MLB Player News

FOXSports.com reports that the Rangers are not likely to trade shortstop Elvis Andrus. They have not discussed Andrus in any trade talks since they dealt second baseman Ian Kinsler to the Tigers for first baseman Prince Fielder nearly three weeks ago.

Earlier reports suggested that the Rangers were open to dealing Andrus, and in the unlikely event they do trade him, it would open up shortstop for Jurickson Profar, while prospect Rougned Odor would get a chance to start at second base.

CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman reports that the Mariners have received inquiries about second baseman Nick Franklin. With the Mariners having come to an agreement with second baseman Robinson Cano on Friday, Franklin is now out of a starting job with Seattle and is likely to be traded.

As a rookie, Franklin hit .225 with 12 home runs and 45 RBI in 102 games.

The Houston Chronicle reports that Astros second baseman Jose Altuve will not play in the Venezuelan Winter League this season. Altuve had been on the roster for Magallanes, but he decided he will come back to Houston to prepare for next season.

In his third season with the Astros, Altuve hit .283 with 35 stolen bases.

Even though their trade with the Tigers Wednesday would seem to open up a starting spot for both, the Rangers would still consider trading shortstop Elvis Andrus or second baseman Jurickson Profar in the right deal, FOXSports.com reports.

The Cardinals and Rays are two teams rumored to be in the running.

The Rangers are looking into the possibility of trading shortstop Elvis Andrus this offseason, according to FOXSports.com. Andrus has been the Rangers' starting shortstop for the last five seasons, but the team is looking for a way to get infielder Jurickson Profar into a regular role.

With nine years and over $126 million remaining on Andrus' contract, however, the Rangers may have difficulty finding a trade partner.

The Blue Jays are interested in White Sox second baseman Gordon Beckham, according to MLB.com.

Toronto was reportedly interested in dealing for Beckham last season, but no deal was reached. Beckham hit .267/.322/.372 in 371 at-bats during the regular season. Beckham is under contract until 2015. 

White Sox second baseman Marcus Semien hit his first home run Monday against the Blue Jays.

Semien went 2 for 4, with a home run and a single. He managed to hit a two-run home run off J.A. Happ in the second inning. Semien is hitting .306/.314/.429 in 49 at-bats. 

Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus went 2 for 6 with a home run and three RBI in his team's 9-2 win over the Rays Thursday. It was his third straight two-hit performance and second home run in three games.

Andrus delivered half of his entire season's home runs over the last three days. He has hit .272/.331/.336 with four homers, 64 RBI and 40 stolen bases in 578 at-bats.

White Sox infielder Marcus Semien, one of the team's September call-ups, was out of the lineup for the first time in six games Monday against the Twins.

Though primarily a shortstop in the minors, he has played mostly third base for the White Sox, also getting a start at second. The 23-year-old is hitting .346 with a double and a steal in 26 at-bats after hitting .284 with 32 doubles, 19 homers, 24 steals and 98 walks in 518 at-bats between Double- and Triple-A.

Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus matched a career high with three RBI in Wednesday's loss to Pittsburgh, FOX Sports reports. Andrus has 23 runs batted in over his last 30 games and 56 on the year.

Andrus went 2 for 5 in the game with the three RBI. He's batting .269 on the season for Texas. The 25-year-old has two hits in five of his last six games.