MLB Player News

Andrus will start at shortstop and bat second in the order Sunday against the Mariners, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Manager Jeff Banister has been using Andrus in the No. 2 hole against opposing lefties lately, but in recognition of the veteran's excellent contributions at the plate of late, the Rangers skipper will move Andrus up in the batting order Sunday against Mariners right-hander Hisashi Iwakuma. The struggling Shin-Soo Choo, meanwhile, slots lower in the lineup to make room for Andrus.

Forsythe (hamstring) is out of the lineup Sunday against the Diamondbacks, MLB.com's Ken Gurnick reports.

Forsythe had to exit Saturday's game due to hamstring tightness, and after testing it out Sunday morning, it was determined that he would not be able to make the start. That being said, the veteran is said to potentially be available as a pinch-hit option, suggesting this ailment won't be a long-term concern. In the meantime, Chase Utley will get the starting nod at second base.

Semien (wrist) was placed on the 10-day disabled list Sunday.

Semien underwent an MRI on his ailing right wrist Saturday, and although he was diagnosed with merely a contusion, the Athletics ordered a CT scan Monday to further investigate the issue. While it's possible those scans won't reveal any new information, the Athletics will err on the side of caution and shelve Semien for at least the next week and a half in order to avoid an aggravation. Chad Pinder was recalled from Triple-A Nashville in a corresponding move and is expected to share duties at shortstop with Adam Rosales for the duration of Semien's absence.

Franklin will start at second base and bat in the leadoff spot Sunday against the Reds.

Jonathan Villar is out of the lineup for the first time all season. Not only will Franklin man the keystone in his stead, but the 26-year-old will also assume Villar's usual duties as the team's table-setter. In his lone other start back on April 8 against the Cubs, Franklin delivered a two-run homer.

Motter went 1-for-3 with a three-run homer and a walk during a 5-0 win over the Rangers on Saturday.

Motter stepped up with two men on in the sixth inning and blew the game open with a 404-foot shot to left. He has been swinging the bat well over the last four games, going 7-for-15 with two homers, five RBI and three runs scored. Motter is as hot as anyone on the team at the moment and will seemingly maintain a role even after Jean Segura (hamstring) returns to action next week.

Forsythe left Saturday's contest in the fourth inning due to a bout of right hamstring tightness, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

His removal from the game seemed a little fishy considering he was already 3-for-3 on the evening, but a sore hamstring is a good explanation for the early exit. At this point, it seems like more of a precautionary measure than anything, but manager Dave Roberts still intends to keep him out of Sunday's contest with Arizona, per Gurnick. Forsythe's status moving forward should become clearer in the coming days.

Semien (wrist) was diagnosed with a bone contusion in his right wrist and will receive a CT scan Monday, John Shea of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Semien was held out of Saturday's lineup after the ailing wrist was reportedly inhibiting him during Friday's contest, but it seems like a bigger problem has been avoided at this time. The CT scan may reveal more, but for the time being Semien should be considered day-to-day. Adam Rosales could pick up some extra playing time in his stead.

Semien has been dealing with an injury to his right wrist and will undergo an MRI on Saturday, Joe Stiglich of NBC Sports reports.

Manager Bob Melvin says the ailment has been nagging Semien while hitting and hindered his throwing during Friday's loss. The injury could serve as an explanation for a rough start at the plate this season, the shortstop is hitting just .171 with 11 strikeouts over 11 games. The team can only hope it's nothing serious, but if Semien is forced to miss extended time, backup Adam Rosales will be in line for increased playing time.

Semien is not in the Athletics' starting lineup Saturday against the Astros.

The day off comes in the midst of a rough start for Semien. The 26-year-old shortstop is hitting just .171 with 11 strikeouts over the first 11 games, serving as a black hole at the top of the order. On the bright side, he's been able to get on base, drawing 10 walks thus far. Adam Rosales fills his spot Saturday,

Semien went 1-for-2 with a double and two walks in a 7-2 loss to the Astros on Friday.

Semien continues to operate out of the leadoff spot, and Friday's production boosted his OBP to .370. The 26-year-old has been able to find his way on base by flashing the improved patience at the plate he'd vowed to demonstrate this season. Semien has already walked 10 times over 11 games and has notched four steals in as many attempts, despite the fact that his average sits at an unsightly .171 through his first 46 plate appearances. With a career-high 27 homers last season, it would also seem to be just a matter of time before Semien's power kicks in and he begins to work himself out of the early-season struggles he's encountered.