MLB Player News

The Nationals kept third baseman Anthony Rendon out of Sunday's lineup at Pittsburgh, reports MASNsports.com.

He was replaced at third by Yunel Escobar, who will bat fourth. Rendon was recently activated from the disabled list after missing 25 games with a quad strain.

Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado left the game in the ninth inning of Saturday's loss after suffering what the team called a hand contusion. X-rays were negative, and Arenado's status is day-to-day. 

Arenado was hit by a pitch on his left hand in the seventh inning by Reds starter Johnny Cueto. Arenado was replaced before his at-bat in the ninth inning by Daniel Descalso. 

The All-Star is hitting .287 with 24 homers and 72 RBIs this season. 

Twins first baseman Joe Mauer isn't in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against the Yankees. 

Mauer has started 81 games at first this season, including the last 11. Trevor Plouffe moves across the diamond from third base to replace him, starting at first for the fifth time this year. 

Eduardo Escobar replaces Plouffe at third, starting there for the first time since June 3. 

Pirates first baseman Pedro Alvarez isn't in the starting lineup for Saturday's game. Alvarez has started 75 games at first base this year. 

Replacing him at first is Sean Rodriguez, who gets the call for the 12th time. 

The Nationals activated infielder Anthony Rendon from the 15-day disabled list, the team announced on Saturday. 

Rendon has been out the last 25 games with a quad strain. He returns from a minor league rehab assignment at Class A Potomac, where he hit .471.

To make room, the Nationals optioned pitcher Abel De Los Santos to Double-A Harrisburg. De los Santos had a 5.40 ERA in two relief appearances for Washington.  

Blue Jays left fielder Chris Colabello will get a start at first base in Saturday's game. 

Colabello gets his 12th start of the year at first base, and his second in the last four games. Danny Valencia takes his place in left field. 

Rockies second baseman DJ LeMahieu went 1 for 4 with a walk in Friday's win over Cincinnati. 

The single extended LeMahieu's hitting streak to 14 consecutive games, the longest current streak in MLB. 

LeMahieu is hitting .411 over the streak.

Twins third baseman Trevor Plouffe enjoyed a solid night at the plate in Friday's 10-1 victory over the Yankees. ploufe went 3 for 4 with a double and a solo home run while also scoring two runs.

The home run, his 14th of the year, put the Twins up 7-0 in the eighth inning. The three-hit effort gives Plouffe a .282 batting average and four home runs over his past 10 games.

Frst baseman Pedro Alvarez put the Pirates on the board first on Friday, as he launched a two-run home run in the second inning. The home run, his 14th of the year, came off the Nationals' Max Scherzer, and gave the Pirates an early 2-0 lead, en route to the 7-5 victory.

It was the only hit for Alvarez on the night, but he has homered in back-to-back contests amid recent trade speculation. Alvarez is just 4 for 22 over his last seven ballgames.

The Nationals could get two injured outfielder Jayson Werth and infielder Anthony Rendon back for the series with Miami that starts on Tuesday. 

"It's reasonable," manager Matt Williams said, per the Washington Post. "That could be an option if they feel good about the next two or three days."

Werth has been out since May 16 with a left wrist contusion. He's on the 60-day DL. Rendon has been out with June 25 with a left quad strain. Both are on minor league rehab assignment.