MLB Player News

Semien is experiencing left side soreness and is undergoing an MRI, Alex Coffey of The Athletic reports.

The 30-year-old was a late scratch for Game 2 of Saturday's doubleheader, and the MRI brings some concern he could face a longer absence. The A's should have more information on the injury Sunday, but Semien at least seems unlikely to be in the lineup for the series finale in Houston.

Rengifo was recalled from the alternate training site Saturday.

The 23-year-old was sent down Thursday but makes a quick return to provide some infield depth. Rengifo is likely to return to the alternate site once Franklin Barreto -- who was acquired Friday in exchange for Tommy La Stella -- clears the COVID-19 intake protocols.

Barreto was placed on the COVID-19 injured list Saturday while he goes through the intake protocols.

The 24-year-old was acquired by the Angels from the A's in exchange for Tommy La Stella on Friday, but he'll need to wait at least another day before being declared game ready. Luis Rengifo was recalled from the alternate training site to provide infield depth.

Semien was scratched from the lineup for Game 2 of Saturday's doubleheader against the Astros.

Semien went 0-for-3 during the matinee and was initially listed in his usual starting spot for Game 2, but the A's then released a revised lineup. No reason has been given for his removal. Matt Chapman will shift to shortstop for the nightcap, while Vimael Machin starts at third base.

Espinal is not in the lineup Saturday against the Orioles.

Espinal will head to the bench Saturday after garnering four straight starts at shortstop in place of Bo Bichette (knee). Joe Panik will pick up the start and bat eighth in his place.

Arraez isn't in the lineup for the first game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Tigers.

Arraez will take a seat for the first game of Saturday's twin bill while riding an eight-game hitting streak. Ildemaro Vargas will start at second base.

Merrifield went 1-for-5 with a solo home run in Friday's 6-5 loss to the White Sox.

The third-inning shot off Reynaldo Lopez was Merrifield's first homer since Aug 15, but he's hardly been slacking at the plate. On the season, the 31-year-old has a .297/.345/.500 slash line with six homers, six steals, 20 RBI and 21 runs through 32 games.

Barreto was traded from the Athletics to the Angels in exchange for Tommy La Stella on Friday, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

Barreto has seen minimal playing time for the Athletics to begin the season as he's gone hitless with seven strikeouts in 10 at-bats. He's scored five times as a pinch runner. He could play a similar role to begin his time with the Angels as he'll likely play behind David Fletcher at second base.

Drury was optioned to the Blue Jays' alternate training site Friday.

Drury was in the lineup for eight of the Blue Jays' last 13 games, but he picked up just five hits over 25 at-bats during that span, so the team decided to remove him from the roster to open up a spot for Daniel Vogelbach. Chances are Drury will rejoin the big club at some point, but given his .358 OPS on the season, he may not get the chance to play as regularly again.

Mayfield is in the lineup for Friday's game against the A's, Jake Kaplan of The Athletic reports.

Mayfield started just once over an eight-game span after being recalled Aug. 16, but he got the nod at third base Monday and will start there Friday for the third time in four games. He and Abraham Toro figure to continue sharing the third-base duties in some fashion until either Aledmys Diaz (groin) or Alex Bregman (hamstring) returns.