MLB Player News

The Rangers are willing to listen to offers for any of their players, according to FoxSports.com.

The club has been said to be seeking a bat since there is a possibility they will lose outfielder Nelson Cruz to a Biogenesis suspension. The team is reportedly willing to listen on shortstop Elvis Andrus, who signed an eight-year, $120 million extension recently. It's unclear whether the Rangers are just testing the market for their players, or if they are seriously considering trading away key contributors. 

Sources said the Royals, who are looking for upgrades at second base and in right field, have held discussions about White Sox second baseman Gordon Beckham, Brewers second baseman Rickie Weeks and Angels second baseman Howie Kendrick, according to CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Danny Knobler.

However, there was no indication Tuesday the Royals were close to a deal for either player.

Mariners second baseman Nick Franklin enjoyed a productive day at the dish as he homered twice Sunday against the Mariners.

Franklin unleashed a three-run blast in the fourth inning and a solo shot in seventh. He finished 3 for 4 with two runs scored and four RBI in a 6-4 win. He is hitting .277 with 10 homers and 32 RBI in 195 at-bats.

Royals second baseman Johnny Giavotella has not played at Triple-A since Tuesday due to a hip injury. Giavotella was demoted to Triple-A Omaha last week after hitting .206 in 34 at-bats in the majors. He is scheduled to undergo an MRI on Monday, Omaha.com reports. 

Mariners second baseman Nick Franklin has hit safely in six of his last nine games heading into Sunday's game against the Twins. Franklin is batting .263 (10 for 38) with two doubles, two home runs and nine RBI in his last nine games.

Franklin is batting .228 with 30 strikeouts in 20 July games. However, he's managed three doubles, four home runs and 13 RBI.

Astros second baseman Jose Altuve, who left Saturday's game against the Blue Jays with left quad tightness, could not start in Sunday's game in Toronto. Altuve is day to day. 

Altuve, who will hope to return to action Tuesday at Baltimore, is batting .280 for the year with four homers and 32 RBI. He has also stolen 25 bases. 

Padres third baseman Chase Headley, outfielder Carlos Quentin and closer Huston Street are all likely to stay put as the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline nears, according to CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman. However, there is major interest for Padres setup man Luke Gregerson.

The Tigers are known to have interest in Gregerson, while 2-3 more teams are said to be in heavy pursuit of the right-handed reliever. Gregerson isn't a free agent until after the 2015 season.

Gregerson isn't the only Padres' player being discussed in trade talks. Heyman reports starting pitcher Edinson Volquez, reliever Joe Thatcher, outfielders Chris Denorfia, Will Venable and Kyle Blanks, as well as infielder Logan Forsythe are drawing interest.

Astros second baseman Jose Altuve had to leave Saturday's game at Toronto after three at-bats with left quad tightness, MLB.com reports.

Altuve went 1 for 3 in the game with a run scored before leaving. His hit was a single and he's batting .280 on the year.

Houston's best hitter has four homers, 32 RBI and 25 stolen bases on the season. He's considered day to day.

White Sox second baseman Gordon Beckham returned to the starting lineup Friday night against the Royals.

Beckham endured a quiet night at the plate as he finished 0 for 3 with a walk in a 5-1 defeat. He has been held without a hit in his lasts even at-bats. He is hitting .320 with two homers and 13 RBI in 169 at-bats.

White Sox second baseman Gordon Beckham is back in Friday's lineup after missing five games with wrist soreness, MLB.com reports. Beckham is hitting .325/.347/.428 in 166 at-bats this season.