Semien in starting 9 vs. KC after paternity leave

KANSAS CITY -- Marcus Semien was back in the starting lineup Saturday after he and his wife Tarah welcomed their second son, Joshua, into the world early Wednesday at 5:37 a.m. CT.
He went 1-for-5 with a strikeout in Oakland's 5-4 loss to Kansas City.  
Semien returned to the team Friday after spending two days on the paternity list. He arrived at Kauffman Stadium around 6:40 p.m., not in time to start, but he was able to get into the game defensively in the bottom of the ninth as the A's had bludgeoned their way to a 16-0 lead.
"It was cool to get out there for the ninth," Semien said. "It was good to watch the guys play well. We've been struggling as an offense, so having that outburst of runs is really what we needed to get going again."
Joshua arrived in the wee hours of the morning, but the Semiens had been at the hospital all night. While he was away from the team, Marcus was still able to watch the A's tilt against the Rays that night in the hospital on his iPad.
Coupled with their first son Isaiah, who was born on Opening Day last season, the Semiens are happily adjusting to the lifestyle of a growing family.
"It feels good," Marcus said. "Lot less sleep, but all for good reason."
Semien comes into Saturday's game against Jason Hammel and the Royals slashing a line of .268./320./383 with five homers. With his presence at the top of the lineup, the A's will look to continue the success from Friday's offensive eruption.

A's skipper Bob Melvin is happy to get the reliable Semien back into the fold. 
"It's always nice to have a guy that you know is going to be in the lineup every day, and has come to be a very consistent player on both sides," Melvin said.
Semien was gone for just two days, balking at the opportunity to spend the full allotted three days with his wife in order to get back with the team. While he certainly cherished the chance to be there, he still couldn't shake the desire to get back on the field.
"It's just a part of it. Maybe our next child we'll have in the offseason so I don't miss any games," Semien joked.