MLB Player News

Giavotella hit a solo home run, his third, as part of a 4-for-4 game with two runs scored in Monday's loss to the Twins.

Giavotella still has a mediocre .269/.294/.378 batting line, but he has picked it up since May. Monday's performance brought his numbers in June up to a robust .304/.331/.415. He has just two home runs in that span and shouldn't be expected to provide much in the way of power, but Giavotella makes consistent enough contact to hit for solid average and has played his way into regular at-bats in the Angels' infield, and that makes him worth a look at least in AL-only formats and deep mixers.

Espinosa went 1-for-2 with a pair of walks, an RBI and a run against the Cubs on Monday.

Espinosa has been raking of late, reaching base 11 times while scoring eight runs over the last five games despite hitting in the bottom third of the Nationals order for the entirety of that stretch. Enjoy the hot streak while it lasts, but know that the middle infielder is unlikely to continue producing at this rate.

Merrifield went 2-for-4 with a home run, a triple and two runs scored in Monday's victory over the Indians.

The home run was the first of Merrifield's young career. The second baseman has been a revelation since being summoned from Triple-A, hitting a robust .330 with 15 runs scored and three stolen bases. Merrifield has hit safely in nine of 11 games this month, collecting five hits in his last two games.

Solarte will return to the lineup for Monday's contest against Miami.

After being absent from the starting lineup for two games with a thumb injury, Solarte will return to the lineup and start at third base against the left-handed Wei-Yin Chen. Solarte is 8-for-21 with two home runs against southpaws this season.

Andrus finished 3-for-4 with a double, two RBI, two runs and a stolen base in Sunday's win over the Mariners.

The shortstop got things started for the Texas offense by doubling in a run and scoring on Mitch Moreland's homer in the fourth inning, and he helped put the game out of reach with another RBI and a run in the sixth. Andrus is now batting .282 on the season, putting him on track to rival his career-high .287 mark set back in 2012.

Semien went 2-for-4 with a two-run shot, his 12th home run of the season, in Sunday's win over the Reds.

He's had a fairly quite June so far, hitting .257 (9-for-35) with two homers, three RBI, three runs scored and two steals, but given his defensive improvements in 2016 the A's seem willing to give Semien plenty of leeway at the plate.

Altuve went 2-for-4 in Sunday's loss to the Rays.

If it weren't for Altuve, Matt Moore and two Tampa relievers would have combined for a no-hitter. The diminutive second baseman hasn't slowed down at all in June, racking up seven multi-hit performances in 12 games en route to a .422 (19-for-45) batting average on the month.

Solarte (thumb) is out of the lineup Sunday against the Rockies.

Solarte was forced out of Saturday's game early due to a bruised left thumb, and the ailment will extend his absence into Sunday afternoon's contest. In his stead, Brett Wallace will get the start at third base, while catcher Derek Norris moves up to bat cleanup in the order. Consider Solarte day-to-day heading into Monday's series opener against the Marlins.

Solarte left Saturday's game following the third inning due to a left thumb contusion.

The San Diego Union Tribune's Jeff Sanders notes that Solarte sported a wrap on his thumb during batting practice, so it's possible the issue occurred prior to the game. Adam Rosales replaced him in Saturday's contest, and either he or Brett Wallace would likely start at third base Sunday should Solarte require more time on the shelf.

Forsythe (shoulder) enjoyed a triumphant return from the DL in Friday's 4-3 victory over the Astros, going 2-for-4 with a double, RBI and run.

The veteran picked up right where he left off before injuring his shoulder and reclaimed his leadoff spot as well. Forsythe's Friday effort brings his season line to .315/.402/.532, with the average representing a 59-point improvement over his career figure.