MLB Player News

Kemp is out of the lineup Thursday versus the Dodgers due to a rib contusion, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

It's not a serious concern, though, and Athletics manager Mark Kotsay said Kemp could be available off the bench. The 31-year-old utilityman is slashing .217/.303/.310 with three homers and 12 steals in 88 games this season for Oakland.

Angels manager Phil Nevin said Thursday that Drury (shoulder) will play at least two more minor-league rehab games, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Drury had been aiming to return to the Angels' active roster ahead of Thursday night's series opener against the Mariners, but he still has a bit more work to do with his timing at the plate. On the shelf since late June due to left shoulder inflammation, the 30-year-old infielder has gone 1-for-8 with four strikeouts so far at Triple-A Salt Lake.

Drury (shoulder) will not be activated from the injured list Thursday, Sam Blum of The Athletic reports.

Thursday had been Drury's target return date, but there's no word of any setback and he will presumably be able to return at some point during the Angels' four-game weekend series against the Mariners. The 30-year-old infielder was sporting an .822 OPS with 14 home runs and 45 RBI through 75 games when he landed on the IL in late June due to left shoulder inflammation.

Torres went 3-for-4 with a double, two runs scored and a stolen base in Wednesday's 7-2 win over the Rays.

It's the second baseman's first multi-hit performance since July 17, but Torres has been a steady contributor during that time. Over 27 games since the beginning of July, he's slashing .291/.319/.464 with four of his 16 homers and three of his nine steals on the season.

Semien went 2-for-5 with a two-run home run, a walk and three total runs Wednesday in an 11-1 rout of the White Sox.

Semien began a big offensive day for the Rangers with a leadoff single in the first inning, and he subsequently came around to score on Corey Seager's two-run blast. Semien crossed home plate twice more in the rout, including on his own two-run homer in the sixth inning. The second baseman ranks third in the majors with 86 runs scored on the campaign, and he should continue to thrive in that area while batting leadoff for one of the league's top offenses. Semien has added a .278/.346/.454 slash line, 16 homers, 27 doubles, 68 RBI and nine thefts through 108 contests in an all-around solid season.

Kemp was removed from Wednesday's game against the Dodgers, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Kemp made an incredible effort in a failed attempt to catch a foul ball during the sixth inning, jumping over the wall in the process. Cody Thomas later came in to pinch hit for Kemp, so it's possible the 31-year-old injured himself, or the Athletics opted to sub in their bench players during a lopsided contest. If Kemp turns out to be hurt, the A's should provide an update on his status.

Short went 2-for-3 with a double and three RBI in Wednesday's win over the Pirates. He also stole a base.

Short didn't enter the contest until the fourth inning, when he pinch hit for Akil Baddoo. He wasted no time making an impact, driving in two on a single in his first at-bat. Short still profiles as more of a utility player at this point who can't be counted on for a consistent fantasy impact, which is reflected in his .673 OPS across 72 games.

Frazier is absent from the lineup Wednesday versus the Blue Jays.

Baltimore will roll with a righty-heavy attack against Jays left-hander Yusei Kikuchi. Jordan Westburg is playing second base and batting sixth.

Rojas is not in the lineup Wednesday versus Boston.

Acquired from the Diamondbacks on Monday as part of the Paul Sewald trade, Rojas went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts in his Mariners debut Tuesday against the Red Sox. Dylan Moore (wrist) is back in the lineup at second base Wednesday.

Dubon is starting at second base and batting leadoff Wednesday against Cleveland.

Dubon has shifted back into a utility role since Jose Altuve returned late last month from a left oblique injury, but the 29-year-old will get the start in Wednesday's matinee game at Minute Maid Park as Altuve takes a scheduled breather. Dubon is slashing .263/.289/.371 with five homers and six steals through 87 games this season with Houston.