MLB Player News

Altuve is being evaluated for a concussion after a collision at first base in the seventh inning of Monday's game against Oakland, Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Altuve collided with Oakland first baseman Christian Bethancourt on a play where Bethancourt left his feet, and while both players ended up staying down after the play, each was able to remain in the contest. However, skipper Dusty Baker noted after the game that Altuve "didn't look too good in the eyes" when coming back to the dugout, and he's now undergoing further evaluation. Aledmys Diaz and Mauricio Dubon would be two likely candidates to take over at second base if Altuve is forced to miss time.

Ibanez isn't in the starting lineup for Monday's game against the Rays.

Ibanez will get the night off after starting the last two contests for Texas, collecting five hits including a pair of doubles and an RBI over that brief stretch. Josh Smith gets the start at the hot corner and will bat eighth with Ibanez on the bench.

McNeil (leg) is starting Monday against the Nationals.

McNeil wasn't in Sunday's lineup against the Phillies due to "wear and tear" with his legs, but he tested things out during pregame warmups Monday and is serving as the designated hitter and batting fifth. The 30-year-old went 5-for-13 with a home run, a double, three runs, three RBI, two walks and a strikeout over the last five games.

Hoerner will sit for the second half of Monday's doubleheader against Milwaukee.

Hoerner looked great in Game 1, going 3-for-5 with three RBI in the Cubs' 7-6 loss. Andrelton Simmons will start at shortstop in the nightcap.

Andrus went 2-for-5 with an RBI double and a run in a win over the Rangers on Sunday.

The veteran shortstop burned his old squad with a fifth-inning two-bagger that plated Sean Murphy for the Athletics' second run of the game. Andrus is in the midst of a relatively brief but impressive hot streak, one that's seen him hit .346 (9-for-26) with two doubles, two home runs, five RBI, a stolen base and six runs in his last seven games.

Estrada will sit Monday against the Phillies, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

Estrada finds himself on the bench for the third time in four games despite the fact that he owns a .417/.488/.556 slash line over his last 11 games. Donovan Walton will again get the nod at second base.

Kemp will sit Monday against Houston, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Kemp had more than a platoon role earlier in the season, but his off day here against Framber Valdez means he's now been on the bench against the last four lefties the Athletics have faced. Sheldon Neuse starts at second base.

Torres has been getting treatment for a wrist issue, but it's not keeping him out of games, Greg Joyce of the New York Post reports.

Torres has been wearing a wrap on his wrist in addition to receiving ice treatment after games, but it hasn't impacted his performance at the plate. In fact, the infielder is in the midst of his best hitting stretch of the season, going 7-for-24 with four homers over his past six contests. Yankees manager Aaron Boone clarified Sunday that the wrist issue isn't a major concern. "He's been getting some treatment for his wrist, but it hasn't been something that's really affected him much at all in the game," Boone said before the game. "Just something he's treating and making sure he does maintenance work on it."

Mathias was optioned to Triple-A Nashville and designated as the 27th man for Monday's doubleheader against the Cubs.

Mathias will remain with the Brewers for Monday's doubleheader but return to Triple-A Nashville following Game 2. Since having his contract selected by the team May 24, he's appeared in one game, going 1-for-4 with a run scored. Mathias will provide an extra bat off the bench for Monday's two contests.

Julien has been activated from the injured list at Double-A Wichita.

He had an undisclosed injury. He's hitting .284 with a.849 OPS with a home run in 24 games. Julien has more walks than strikeouts as he's shown great command of the strike zone (23.7% walk rate).