MLB Player News

Kemp went 1-for-3 with a triple, two RBI, a run, two walks and two strikeouts Friday against Oakland.

Since debuting with the Astros on May 18, Kemp has been in the lineup often against right-handed starters. Friday marked the first time he's hit higher than ninth in the order (he hit eighth), and it appears as though Kemp will continue to see chances to play at least on a semi-regular basis despite the recent activation of Carlos Gomez from the disabled list.

Semien went 1-for-3 with home run, a walk and a strikeout Friday against Houston.

Semien has hit safely in five of the past six games, and he's also had two multi-hit games over that span. The 25-year-old shortstop has hit .273 with a .485 SLG over the past 10 games, offering steady value from the middle infield.

Barreto, 20, is batting .239/.290/.363 with five home runs, 20 RBI and 13 steals through 51 games at Double-A Midland.

Barreto's average has gone down while his strikeouts have gone up this season. His lack of patience at the dish is more noticeable when he's not hitting .300, as he did the previous two years in the minors. While Barreto remains among the younger players at this level, he has now had essentially two whole months of mediocrity.

Forsythe (shoulder) is up to taking swings off tossed balls in his rehab process, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

It was another step in what has been a productive rehab week for Forsythe, who'd managed to hit off a tee for the first time Tuesday. The latest development occurred Thursday afternoon, keeping the second baseman on track for a mid-June return from the DL.

Giavotella is out of the lineup for Tuesday's matchup with the Tigers, Pedro Moura of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Giavotella will sit out in favor of Cliff Pennington batting seventh and getting the start at shortstop. Giavotella has gotten at least one hit in his last five games, so it looks like this is just a routine rest day.

Forsythe is progressing in his rehab, and is aiming for a mid-June return, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Forsythe took some swings off a tee again Tuesday, and was able to take groundballs and practice turning double plays. There has been no word on when he may start a rehab assignment, but he will need to take batting practice then live BP before heading out to an affiliate.

Motter is out of the lineup for Tuesday's matchup with the Royals, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Motter will sit out in favor of Brad Miller starting at shortstop. He's gotten just on hit in his last 11 at bats, but has drawn four walks in that time as well. Miller will bat second against right-hander Dillon Gee. This continues the trend of Motter usually seeing starts against left-handed pitchers only.

Marte (thumb) will start his rehab assignment Tuesday with Triple-A Tacoma, Bob Dutton of the Tacoma News Tribune reports.

Marte suffered a thumb sprain May 21 after he appeared to jam his hand while stealing a base against the Reds. The 22-year-old will return to game action with Tacoma on Tuesday and stay with the minor league club through Saturday. It appears that Seattle will then activate Marte next Monday assuming there are no setbacks during his five game rehab stint.

Forsythe (shoulder) hit off a tee for the first time in his rehab, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The Rays' second baseman reached the milestone in his rehab Monday, just over two weeks after landing on the DL on May 14. A mid-June return remains the goal for Forsythe, who was slashing .308/.398/.523 over 107 at-bats before being hit in the left shoulder by a Felix Hernandez pitch on May 10.

Semien went 1-for-3 with a double and an RBI against Minnesota Monday.

Semien ranks second in the team with 23 RBI. He's his safely in six of the last nine games, but his average over that span is a paltry .206. It's no secret he needs to produce a bit more at the plate, although at least he's doing better in May (.236) when compared to his struggles during April (.205).