MLB Player News

Struggling Nationals second baseman Danny Espinosa could be the odd man out of the starting lineup when Bryce Harper returns off the disabled list, the Washington Post has speculated.

His presence would push Ryan Zimmerman back to third base and move Anthony Rendon to second, thereby benching Espinosa. Espinosa hasn't earned playing time with a .219/.286/.351 stat line and 91 strikeouts that ranks fifth in the major leagues. He is also hitless in his last 16 at-bats.

Nationals manager Matt Williams will not reveal how he'll employ his lineup once Bryce Harper returns, according to The Washington Post. 

Williams had previously outlined a situation where Ryan Zimmerman would shift back to third, pushing Danny Espinosa out of the lineup. Harper is expected to see time at all three outfield spots once he returns, which could give Williams more flexibility. It's unclear if Williams will stick with that plan moving forward, or if he has something else up his sleeve. 

Astros infielder Jose Altuve added four more hits to his league-leading total Friday against the Tigers.

Altuve hit three singles and a double during the contest. He also stole two bases during the contest, including a steal of home in the fifth inning. Altuve finished 4 for 5, with two runs scored and one RBI. Altuve is hitting .342/.382/.446 over 325 at-bats.

Slumping second baseman Danny Espinosa, who was hitless in seven at-bats Tuesday night, is not in the Wednesday lineup for the Nationals in Milwaukee. His spot will be manned by Kevin Frandsen.

Espinosa has just two hits in his last 17 at-bats over the last four games and has a disturbing 88 strikeouts in 237 at-bats.

The Rangers will consider what their "core-type" players will bring back in a trade, according to the Dallas Morning News.

Realistically, the leaves Elvis Andrus and Alex Rios are the most likely to be moved. The team could also see what Adrian Beltre will bring back in a potential deal. Both Andrus and Beltre are owed a significant amount of money going forward, and it's possible the team would have to cover some salary in deals for either player. General manager Jon Daniels said the team is in a position to make some deals, but hedged by saying "there is no rule you have to make a major change before the deadline."

Nationals infielder Danny Espinosa has rebounded from an awful May to bat .303 with a .370 on-base percentage in 19 June games. Manager Matt Williams told reporters Sunday that Espinosa has widened his stance at the plate, which is allowing him to see pitches better.

"Just simplifying," Espinosa said, per MASNsports.com. "Just continuing to do what started basically at the beginning of this month with (hitting coach) Rick Schu and just working on it diligently everyday and trying to stay with that plan."

Espinosa added he's been a lot more willing to hit for singles as opposed to swinging for the fences.

"Yeah, if it is there and I can take advantage of it to get an inning going or something and get on base where we can score a run," Espinosa said. "If I can steal a base or something like that. Bunt hits is like hitting a single. If I can take advantage of it, then I'll continue to do it."

Astros second baseman Jose Altuve went 1 for 3 with a walk and an RBI on Sunday, extending his hitting streak to six games and giving him a major league-best 103 hits. Altuve has hit safely in 36 of his past 40 games and is batting .336 with two homers, 25 RBI, 36 runs scored and 26 steals.

White Sox infielder Marcus Semien continues to get work in the outfield following his demotion to Triple-A Charlotte in early June, per MLB.com.

"He's going to really dictate how comfortable he is and how we see how comfortable he becomes," White Sox assistant general manager Buddy Bell said of Semien. "He's going to be fine. If you bring him up now, we could put him out there. I don't think you want to put him out there every day by any means, but I think he's capable of making all the plays. He's capable of keeping the ball in front of him.

"Whether that means he's got to play a little deeper than most -- but I think he's more than capable. Part of the problem is he's dealing with the fence, balls over his head and things like that that he never had to deal with before."

Thinking about starting Derek Norris, Mike Napoli, Scooter Gennett, Yangervis Solarte, Jean Segura or Dexter Fowler in Fantasy Week 13 (June 23-29)? You might want to think again.

Find out why in the latest Start and Sit Hitters.

White Sox second baseman Gordon Beckham hit a two-run homer in Tuesday's 8-2 win over the Giants, giving him five homers and 17 RBI this season. It was the only hit of the game for Beckham, who's batting .283/.332/.424.