MLB Player News

Altuve went 2-for-4 in Thursday's 4-2 win over the Red Sox.

Altuve hit safely for a seventh consecutive game, a ridiculous run that's seen him go 17-for-31 (.548) with six extra-base hits, seven RBI and eight runs scored. The power component of Altuve's game is still missing in action, but he leads MLB in hits (80) and is fifth in average (.338).

Beckham was optioned to Triple-A Tacoma on Thursday.

Beckham was sent back to the minors in order to clear a spot on the roster for Dee Gordon (toe), who was activated from the disabled list in a corresponding move. This isn't all too surprising, as Beckham hit just .206/.270/.235 across 12 games with the Mariners while filling in for Gordon. He'll report back to the Rainiers where he'll continue to serve as organizational depth.

Barreto, who struck out in a pinch-hit at-bat during Wednesday's loss to the Rays, is 0-for-6 since returning to the big leagues May 23.

Barreto's return to the big leagues essentially coincided with Khris Davis' placement on the disabled list with a groin injury. With the latter expected to return Thursday, the 22-year-old could find himself heading back down to Triple-A Nashville, where he was slashing .228/.350/.447 before his promotion. Barreto has been bedeviled by big-league arms thus far in young career, as he also generated an unsightly .197/.250/.352 line over 76 plate appearances during his initial major-league cup of coffee in 2017.

Rodriguez had his contract purchased from Triple-A Columbus on Wednesday, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Rodriguez was hitting a solid .302/.327/.484 with six homers and eight stolen bases across 47 games with Triple-A Toledo prior to earning his first big-league promotion. He figures to serve as a utility man during his time with the big club.

Semien was placed on paternity leave Wednesday.

Semien will spend at least a few days away from the team while on paternity leave. In a corresponding move, Josh Lucas was recalled from Triple-A Nashville.

Merrifield will get the day off for Wednesday's series finale against Minnesota, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.

Merrifield has put together a modest six-game hitting streak, batting .320 with five RBI over that stretch. He'll make way for Ryan Goins, who's slated to bat eighth.

Alvarez was designated for assignment Tuesday, John Blake of the Texas Rangers reports.

Alvarez was bumped off the 40-man roster to make room for Ricardo Rodriguez following his activation from the disabled list. He's put together a dismal .189/.279/.283 batting line at Double-A Frisco through 41 games.

Altuve went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Monday's 5-1 win over the Yankees.

Altuve had gone 24 consecutive games without a homer, but has gone yard twice in the last three games. He has extra-base hits in each of the last four games, recording two home runs, a triple and three doubles during a stretch in which he's gone an astounding 11-for-19 with seven RBI. Altuve raised his slugging percentage 64 points (to .467) over the four-game run.

Andrus (elbow) hit off a tee Monday, Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Andrus has been taking dry swings and recently started swinging a regular bat, but Monday marked the first time the 29-year-old was able to hit off a tee since landing on the disabled list April 12. He's eligible to return from the 60-day DL on June 11; Andrus would likely need to head out on a minor-league rehab assignment in the next week if he wants to rejoin the Rangers when first eligible.

Motter was claimed off waivers by the Twins on Monday, Brandon Warne of ZoneCoverage.com reports.

Motter has quickly found a new home after being designated for assignment by the Mariners on Sunday. He compiled a lackluster .197/.279/.367 slash line across 165 plate appearances with Triple-A Tacoma this season, but his ability to play multiple positions likely intrigued Minnesota. The utility man will report to Triple-A Rochester, where he'll serve as organizational depth.