MLB Player News

Semien went 2-for-4 with a run in a 2-1 win over the Mariners on Sunday.

Semien and Jed Lowrie had the only multi-hit outings for the Athletics in the pitchers' duel. The 27-year-old has only one home run through his first 15 games, but he's been a consistent force at the plate in April; factoring in Sunday's production, he's now reached safely in all 13 games during the month.

Altuve had one of the Astros' three hits in Sunday's 3-1 extra-inning loss to the Rangers.

It was a frustrating night for the entire Houston lineup, which was the object of Bartolo Colon's perfect game through seven innings. Altuve eventually got on base in the ninth via a single, the 21st base hit of the season for the AL's reigning MVP and MLB's batting champion in 2017. He has at least one hit in 14 of 16 games played while reaching base safely in 15, supporting a .344 batting average and .406 on-base percentage to open the 2018 season.

Motter went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Sunday's loss to the Athletics.

It was just Motter's third start of the season, and the home run was only the second hit on the year for the 28-year-old. Motter punished Triple-A pitchers last year to the tune of a .350/.427/.640 slash line at Tacoma, but his bat has yet to catch up in the big leagues. Until Ryon Healy (ankle) returns, Motter should continue seeing the occasional opportunity at first base.

Merrifield is starting in center field and hitting second Saturday against the Angels, 610 Sports Radio Kansas City reports.

He already has one start in right field, so it's possible he will gain outfield eligibility in some formats this season. Ryan Goins is starting at second base in this game, so if manager Ned Yost prefers this arrangement, it could become a regular setup. Given Merrifield's speed, he could be a more valuable defender in the outfield. He is hitting .255 (.308 BABIP) with zero home runs and one steal on two attempts in 52 plate appearances.

Andrus (elbow) was placed on the 10-day disabled list Friday.

In a corresponding move, the Rangers recalled Ronald Guzman from Triple-A Round Rock. This was merely a housekeeping move as Andrus is expected to miss 6-8 weeks with a fractured right elbow.

Andrus won't need surgery for his fractured right elbow but will still be sidelined for 6-to-8 weeks with the injury.

Andrus was diagnosed with an olecranon fracture of the elbow after being hit by a pitch during Wednesday's game. Though it was a positive development in the fact that Andrus won't require surgery, his timetable means that he likely won't return to action until the end of May. The Rangers will officially place him on the disabled list and make a corresponding move prior to Friday's game against Houston. In his place, expect Jurickson Profar and Isiah Kiner-Falefa to see regular playing time in the middle of the infield.

Semien went 2-for-5 with a walk, a double, three runs scored and four RBI in Wednesday's 16-6 rout of the Dodgers.

The shortstop now has a nine-game hitting streak and has reached base safely in all 13 games this season, but it's been by the skin of his teeth -- this was Semien's first multi-hit game since Opening Day, and his .268/.323/.393 line and 29 percent strikeout rate aren't ideal for a leadoff hitter. He's been productive so far, but there's still plenty of room for improvement, and if the 27-year-old falls into a slump, Franklin Barreto is on the bench and ready to step in.

Manager Jeff Banister said an X-ray on Andrus' elbow revealed a fracture, Levi Weaver of The Athletic Dallas reports.

Andrus suffered the injury after being hit by a pitch on his elbow during Wednesday's loss to the Angels. This is another brutal blow for the Rangers, who also lost second baseman Rougned Odor to a hamstring injury earlier in the week. Andrus will obviously be sent for additional testing in the coming days, but early indications are that he'll be forced to spend some time on the disabled list. More should be known once he's further evaluated Thursday. Assuming he misses extended time, Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Jurickson Profar would likely hold down the middle of the Rangers' infield.

Initial x-rays on Andrus's right elbow show a fracture, T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com reports. He's slated for more exams on Thursday.

Ugh, things keep getting worse for the Rangers. Not only did they get swept at home by the Angels, but they appear to have lost their middle-infield combo to injuries on successive days.

Andrus exited Wednesday's game against the Angels after being hit by a pitch on his right forearm, Levi Weaver of The Athletic Dallas reports.

Andrus immediately went to the ground and was in some noticeable pain afterwards. He was subsequently replaced by Isiah Kiner-Falefa. The severity of the issue remains unclear at this point, but more should be known once he undergoes some tests during the Rangers' off day Thursday.