MLB Player News

Franklin (concussion) has been activated from the seven-day DL and rejoined the Rays in Houston after a strong performance in a Friday night rehab start for High-A Charlotte, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The 25-year-old utility man went 3-for-4 for the Stone Crabs in his lone rehab start on Friday night, logging time at both second base and left field. He is not in Saturday's starting lineup, but Franklin will presumably be available for pinch-hit duty at a minimum after his brief stint on the sidelines. Reliever Tyler Sturdevant was optioned back to Triple-A Durham in a corresponding move.

Hernandez is out of the lineup Saturday against the Cubs.

Hernandez has started three of the last four games (all against opposing lefties) but will head back to the bench with right-hander Jason Hammel due up. While he hasn't fared well this season, it appears Hernandez will continue to play regularly against lefties between center field and second base.

Franklin (concussion) is scheduled to take the field with High-A Charlotte on Friday before joining the Rays in Houston on Saturday, Roger Mooney of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The 25-year-old did some light work without setbacks earlier in the week, so Friday's game will serve the purpose of insuring he's ready for game action before he rejoins the big league club. Franklin has been somewhat of an offensive spark plug for the Rays this season, slashing .292/.364/.510 over 96 at-bats while serving as a valued utility presence in the field.

The A's activated Semien from the paternity list Friday.

Semien is back with the A's after being away from the team for three days to be with his wife and newborn son. Expect him to resume his role as Oakland's everyday shortstop moving forward.

Semien was placed on the paternity list Wednesday, as expected, the San Francisco Chronicle's Susan Slusser reports.

He was away from the team Tuesday and will miss another game Wednesday to be with his wife and newborn son. However, Semien will return for Oakland's next game Friday against the Cardinals, and figures to serve as the everyday shortstop through the end of the season. Reliever J.B. Wendelken was recalled Wednesday as a corresponding move and Chad Pinder figures to get the start at shortstop Wednesday.

Franklin (concussion) did some light work Tuesday without any setbacks, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The rehabbing 25-year-old reported that he "felt good for the most part" and that he didn't feel any limitations overall. Franklin is likely to keep ramping up his activity in the coming days in preparation for what the Rays hope is a relatively quick return to the lineup. He's served as a refreshingly surprising source of offense over limited action this season, slashing .292/.364/.510 with seven doubles, a triple, four homers and 23 RBI.

Chavis was promoted to High-A Salem on Tuesday, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports. He served as Salem's designated hitter Tuesday, going 1-for-4 with a run scored.

Chavis, who was selected in the first round (26th overall) of the 2014 draft, repeated at Low-A Greenville in 2016 after an unspectacular 2015 with the Drive. He started this season looking like he was on a fast track to Salem, but a thumb injury blocked his momentum. Since returning from the injury, Chavis has been unable to replicate his torrid April.

Semien is out of the lineup Tuesday against the Indians.

He is listed on the lineup card as a reserve but Semien is not with the team Tuesday, according to Joe Stiglich of CSN California, after Semien and his wife welcomed a son into the world Monday night. The A's are expected to move Semien to the paternity list Wednesday but he should be back for Friday's series opener in St. Louis.

Wall, 20, is hitting .342 with four steals over his last 10 games for High-A Modesto.

Wall has been stellar of late, though he has not hit particularly well overall in 2016. He is batting .267/.328/.363 on the season, though he does have 20 steals along with six home runs. The potential of double-digit home runs and 20-plus steals does make him an intriguing prospect, especially if he sticks at second base.

Espinosa's bat showed some life on Monday, going 1-for-4 with a solo home run in a loss to the Orioles.

Espinosa had a massive month of June, but hasn't gotten much done at the dish in any other month. The shortstop has a .175 batting average this month, and Monday's blast was his first home run since July 3. Fort he season Espinosa has a .216 average with 19 home runs and 59 RBI.