MLB Player News

Semien went 3-for-4 with a triple and three RBI in Tuesday's game against the Brewers.

The fourth-year shortstop entered the game on a four-game hitless streak, but that came to an end with his second three-hit performance of the season. Semien is a fine player stuck in the thick of a bad lineup, thus his fantasy value is somewhat limited beyond his control. He's slashing .238/.305/.430 through 235 at-bats this season.

The Rays plan to have Motter play the outfield more often in the absence of Mike Mahtook (fractured hand), according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times

Mostly an outfielder during his minor league career, Motter has played all over the diamond for Tampa, logging at least two games at each of the following positions: shortstop, second base, third base, left field and right field. The versatility helps, but with a .196 batting average through 56 at-bats, Motter hasn't been getting much playing time in recent weeks. He started just one of Tampa Bay's last 10 games, but he should see more at-bats now that Mike Mahtook (fractured hand) is on the disabled list while Steve Pearce (hamstring) remains day-to-day. Tampa is awfully thin in the outfield.

Franklin was recalled from Triple-A Durham on Tuesday, MLB.com's Bill Chastain reports.

Franklin spent five days with the Rays earlier this month, but he's otherwise been at Triple-A Durham all season, posting a .247/.316/.388 slash line in 247 plate appearances. According to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, the Rays want some added infield depth so that Taylor Motter can spend more time in the outfield. Franklin is unlikely to get more than a start or two per week.

Giavotella went 1-for-2 with a home run in a loss to the Astros on Monday.

Giavotella didn't start the contest Monday, but was able to hit his fourth home run in the last seven games after coming on as a defensive replacement in the bottom of the seventh. It would be quite surprising if the man with a .108 career ISO can continue to produce at this level, but Giavotella does have three stolen bases and a .278 batting average, making him worth a look in deeper leagues.

Altuve hit his 11th home run in a 2-for-5 game with two runs scored Monday against the Angels.

June has been the hottest month for Altuve yet, as he's hitting a robust .394 with five extra-base hits (two home runs) and a slick 10:6 BB:K in 18 games this month. The performance pushed Altuve's batting line for the season up to .343/.423/.545, all three of which would be career highs.

Petit hit his second home run of the season, a grand slam, in Monday's loss to the Astros.

Petit continues to make the most of the chance he is getting with Andrelton Simmons injured. Although he has a rough 7:25 BB:K, he now has two home runs and 10 doubles to give him a sharp .446 slugging percentage. As long as he hits for this kind of power, the Angels will have to find a spot for him in the infield just to keep his bat in the lineup. He has 15 career starts at third base and 21 at second base, versatility that will only help his case.

Giavotella is not in the lineup for Monday's matchup with the Astros, Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register reports.

Giavotella will sit while Gregario Petit gets the start at second base and bats ninth. The second baseman is on an eight game hitting streak, but he'll rest while righty Doug Fister starts on the mound. Giovatella has struck out three times and gotten one hit in his 10 career at-bats against Fister, so this will be a good day for him to get some rest.

Forsythe went 2-for-5 with a run scored and a stolen base in Sunday's loss to the Giants.

He's now hitting .286 (12-for-42) in nine games since coming off the DL while scoring six runs from the leadoff spot in Tampa's order. The steal was his fourth of the year, and after swiping nine in 2015 he's got a shot at the first double-digit campaign of his career.

Merrifield went 3-for-5 with a walk, four RBI and a run against the Tigers on Saturday.

Merrifield's four RBI were a career high for the rookie second baseman. He's riding a seven-game hitting streak in which he's amassed five multi-hit performances while raising his average 17 points. Through his first 115 MLB at-bats, the 27-year-old is slashing .339/.356/.469.

Marte will bat leadoff Friday against the Red Sox.

The 22-year-old will be atop the order for a third straight game with the Mariners set to face their third straight opposing left-hander in Roenis Elias. Marte has hit safely in seven of nine games since his return from the DL, adding three stolen bases. He's hit at the bottom of the lineup against right-handers.