MLB Player News

Semien (side) is expected to return at some point during the Athletics' series against the Astros, which ends Thursday, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Semien has already been out for over a week with side soreness, though he was never placed on the injured list. It remains unclear precisely when he'll return, but there's no reason for Oakland to move him to the injured list at this point.

Albies (wrist) will participate in an intrasquad matchup at the Braves' alternate training site Tuesday, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

Albies' recovery has gone a bit slowly, but he's been making significant strides recently. He was able to resume swinging over the past few days, and Tuesday's intrasquad matchup could be one of his final tuneups before a potential return. A timetable for him to return to the majors hasn't yet been announced, but he could be back on the field soon if all goes well Tuesday.

Garcia (heel) was scratched from Monday's lineup against the Rays, Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports.

Garcia's bruised heel was feeling better earlier in the day, but he evidently won't be able to start against the Rays. It's unclear whether he'll be available off the bench. Josh Harrison will take his place at second base.

Semien (side) remains on the bench as expected Monday against Houston.

Semien has avoided a trip to the injured list with side soreness, though may as well have been removed from the roster, as he's now sidelined for the ninth straight day. He's expected to take batting practice Monday and could return to the lineup soon, though when exactly that will happen remains to be seen. Vimael Machin will be the shortstop Monday.

Rojas will start at second base and will bat leadoff Sunday against the Giants.

Though he didn't start in the Diamondbacks' first game following his Sept. 1 callup, Rojas has now entered the lineup in Arizona's subsequent six contests, either at second base or as the team's designated hitter. He's only gone 3-for-17 with no extra-base hits and a stolen base since his promotion, but Rojas should continue to get plenty of run in September for a 15-26 Diamondbacks squad that has no visions of competing for a playoff spot.

Garcia (heel) is starting Monday against the Rays.

Garcia was removed from Sunday's contest due to a bruised heel, but he's feeling better Monday and will return to action. He'll bat eighth and play second base against the Rays.

Merrifield will start at second base and will bat leadoff Monday against the Indians, Lynn Worthy of The Kansas City Star reports.

Merrifield has hit out of the leadoff spot in all 42 of the Royals' games this season, and he doesn't look on track to lose out on that job even though he's currently in the midst of his roughest stretch of the campaign. Over the past seven contests, Merrifield has gone 1-for-30, dropping his season average from .296 to .248 over that stretch.

Lopez is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Indians, Lynn Worthy of The Kansas City Star reports.

On the bench for the second time in three days, Lopez's grip on an everyday role looks to be loosening. Whit Merrifield will cover the keystone in place of Lopez, who is slashing a mediocre .214/.290/.286 on the season.

Dubon will start in center field and will bat ninth Monday against the Diamondbacks, Amy Gutierrez of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

After a slow start to begin his first full season in San Francisco that briefly resulted in him moving into a part-time role, Dubon has seemingly re-emerged as an everyday player. He'll be making his eighth consecutive start in center field Monday after going 9-for-26 with two doubles, a triple, four RBI and two runs over the past seven contests. The 26-year-old may be worth a pickup in deeper mixed leagues for fantasy managers looking for aid in batting average and stolen bases.

Haggerty landed on the 10-day injured list with a left forearm strain Monday.

The injury seemingly explains why Haggerty hasn't seen the field since Friday. The move was made retroactive to Saturday, so Haggerty can return next Tuesday, though it's not yet clear whether or not he's expected to do so. Casey Sadler was added to the active roster in a corresponding move.