MLB Player News

Semien is absent from the lineup for Thursday's game against the Padres.

It's just the second day off of the season for Semien, who has managed just two hits over his last 36 at-bats. Jonathan Ornelas will handle second base for the Rangers on Thursday while Semien receives some much-needed rest.

Ornelas was scratched from the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Padres.

The 24-year-old was set to receive his second straight start at third base Wednesday, but shortstop Corey Seager's (wrist) late addition to the lineup will push Josh Smith back to the hot corner. Ornelas went 1-for-2 with a walk, a double and an RBI on Tuesday but may not stick around the roster much longer if Seager is fully recovered.

Mateo is not in the starting lineup for Wednesday's game against the Mariners.

Mateo has gone 0-for-7 with one walk and two strikeouts over his last two games, and he will begin Wednesday's contest on the bench. Jordan Westburg and Ramon Urias will start at second and third base, respectively.

Ornelas started at third base and went 1-for-2 with a walk, a double and an RBI in Tuesday's 7-0 win over the Padres.

Ornelas entered the starting lineup as Josh Smith continued to fill in at shortstop for Corey Seager (wrist). Ornelas and Davis Wendzel are covering third while Seager is unavailable.

Lowe went 1-for-4 with a solo home run, scored twice and drew a walk during the Rays' win over Kansas City on Tuesday.

Lowe's seventh-inning walk enabled him to score on an Isaac Paredes double immediately afterward, and his homer in the ninth frame gave Tampa Bay some additional insurance as the team cruised to a 5-1 victory. The 29-year-old has now hit seven home runs on the year, two of which have come in his last two games.

Altuve went 3-for-5 with an RBI and a run scored during Tuesday's 7-6 loss to Toronto.

For the sixth time in seven games, Altuve generated multiple hits, tagging the Blue Jays for three singles Tuesday. During that stretch, Altuve is 13-for-31 (.419) with a pair of home runs and three stolen bases. He ranks top five in homers, batting average and stolen bases among second basemen this season.

Drury went 1-for-2 with two walks and three runs scored in Tuesday's 7-5 loss to the Athletics.

Drury missed nine straight games due to an illness before appearing off the bench Sunday versus the Tigers. This was his first start since June 21, and he played the full game at second base. The infielder has struggled this year, slashing .175/.246/.237 with one home run, six RBI, 12 runs scored and no stolen bases over 126 plate appearances. Drury will likely occupy a starting role at the keystone going forward, though Luis Guillorme is also in the mix there.

Drury (illness) is starting at second base and batting seventh Tuesday, his first start since June 18.

After dealing with a hamstring injury, Drury returned from the injured list June 17. However, since then the infielder has been dealing with an illness that has resulted in multiple late scratches and games on the bench. The 31-year-old came off the bench in Sunday's game but went 0-for-2 with a strikeout.

Loftin is not in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Rays.

Loftin had started each of the previous five games at third base but picked up just one hit during that stretch. CJ Alexander will get the call at the hot corner for Tuesday's contest.

Kiner-Falefa was placed on the 10-day injured list Tuesday due to a left knee sprain.

Kiner-Falefa was scratched from Monday's game with a left knee injury and an MRI revealed he's only dealing with a sprain. Still, the utility player will require an IL stint, opening up a spot on the active roster for Leo Jimenez. Kiner-Falefa is slashing .292/.338/.420 with a 13.2 percent K rate this season.