MLB Player News

White Sox third baseman Gordon Beckham didn't start Sunday but entered the game in the eighth inning as a defensive replacement and doubled in his only at-bat in his team's 9-1 loss to the Tigers.

Beckham has seen just three starts this season but has played well in limited time, going 5 for 13 with a home run and three RBI. With starting third baseman Conor Gillaspie failing to get things going offensively over the first two weeks, it's possible Beckham could carve out some more playing time if he continues to perform at the plate.

Angels second baseman Johnny Giavotella is in the midst of a four-game hitting streak that has boosted his season line to .314/.359/.371 in 35 at-bats.

Batting in the No. 9 spot in six straight games over the last week, the second baseman has been able to find some offense, going 7 for 19 with two doubles, three RBI and three runs. He's rewarded manager Mike Scioscia's decision to give him the starting job over Josh Rutledge before the season so far.

After opening the season with a 10-game on-base streak, Rays infielder Logan Forsythe has been kept off the basepaths for two straight. 

Forsythe is hitless in his last five at bats, which has dropped his average to .262.

Forsythe has walked five times this season and had a six-game hitting streak. He's played three infield positions and has changed positions mid-game seven times already this season.  

Rays second baseman Nick Franklin and first baseman James Loney both fielded ground balls prior to Saturday's game against the Yankees. Franklin and Loney, who are both dealing with an oblique issue, will still require minor-league rehab games before they're activated form the disabled list.

One general manager, who has interest in acquiring Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus, indicates it is going to be difficult for the Rangers to trade Andrus now, according to CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman. 

While the Rangers have infield depth in the minors, it is mostly at the lower levels. Also, Jurickson Profar missing a second straight season due to shoulder problems is also making it difficult for Texas to part ways with Andrus, who is under contract through 2022.

Astros second baseman Jose Altuve has had plenty of success offensively in his MLB career, as evidence by his 2014 AL batting crown and his career .302 batting average.

However, one pitcher Altuve hasn't been able to solve has been Angels starting pitcher Jered Weaver, who will be on the mound Friday to open a three-game series against Houston.

Altuve is batting .188 (3 for 16) in his career against Weaver. All three of his hits are singles and he has no RBI or walks. He also has three strikeouts.

Altuve is carrying a six-game hitting streak into Friday's matchup. He is batting .357 (10 for 28) with one double, one home run and three RBI in that span.

Rays manager Kevin Cash said Wednesday that infielder Nick Franklin (oblique) is not ready to begin a rehab assignment, the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Franklin has been able to take part in batting practice, but he has yet to play in a game since being placed on the disabled list before the beginning of the season.

Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus went deep for his first home run of the season, snapping the longest active streak in the majors without a home run (481 at-bats) during Tuesday's contest against the Angels.

Andrus took Jose Alvarez deep for a solo home run in the sixth inning for his first home run since May 21, 2015. He added a single and finished 2 for 4 with two runs scored, a stolen base and an RBI in an 8-2 victory. He is hitting .184 (7 for 38) with a home run and four RBI in nine games.

Rays left fielder Brandon Guyer is leading off Tuesday as the team uses an all-rightly lineup against the Blue Jays and left-handed starter Daniel Norris.

The Rays actually have eight righties and one switch hitter in the lineup, loading up against the rookie southpaw. Guyer is just 2 for 11 this season but hit .297/.366/.396 in 111 at-bats against lefties in 2014.

In addition to Guyer, the Rays have Logan Forsythe at second base, Rene Rivera at first base, Tim Beckham at shortstop and Bobby Wilson at catcher in the final four spots of the lineup.

The Rays are underdogs (+135) against the Blue Jays Tuesday.

Athletics third baseman Brett Lawrie, short stop Marcus Semien and designated hitter Billy Butler all collected their first home runs of the season during Monday's 8-1 win over the Astros.

"One through nine, you never know what can happen, any given day," Lawrie said, per MLB.com. "We've been stringing hits together, and when you can do that you can be loose and just play and not worry too much. You know someone's going to pick you up. It's good to know anyone who gets in the box can do some damage."

All three home runs came of pitcher Scott Feldman. The home runs were the only hits for Lawrie and Butler, with Semien going 2 for 4.