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The San Francisco Giants dropped their fourth consecutive game on Tuesday, a 3-2 loss to the Kansas City Royals.
As the Giants' record fell to 42-59, there was a notable absence from the July 21 game.
Infielder Luis Arraez was replaced at second base by .143-hitting Christian Koss, a significant downgrade from the four-time All-Star who ranks second in the major leagues in hits (122) and third in batting average (.323).
In a down season for the Giants, Arraez has been one of the few bright spots. And with his contract expiring at the end of this season, he's one of the game's top trade targets as the Aug. 3 deadline approaches.
So why didn't Arraez play against the Royals? Here's what we know:
Giants give Arraez a rest day
San Francisco appears to have simply given Arraez a rest day. Despite the Giants playing their fifth game since the All-Star break, it may have bee a precaution after Arraez went 0-for-4 against the Royals on Monday.
Luis Arraez trade rumors
Over the last few weeks, Arraez's name has been the subject of numerous trade rumors.
The Athletic's national baseball reporter Jim Bowden, a former general manager for the Cincinnati Reds and Washington Nationals, recently suggested the Giants trade Arraez to the Texas Rangers for a pair of prospects, left-hander Dalton Pence and infielder Yolfran Castillo.
USA TODAY Sports baseball columnist Bob Nightengale believes the Giants should shop Arraez, along with many other San Francisco players in a complete fire sale.
"You need a three-time batting champion? Second baseman Luis Arraez, who also has turned into a Gold Glove-caliber second baseman, can be yours," Nightengale wrote.
Nightengale adds the Giants' only untouchables at the trade deadline are ace right-hander Logan Webb, utilityman Casey Schmitt and 1B/DH Bryce Eldridge.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY Sports: Luis Arraez lineup absence fuels Giants rumors: What we know
