MLB Player News

Astros second baseman Jose Altuve missed his second game in a row Friday against the Twins, as he continues to be hampered by an injured left quad. He has missed three of the last five games as a result of this injury. 

Astros second baseman Jose Altuve is not in the team's starting lineup Thursday against the Orioles.

Altuve is dealing with a left quad issue, and needed to miss a game. Altuve had left Saturday's game with quad soreness, but has been able to play the past two games. He's hitting .284/.323/.362 in 401 at-bats.

White Sox infielder Marcus Semien has been promoted to Triple-A Charlotte. 

Semien has been a standout offensive performer in the minors. He hit .290/.420/.483 in 393 at-bats at Double-A Birmingham. 

Astros second baseman Jose Altuve returned to action Tuesday in Baltimore after last Saturday's game with quad tightness and sitting out Sunday. 

Altuve hit second for the Astros and drove in two runs in the game. He went 2 for 4 with two singles and is batting .282 on the year. 

The Rangers are willing to listen to offers for any of their players, according to FoxSports.com.

The club has been said to be seeking a bat since there is a possibility they will lose outfielder Nelson Cruz to a Biogenesis suspension. The team is reportedly willing to listen on shortstop Elvis Andrus, who signed an eight-year, $120 million extension recently. It's unclear whether the Rangers are just testing the market for their players, or if they are seriously considering trading away key contributors. 

Sources said the Royals, who are looking for upgrades at second base and in right field, have held discussions about White Sox second baseman Gordon Beckham, Brewers second baseman Rickie Weeks and Angels second baseman Howie Kendrick, according to CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Danny Knobler.

However, there was no indication Tuesday the Royals were close to a deal for either player.

Mariners second baseman Nick Franklin enjoyed a productive day at the dish as he homered twice Sunday against the Mariners.

Franklin unleashed a three-run blast in the fourth inning and a solo shot in seventh. He finished 3 for 4 with two runs scored and four RBI in a 6-4 win. He is hitting .277 with 10 homers and 32 RBI in 195 at-bats.

Royals second baseman Johnny Giavotella has not played at Triple-A since Tuesday due to a hip injury. Giavotella was demoted to Triple-A Omaha last week after hitting .206 in 34 at-bats in the majors. He is scheduled to undergo an MRI on Monday, Omaha.com reports. 

Mariners second baseman Nick Franklin has hit safely in six of his last nine games heading into Sunday's game against the Twins. Franklin is batting .263 (10 for 38) with two doubles, two home runs and nine RBI in his last nine games.

Franklin is batting .228 with 30 strikeouts in 20 July games. However, he's managed three doubles, four home runs and 13 RBI.

Astros second baseman Jose Altuve, who left Saturday's game against the Blue Jays with left quad tightness, could not start in Sunday's game in Toronto. Altuve is day to day. 

Altuve, who will hope to return to action Tuesday at Baltimore, is batting .280 for the year with four homers and 32 RBI. He has also stolen 25 bases.