MLB Player News

Albies went 3-for-6 with a triple, a run scored and four RBI for Triple-A Gwinnett in Monday's win over Toledo.

He's been raking since coming off the DL in mid-June, slashing .333/.387/.596 over his last 13 games with eight extra-base hits (two homers, three triples and three doubles), three steals, nine runs and 12 RBI. Albies has had an up-and-down season for Gwinnett, and Brandon Phillips' strong campaign has removed any pressure to rush the Braves' No. 3 prospect to the majors, but the 20-year-old remains firmly in the organization's plans as its second baseman of the future.

Andrus went 3-for-4 with two home runs, four RBI and three runs during Monday's loss to Cleveland.

Up to nine homers, 45 RBI, 18 stolen bases and 46 runs with a .299/.348/.463 slash line, Andrus continues to provide excellent fantasy results from the shortstop position. He's well on his way to a career-best showing while locked into the top third of a potent lineup. With solid numbers already banked, Andrus can also withstand a slump or two over the coming months without taking a significant hit to his virtual value.

Barreto went 2-for-5 with a run in Sunday's 5-3 win over the White Sox.

Following an impressive major-league debut Saturday, Barreto proved it was no fluke with a second consecutive two-hit effort. Barreto's early returns certainly provide plenty of reason for optimism, and he should see a stretch of starts in the immediate future; although Jed Lowrie (knee) is projected to be available for the first game of a series against the Astros on Tuesday, Barreto is likely to slide over to shortstop to fill in for fellow rookie Chad Pinder (hamstring).

Hernandez started at short Sunday, going 1-for-4 with a two-run homer and a walk in a win over Colorado.

With Corey Seager (hamstring) sidelined and Franklin Gutierrez (back) on the disabled list, Hernandez has started four consecutive games and could be in line for a regular role in the short term. The utility man has reached base twice in each of his last four starts, collecting two homers along the way, so he could provide deep-league value for those looking for a hot bat.

Drury is not in the lineup for Monday's game against the Phillies.

Drury went just 1-for-11 (.091) over the first three games of the series, so he'll get a breather for Monday's series finale. Chris Owings is starting at the keystone in his place, opening up a spot for Nick Ahmed to slide into the lineup at shortstop.

Semien (wrist) went 3-for-5 with two RBI from a run-scoring single and a home run in High-A Stockton's win over Modesto on Saturday and is hitting .500 with a pair of doubles over his first two games with the Ports.

So far, so good for the recovering shortstop, whose rehab assignment is expected to be an extended stint. Semien underwent wrist surgery back on April 18 and has been progressively ramping up his activity since late May. If all goes well, Semien projects to return to the big-league club at some point in July.

Motter will start at first base and bat eighth Saturday in place of the injured Danny Valencia (wrist).

It will be his first start in three games, though there could be more on the horizon if Valencia's injury is considered serious. Motter hasn't exactly made a strong case for more playing time, as the 27-year-old is hitting just .207 heading into the weekend, though he has blasted seven home runs.

Barreto went 2-for-5 with a single and a two-run homer in his major-league debut Saturday.

Despite running on fumes -- he admitted that he didn't sleep after learning of his callup -- Barreto muscled a home run off James Shields in his first career start. The 21-year-old packs a real punch despite standing just 5-foot-10, 190 pounds, as evidenced by his eight homers with Triple-A Nashville prior to his promotion. Barreto figures to see starts at second base and short while several of the A's veteran infielders are on the mend.

Lopez is hitting .299 with 14 stolen bases in 22 attempts for High-A Wilmington this season.

While the 63.3 percent success rate on stolen bases isn't amazing, the best testament to Lopez's speed has been his ability to stretch hits into extra bases. Of his 83 hits, 11 have gone for doubles while seven have been triples. He only has two home runs, suggesting the raw power isn't there for the Kansas City prospect, but his legs give him the ability to stretch hits as much as possible.

Barreto has been added to Saturday's lineup against the White Sox, Jane Lee of MLB.com reports.

The 21-year-old will man second base and bat seventh against right-hander James Shields in his major-league debut. Barreto was originally slated to sit Saturday, but Jed Lowrie's scratch opened the door for Barreto to debut a day early. He admitted that he didn't get any sleep after learning of his callup and is running on adrenaline.