MLB Player News

Nationals infielder Anthony Rendon doubled three times Saturday against the Cubs. 

Rendon also walked and picked up his eighth steal during the game. He finished 3 for 4, with three runs and two RBI. Rendon is hitting .286 following the game. 

Orioles third baseman Manny Machado was reinstated from his five-game suspension Saturday, for the second game of a doubleheader against the Red Sox. He is expected back in the lineup for the second game. 

Rays third baseman Evan Longoria reached base five times Friday against the Tigers.

Longoria managed to double his first time up. In his second at-bat, Longoria belted a solo shot out to left field. He was hit by a pitch in the sixth, and walked his next two plate appearances. Longoria finished 2 for 2, with two runs scored and one RBI. He's hitting .265/.339/.405 over 343 at-bats.

Pirates third baseman Pedro Alvarez and first baseman Ike Davis are catching a break for the Friday game against Philadelphia starter Roberto Hernandez, who has been far stronger against left-handed batters this season.

Alvarez is 0 for 2 lifetime against Hernandez while Davis has yet to face him.

Athletics third baseman Josh Donaldson has returned to the lineup for the Friday game against Toronto after missing two games with back stiffness.

Donaldson hopes he can heat up at the plate. He has just one hit in his last 11 at-bats.

Matt Williams has explained the flip-flopping of Bryce Harper and Anthony Rendon in the lineup Friday for the Nationals against the Cubs. Harper was moved up from sixth to second after having complained about hitting down in the lineup.

"I think it's a question of trying to create a little bit with Bryce at the top of the lineup, especially against a righty," Williams told the Washington Post. "We've faced three lefties the last three games. I wanted to give him some opportunity to drive runs in and the same holds true for Anthony in that regard. Bryce at the top of the lineup against the right-handed pitcher, he can create some stuff."

It remains to be seen if the switch becomes permanent against both righties and lefties.

Athletics third baseman Josh Donaldson is dealing with back stiffness, according to CSN.

The injury explains why Donaldson is not in the team's starting lineup Thursday. Donaldson also missed Wednesday's game, but the team did not initially announce an injury. He will be re-evaluated Friday.

Donaldson is hitting .245/.325/.459 over 327 at-bats. 

Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado has been activated from the disabled list Thursday.

Arenado has been sidelined with a finger injury, but was expected back Thursday. Arenado is hitting .305/.333/.489 over 190 at-bats. 

Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado, who has been out since late May with a broken finger, is set to come off the disabled list Thursday against the Dodgers, according to The Denver Post. Arenado has hit .333 (6 for 18) with two doubles and three RBI in the first four games of a rehab assignment with Triple-A Colorado Springs.

Athletics third baseman Josh Donaldson is getting the afternoon off in Detroit. His has been replaced by Alberto Callaspo in the lineup.

Donaldson is hitless in his last two games. His .245 average is at its lowest point since April 14.