight game. Given that he's been able to stay in the lineup, it doesn't appear to be a major concern but it may keep him out of the field for the time being.

Peterson is out of the lineup Tuesday against the Red Sox.

Peterson will once again take a seat against a left-handed pitcher, as he has all season, as the Red Sox send out David Price on Tuesday. Jeff Francoeur will get the start in left field in his stead and bat fifth.