The offseason and spring training are behind us, but there’s plenty of MLB news left to cover.
Here are the noteworthy transactions, injuries and more from the 2026 season.
June 22
The Chicago White Sox activated Kyle Teel from the 60-day injured list on Monday and optioned fellow catcher Edgar Quero to Triple-A Charlotte.
Teel is expected to make his season debut in the opener of a three-game series against AL Central-leading Cleveland.
The 24-year-old Teel strained his right hamstring while playing for Italy in the World Baseball Classic. Then he hurt his right knee while playing for Charlotte on a rehab assignment.
Teel, a first-round pick in the 2023 amateur draft, was acquired by Chicago in the Garrett Crochet trade in December 2024. He hit .273 with eight homers and 35 RBIs in 78 games last year in his first action with the White Sox.
Teel spent four games with the Knights on his second rehab stint, going 8 for 16 with a homer and four RBIs.
The White Sox are back at home after going 1-5 on a six-game trip. They were one game back of the Guardians going into the series.
Quero has struggled at the plate in his second major league season, batting just .187 with two homers and 15 RBIs in 55 games. He was acquired in a July 2023 trade with the Los Angeles Angels.
June 21
The Texas Rangers placed right-handed starting pitcher Jack Leiter on the 15-day injured list Sunday with an ankle issue the right-hander has been battling most of the season, and star shortstop Corey Seager still isn’t ready to return from a concussion.
The Rangers recalled right-hander Jose Corniell from Triple-A Round Rock but didn’t say how they would fill Leiter’s spot in the rotation Tuesday at the Miami Marlins. Six of Corniell’s seven minor-league appearances were starts.
President of baseball operations Chris Young said Leiter was trying to pitch through what is being called right ankle posterior impingement, but his mechanics were affected by compensating for the injury.
Leiter lost all three of his June starts and had a 9.88 ERA, capped by allowing seven hits and six runs in four innings in a 9-3 loss to the Minnesota Twins on Thursday. He is 3-7 with a 5.29 ERA in 15 starts this season.
“Jack has not made it an issue. That speaks to his level of competitiveness,” Young said. “He’s not made excuses, but the reality is he’s having to change his delivery to compensate for it. We cannot put him in harm’s way. He’s too important to our future.”
Young said the 26-year-old Leiter was already dealing with the balky ankle when he aggravated the injury by slipping on an on-deck circle in his fifth start of the season April 22 at home against the New York Yankees. Young said imaging showed the injury was getting worse.
“We’ve been trying to monitor it as best we could,” manager Skip Schumaker said. “But the reality is he just wasn’t able to do what he was capable of doing throughout the starts. I think it started showing up more and more. It wasn’t fair to him that we kept sending him out there.”
Seager was eligible to return from the seven-day concussion list Friday, but Young said he was still in the protocol. He was participating in meetings and running on the field before the game.
Schumaker said the two-time World Series MVP would be on the upcoming 10-game road trip with stops in Miami, Toronto and Cleveland, but couldn’t say when Seager would play.
“It’s still day to day,” Schumaker said. “I’m trying to make sure that he feels good after this kind of stimulation and inside the weight room, hitting and then running.”
Seager was in the worst slump of his career when he took a few days off in mid-May and ended up with a sore back that extended his absence to 19 games. The five-time All-Star is hitting .186 with nine homers and 24 RBIs.
June 20
Texas Rangers right-hander Nathan Eovaldi was scratched from his scheduled start against San Diego on Saturday because of left knee soreness.
Lefty MacKenzie Gore was moved up a day to replace Eovaldi, and the Rangers didn’t immediately announce a starter for Sunday’s series finale against the Padres.
It’s the second time in a little more than a month that Eovaldi has been scratched from a start. The 36-year-old was dealing with tightness in his left side when he skipped a May 11 start against Arizona.
Eovaldi ended up missing one turn in the rotation before pitching seven scoreless innings and tying his season high with eight strikeouts in an 8-0 victory against Houston.
The two-time All-Star is 6-7 with a 4.23 ERA in 14 starts.
Eovaldi didn’t pitch after Aug. 22 last year because of a right rotator cuff strain, and it was revealed after the season that he needed sports hernia surgery. He was 11-3 with a career-best 1.73 ERA in 22 starts but fell short of the number of innings required to qualify for the ERA title.
Shohei Ohtani wasn’t in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ lineup on Friday night because he is “away from the team on paternity.” The team announced in a post on X that the two-way superstar is expected to return this weekend, meaning he wasn’t placed on MLB’s paternity list.
Manager Dave Roberts said after a 6-5 win over the Baltimore Orioles that he hopes Ohtani returns Saturday but he had not talked to him. Roberts said he found out “very recently” that Ohtani was going to be a father again.
