Semien, who has a .346/.333./.538 line through 26 spring at-bats, is focused on getting on base more consistently in 2017, John Shea of SFGate.com reports. "You see if you can shrink the zone a little, wait for your pitch and be more patient instead of being overly aggressive and getting yourself out," Semien said. "You do that, you're probably going to walk a little more and get more hits."

EDGE Analysis

Semien experienced an impressive power surge in 2016, posting career highs in doubles (27), home runs (27), RBI (75), slugging (.435) and OPS (.735). He also set a new high-water mark with 51 walks, those came over 621 plate apperances, and he posted just a .238 average and .300 OBP, numbers that he's looking to boost significantly in the coming campaign. The slugging shorstop actually was among the more patient hitters in baseball at the plate, as the 4.16 pitches per plate appearance that he averaged ranked him ninth in the AL and 19th in the majors. However, he had a notable weakness with two-strike at-bats, particularly on full counts, a scenario in which he hit .164 and struck out 29 times. He also hit an anemic .043 on 0-2 counts, .170 in 1-2 counts and .173 in 2-2 counts, further illustrating his struggles with his back against the wall. Semien will therefore look to have greater discipline in those situations, which could propel his all-around game to the next level. "That's probably the next step for him," manager Bob Melvin said of Semien's 3-2 approach. "Obviously, he's gotten to the point where he can get into the count. It's finishing it off and maybe taking a walk and not trying to chase a pitch. Sometimes that's tough for a power guy to do."

Semien went 3-for-3 with a pair of run-scoring singles, an RBI double, a run and a stolen base in Tuesday's 21-13 Cactus League win over the Diamondbacks.

EDGE Analysis

Semien now has a team-high seven RBI and is slashing .333/.333/.611 over 18 at-bats. Based on early returns, the 26-year-old appears primed to build on a 2016 campaign in which he posted a career-high 27 homers and 75 RBI while boasting a personal-best .611 slugging percentage and .197 ISO.

Semien went 1-for-3 with two-run home run in Tuesday's 5-4 Cactus League victory over the Indians.

EDGE Analysis

The slugging shortstop took a Mike Clevinger pitch deep to right field with Jed Lowrie aboard in the first, his first homer of the spring. Despite a drop in batting average and OBP over the previous year, Semien exploded for a career-high 27 doubles, 27 homers and 75 RBI last season, which led to a .435 slugging and .735 OPS that also represented high-water marks. His homer represented his second hit and first pair of RBI over three spring contests.

Semien went 2-for-4 with a three-run homer, a walk, two runs and a strikeout Saturday in an 11-2 win over Texas.

EDGE Analysis

Despite struggling over much of the second half, Semien has come alive over the past week. He recorded eight hits, three walks, five runs and 13 RBI in Oakland's last six games, over which the squad averaged 10 runs a pop. He is slashing .237/.298/.440 with 67 runs, 26 homers and 69 RBI on the season.

Semien went 2-for-5 with a double, homer and four RBI in Thursday's 14-5 win over the Royals.

EDGE Analysis

Semien helped his teammates pile on as they completed a four-game sweep, capping Oakland's bonanza with a three-run homer in the eighth inning. He also contributed a run-scoring double earlier in the contest, matching his season high for RBI in a single game. Semien's struggled during the second half, but his bat came alive during the Royals series with a pair of homers and 10 RBI. The slugging shortstop now has 25 home runs and 66 RBI on the season -- both career highs -- but is slashing just .235/.296/.436.

Semien was 0-for-3 Friday night against the Red Sox to lower his average to .239.

EDGE Analysis

Semien has been hanging out around .240 most of the season, but up until the last month he had at least been pairing that with nice power. Semien's pop has dried up recently as he only has one homer to go with six RBI since August first. Semien does have 23 bombs on the season, but could be tiring as he heads to the finish line of a long season.

The A's activated Semien from the paternity list Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Semien is back with the A's after being away from the team for three days to be with his wife and newborn son. Expect him to resume his role as Oakland's everyday shortstop moving forward.

Semien was placed on the paternity list Wednesday, as expected, the San Francisco Chronicle's Susan Slusser reports.

EDGE Analysis

He was away from the team Tuesday and will miss another game Wednesday to be with his wife and newborn son. However, Semien will return for Oakland's next game Friday against the Cardinals, and figures to serve as the everyday shortstop through the end of the season. Reliever J.B. Wendelken was recalled Wednesday as a corresponding move and Chad Pinder figures to get the start at shortstop Wednesday.

Semien is out of the lineup Tuesday against the Indians.

EDGE Analysis

He is listed on the lineup card as a reserve but Semien is not with the team Tuesday, according to Joe Stiglich of CSN California, after Semien and his wife welcomed a son into the world Monday night. The A's are expected to move Semien to the paternity list Wednesday but he should be back for Friday's series opener in St. Louis.

Semien is expected to be placed on the paternity list in the near future, John Hickey of the Bay Area News Group reports.

EDGE Analysis

Contrary to earlier reports, Semien has yet to be placed on the paternity list, although the move will be made in the near future. While Semien could technically be available for Monday's game, he's with his family awaiting the arrival of his child. At this point in time, look for Chad Pinder to start at shortstop and bat ninth Monday evening.