MLB Player News

Altuve went 4-for-4 with a double, a homer, two RBI and two runs against the Mariners on Thursday.

He's now led off four of the last eight games with home runs, so Altuve's making sure the Astros start most every game on the right foot lately. It's scary to think of a version of Altuve who's capable of approaching 30 homers in addition to 30-plus steals, but he's actually on pace for 50 long balls right now. Even though there's no way he can keep that up, Altuve certainly looks like he's going to leave last season's total of 15 in the dust.

Barreto left Thursday's game with Double-A Midland after fouling a ball off his leg in the first inning.

After a slow start to the season, the 20-year-old Barreto put together an eight-game hitting streak to end April, with six multi-hit games over that span. He added his third homer with the affiliate last week and two more stolen bases to give him seven in 11 attempts. The team has yet to elaborate on the exact nature or severity of this setback.

Andrus is not in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Blue Jays, Stefan Stevenson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Andrus has started 15 consecutive games, so a day off to rest is much needed. The 27-year-old is off to a fantastic start this season, hitting .293/.323/.413 with eight extra-base hits and 13 RBI through 26 games this season.

Altuve went 3-for-5 with a double, a homer, three RBI and three runs in Wednesday's 16-4 blowout of the Twins.

He led off the bottom of the first with a homer, setting the tone for a huge offensive day on the part of the Astros. Altuve's hitting leadoff homers like Rickey Henderson come again, and if his steal totals don't equal Rickey's, well, they're still some of the best you'll see in today's game. There are precious few players who can be considered more valuable fantasy assets.

Espinosa went 0-for-4 in the Nats' win over the Royals on Wednesday afternoon, dropping his season line to .185/.292/.272.

Meanwhile, Trea Turner is hitting .309/.393/.443 with a pair of homers and 10 steals in 10 attempts at Triple-A Syracuse through 25 games. The Nationals may be contemplating a change in the near future, as it's quickly becoming difficult to justify the top of the organizational depth chart at short given Espinosa's prolonged slump to begin 2016.

Solarte (hamstring) has progressed to running and taking batting practice in his rehab process, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

Manager Andy Green said that both he and Cory Spangenberg are making slow progress in their rehab, but this is still an improvement from last week when it was reported that Solarte was not close to returning. That being said, there still is no timetable for the 28-year-old to begin a rehab assignment, so there's still a ways for him to go in his recovery.

Semien continued his struggles on Tuesday against the Mariners, going 0-for-3 to drop his average to .195.

Semien does have six homers already in 2016 which has helped fantasy owners a lot, but he is really struggling to hit for average. Semien has not had a multi-hit game since April 12 which is affecting his ability to steal bases as he only has one swipe on the year as a result. Semien's average is keeping him from moving up from the No. 9 spot in the A's batting order, impairing his fantasy value.

Altuve went hitless Tuesday, but he walked, scored a run and recorded his league-leading 10th stolen base of the season during Houston's win over Minnesota.

In addition to his stolen base prowess, Altuve is hitting a robust .292/.390/.604 with seven home runs, 14 RBI and 22 runs scored for the Astros. He's been a five-category contributor thus far for fantasy owners.

Beckham (hamstring) will begin his rehab assignment Saturday with Triple-A Gwinnett.

Beckham appears to be getting back to full speed on schedule. As long as he doesn't experience any setbacks in the coming days, he could be very close to returning from the disabled list.

Tomlinson is in the lineup and batting seventh for Tuesday's game against the Reds.

Tomlinson will receive another start while Joe Panik continues to work his way back from a groin injury. He has been solid since stepping in for Panik, hitting .250 with two runs scored and two stolen bases in three starts.