MLB Player News

Giavotella is out of the lineup Sunday against the Athletics, Pedro Moura of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Giavotella had been a pest for the Athletics in the first three games of the series, going 6-for-14 with a run and an RBI. It's likely the Angels are just giving Giavotella the day off for rest following a long stretch of starts on consecutive days.

Altuve went 4-for-5 with two doubles, a three-run homer and three runs Saturday at the Royals.

Altuve's 13th homer of the year was part of a seven-run second inning that helped the Astros to a big road victory. He's now homered four of his last six games to raise his slash line to .348/.427/.567.

The Astros optioned Kemp to Triple-A Fresno following Friday's game.

Kemp posted a respectable .753 OPS in limited action this month, but he was taken off the big league roster to open up a roster spot for A.J. Reed, who will be promoted to the majors Saturday. With Kemp holding his own in his first go-around at the top level, there is a good chance he rejoins the Astros at some point later this summer.

Dubon has been promoted to Double-A Portland, SoxProspects.com's Chris Hatfield reports.

One of a handful of intriguing middle infielders in a stacked Red Sox system, Dubon has thrived at High-A, hitting .306 while going 24-for-28 on stolen-base attempts and posting a 25:33 K:BB in 278 plate appearances. There is no sign that he will ever hit for much power (he has one home run in 124 career games at High-A), but his defense, hit tool and speed should allow him to be a serviceable big leaguer down the road.

Marte had three hits Tuesday, including his 13th double of the season, backing up a four-hit night Monday.

Marte, who doubled twice Monday, ranks third among AL shortstops in doubles. He also has 17 multi-hit games (7th). He has eight stolen bases, though he doesn't run that often -- five of those steals came in a three-game span in early June. Marte makes good contact but needs to walk more (3.5 percent walk rate), which would help his .310 OBP and give him more opportunities for stolen bases. He usually leads off against left-handers despite a .288 OBP vs. southpaws with two walks in 80 plate appearances.

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.