Semien (side) is expected to return at some point during the Athletics' series against the Astros, which ends Thursday, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Semien has already been out for over a week with side soreness, though he was never placed on the injured list. It remains unclear precisely when he'll return, but there's no reason for Oakland to move him to the injured list at this point.

Semien (side) remains on the bench as expected Monday against Houston.

EDGE Analysis

Semien has avoided a trip to the injured list with side soreness, though may as well have been removed from the roster, as he's now sidelined for the ninth straight day. He's expected to take batting practice Monday and could return to the lineup soon, though when exactly that will happen remains to be seen. Vimael Machin will be the shortstop Monday.

Manager Bob Melvin said that Semien (side) will likely take batting practice on the field Monday and could play soon thereafter, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

It's been more than a week now since Semien last appeared in a game. Fortunately, it does not sound like an IL stint will be necessary as Semien is making slow, but steady, progress. If he checks out OK in batting practice, it's reasonable to think Semien could return to the lineup for one half of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Astros.

Semien (side) is not in the starting lineup for Sunday's game against the Padres.

EDGE Analysis

Semien swung the bat Thursday and reported continued improvement with his left side injury, but he remains out Sunday. He has not played since Aug. 29. Manager Bob Melvin said earlier this week that Semien was likely to avoid the IL -- teams can only backdate IL stints three days and it's hard to imagine the team would make a move with Semien at this point.

Semien (side) isn't in Saturday's lineup against the Padres.

EDGE Analysis

Semien will sit for a second consecutive game, but he has been swinging the bat and feeling better recently. Vimael Machin will take over at shortstop Saturday.

Semien (side) swung the bat Thursday and continues to feel better, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

The hope is that he can avoid an IL stint, although the previous report suggested he wouldn't be able to return until Saturday, at the earliest. Vimael Machin, Chad Pinder and Tony Kemp could all be options to fill in for Semien on Friday against the Padres.

Manager Bob Melvin said that he thinks Semien (side) to avoid a trip to the injured list, though the shortstop isn't expected to be available for the Athletics' next game Friday versus the Padres, Shayna Rubin of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Before returning to action Friday, the Athletics will have had a full five days off after a member of their organization tested positive for COVID-19. The extra time off apparently hasn't allowed Semien to completing move past the injury, which has affected him most while swinging the bat, according to Martin Gallegos of MLB.com. The Athletics seem content to take a day-to-day approach with Semien heading into the weekend, but Chad Pinder and Vimael Machin could pick up work at shortstop in the short term.

Semien (side) is feeling slightly better Monday according to general manager David Forst, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

Forst also mentioned that Semien has dealt with the side soreness in each of the past two seasons. It's still unclear when the shortstop will be able to return to the top of Oakland's lineup, but there remains the possibility that he'll be ready Thursday in Seattle, if the club is cleared to resume play then. The A's are currently isolating in Houston as they await COVID-19 tests after a member of the organization tested positive Sunday.

Semien (side) underwent an MRI which revealed no serious issues, and he isn't expected to face a long-term absence, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 29-year-old was scratched for Game 2 of Saturday's twin bill with left side soreness, but it appears he won't miss significant time. Semien hasn't been provided an official timetable for his return, but the A's are likely to remain cautious with their starting shortstop and leadoff man. Oakland didn't play Sunday and its schedule for the immediate future is in limbo after a positive test for COVID-19 was reported in the organization, so Semien could end up missing fewer games than he would under normal circumstances.

Semien is experiencing left side soreness and is undergoing an MRI, Alex Coffey of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 30-year-old was a late scratch for Game 2 of Saturday's doubleheader, and the MRI brings some concern he could face a longer absence. The A's should have more information on the injury Sunday, but Semien at least seems unlikely to be in the lineup for the series finale in Houston.