MLB Player News

Franklin went 2-for-4 with a run in Monday's loss to the Red Sox, making him 5-for-9 in the two starts since a return from the seven-day DL.

The 25-year-old continued producing despite his spot in the latter portion of the order and has his season line up to .311/.376/.538 after Monday's performance. Franklin continues to also provide the Rays with valuable versatility in the field, having put in time at both first and second base, as well left and right field, this season.

Polanco went 2-for-4 with a double in Monday's loss to the Indians.

The infielder has swung the bat well since returning to the Twins in late July. Polanco now has seven hits over his last seven games, good enough to bring his average for the season to .292. The 23-year-old should continue to get looks while swinging the bat well for Minnesota.

Giavotella cleared waivers Sunday and has been outrighted to Triple-A Salt Lake.

Giavotella was designated for assignment on Saturday, but went unclaimed through the team's waivers and is no longer a member of the team's 40-man roster. The team intends to evaluate a couple other options at second base, but that doesn't rule out a return to the majors for Giavotella at some point.

Altuve went 1-for-4 with a two-run homer Sunday against the Rays.

Altuve has been on an RBI tear, as he's driven in 25 runs this month to give him 87 on the year. The superstar is enjoying a career-year, as he's slashing .355/.415/.565.

Franklin went 3-for-5 with a solo homer Sunday against the Astros.

Franklin has left the yard four times over his last 28 at-bats and he's now slugging .539 in 107 at-bats on the year. The four-year veteran has been a career part-timer, but he currently has a career-high .304 batting average.

Kemp is out of the lineup Sunday against the Rays, marking the seventh straight contest he's been limited to bench duties.

After Carlos Gomez was designated for assignment early in the month, Kemp had been seeing a steady amount of work in left field, but he wasn't really able to seize the opportunity. He's only gone 8-for-34 (.235 average) with no extra-base hits on the month, and with no starts in the past week, it's hard to justify rostering him in most formats. The Astros now appear content to proceed with Marwin Gonzalez and Teoscar Hernandez as their primary options in left field.

Forsythe is out of the lineup Sunday against the Astros, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Forsythe will receive what appears to be a regular maintenance day after starting every day of the week since Monday. In his stead, Nick Franklin will draw the start at the keystone.

Franklin (concussion) has been activated from the seven-day DL and rejoined the Rays in Houston after a strong performance in a Friday night rehab start for High-A Charlotte, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The 25-year-old utility man went 3-for-4 for the Stone Crabs in his lone rehab start on Friday night, logging time at both second base and left field. He is not in Saturday's starting lineup, but Franklin will presumably be available for pinch-hit duty at a minimum after his brief stint on the sidelines. Reliever Tyler Sturdevant was optioned back to Triple-A Durham in a corresponding move.

Franklin (concussion) is scheduled to take the field with High-A Charlotte on Friday before joining the Rays in Houston on Saturday, Roger Mooney of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The 25-year-old did some light work without setbacks earlier in the week, so Friday's game will serve the purpose of insuring he's ready for game action before he rejoins the big league club. Franklin has been somewhat of an offensive spark plug for the Rays this season, slashing .292/.364/.510 over 96 at-bats while serving as a valued utility presence in the field.

The A's activated Semien from the paternity list Friday.

Semien is back with the A's after being away from the team for three days to be with his wife and newborn son. Expect him to resume his role as Oakland's everyday shortstop moving forward.