MLB Player News

Giavotella will be out of the lineup for Thursday's contest against the Indians.

Giavotella will get a day off for the third straight game Thursday, and has been struggling recently at the plate. Cliff Pennington will get the start at second, while batting ninth.

Giavotella is out of the lineup Wednesday against the Cubs, Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register reports.

Over the last seven games, Giavotella has gone just 1-for-12 at the plate. Gregorio Petit will start in place of the struggling second baseman and bat ninth Wednesday evening.

Altuve went 4-for-4, scored twice, knocked in a run and stole his 26th base in a win Tuesday over the Twins.

After Altuve's first day off of the season on Monday, he looked as fresh as could be. Altuve now has 159 hits on the season, putting him in first in the majors by an even 20 over Washington's Daniel Murphy. He is now on pace for 228 hits, which would be a career high and give him his third consecutive 200-hit season.

Forsythe went 3-for-6 with a home run, two RBI and two runs in Tuesday's game against the Blue Jays.

Forsythe's leadoff homer, his 13th of the season, was the first hit off Jays' starter Marco Estrada since July 2. It was also the second baseman's second homer in as many nights and third in his last four games. After hitting just .196 in 107 at-bats last month, Forsythe is absolutely raking since turning the calendar to August. The 29-year-old is 15-for-38 (.395) with 12 runs scored through nine games this month.

Drury is in the lineup Tuesday against the Mets.

After Yasmany Tomas was scratched from the lineup, Drury got the nod to start in right field. Drury will be batting fifth as Arizona takes on Steven Matz and the Mets.

Marte (illness) was activated from the 15-day DL on Tuesday.

Mike Freeman was optioned to clear a spot on the active roster for Marte, who ended up missing three weeks due to mononucleosis. Marte has failed to meet expectations so far this season after his strong run with the big club down the stretch last year -- he's batting .273/.299/.358 and hadn't stolen a base in well over a month before he hit the shelf. That said, he should continue on as the primary option at short now that he's healthy and perhaps see occasional opportunities in the leadoff spot.

Giavotella is not in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Cubs.

He has limped to a .255/.296/.314 line so far in the second half and his playing time is starting to dry up as a result. Tuesday's absence marks Giavotella's fourth in six games, and he was set to sit Sunday as well before Yunel Escobar (knee) was scratched. Cliff Pennington is starting once again at second base Tuesday.

Altuve is back in the lineup for Tuesday's game, batting third.

The MVP candidate got the night off Monday after having played in 202 consecutive games, but he'll draw back in for the second game of Houston's series against Minnesota. Altuve is set to bat third and take up his usual post at second base against lefty Hector Santiago.

Forsythe went 3-for-4 with a home run, an RBI, and two runs scored in Monday's loss to the Blue Jays.

Forsythe has been raging hot at the dish this month, hitting .375 with two home runs since the calendar turned to August. The infielder has built nicely off of his breakout 2015, registering 12 home runs and a .278 batting average this season.

Marte (illness) is expected to play a full game at Triple-A Tacoma on Monday and may return to the Mariners on Tuesday, Bob Dutton of the Tacoma News Tribune reports.

Marte has had a decent showing at the plate during his rehab assignment, having gone 3-for-10 with a home run. Upon his return, Marte is expected resume his duties as Seattle's everyday shortstop.