“Keeping his privacy,” Roberts said, smiling.
The team’s lineup for Friday’s series opener came out less than an hour before gametime, with Ryan Ward listed as the designated hitter batting seventh. Asked three hours before the game about the delayed lineup, Roberts said he was working out “some things with some position players” and made no mention of Ohtani.
Roberts was asked about Ohtani’s sore left knee and said he had not spoken to him Friday.
“Just assuming that after the off day he’s in a good spot,” the manager said.
Roberts often mentions if a player is expecting a baby, and the team typically announces when they have been placed on paternity leave.
Ohtani, who turns 32 on July 5, and his 29-year-old wife, Mamiko Tanaka, became first-time parents in April 2025 with the birth of their daughter. He first announced on social media in December 2024 that the couple was expecting. The famously private Ohtani has never publicly revealed her name and has carefully avoided showing her face in the rare family photos he posts to his social media.
New York Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. said Friday that he doesn’t plan to start wearing a protective cup, one day after getting hit in the groin by a foul ball.
“If you don’t trust your hands, I would recommend wearing a cup,” Chisholm said ahead of the Yankees game against Cincinnati. “I feel like it’s more defensively that you would wear a cup than hitting. At the same time, I just never thought about wearing a cup.”
In the fourth inning of Thursday’s 5-1 loss to the White Sox, Chisholm fouled a 2-2 curveball from Sean Burke off his groin. He was down for several minutes as trainer Tim Lentych attended to him and then limped off the field to get treated with ice packs.
“The trainers and he followed up this morning but, I felt good about it last night,” New York manager Aaron Boone said. “I got with him last night and he seemed like he was going to be fine. They wanted to do some things this morning just to be sure, but I sent the lineup out last night because I felt confident about it and if we had to adjust we would.”
Chisholm described the pain as “a million,” and said he never wore a cup in the minor leagues, where it is mandatory.
“I’ve never worn a cup,” Chisholm said. “I’m not going change. Just an unlucky instance right there.’
Justin Verlander’s return to the Detroit Tigers has been delayed again. Manager A.J. Hinch announced Friday that the 43-year-old right-hander pulled a hamstring during a bullpen session and will be sidelined indefinitely.
“This is not a matter of days,” Hinch said. “It is a matter of weeks.”
Verlander was scheduled to return from a hip injury on Sunday against the Chicago White Sox in what would have been his first start with the Tigers at Comerica Park since August 30, 2017. He was traded to Houston the next day.
Verlander has only pitched once this season, allowing five runs in 3 2/3 innings during a 9-6 road loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks on March 30.
He went 183-115 in 14 seasons with the Tigers before the trade. He won the American League Rookie of the Year award in 2006 and both the AL MVP and Cy Young in 2011. He helped Detroit reach the World Series in 2006 and 2012.
The Tigers also placed outfielder Wenceel Perez on the injured list with facial fractures. He was struck by an exercise band that came unhooked during a postgame workout in Houston.
Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. was out of the lineup for Friday’s game against the St. Louis Cardinals with a grade-1 MCL sprain.
He left Thursday’s game at the end of the fourth inning after earlier fielding a ground ball.
Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro said Friday the Royals were “fortunate” that it was just a mild sprain.
“It just could have been a lot worse,” Quatraro said.
The plan was to give Witt Friday off. The teams are scheduled for a rare Saturday off day because a World Cup match between Ecuador and Curacao will be played at neighboring Kansas City Stadium (GEHA Field at Arrowhead) on Saturday night.
Quatraro was hopeful that Witt could return for Sunday’s game.
“We’ll re-evaluate the timeline come Sunday,” he said, ‘So we’ll see. It’s not a surgical thing. I know they can put a brace on it. It’s going to be (getting) the swelling out of there and understand how he feels. Those conversations are going to have to be honest between all of us.”
June 19
Mets’ shortstop Francisco Lindor has been out with an injured calf since late-April, but he is set to begin a rehab assignment with Double-A Binghamton on Friday, per MLB.
Lindor has appeared in just 24 games in 2026, and is batting all of .226/.314/.355, which has caused free-agent signing Bo Bichette to shift back to his previous position of shortstop for most of the season. Bichette at short has meant a considerable amount of Brett Baty at third base, and he’s hitting just .226/.303/.318 this season – Lindor, who hit .267/.346/.466 in 2025 and has had four-straight top-10 finishes for National League MVP, should provide a considerable upgrade even if his bat does not fully return to its previous form.
The Mets sit five games back of the final wild-card spot in the NL entering Friday. Catcher Francisco Alvarez has already recently returned to the lineup, and New York went a lengthy stretch without star slugger Juan Soto in the lineup, as well. Getting Lindor back soon – and he is projected to return before June ends, possibly even by next week after a couple of rehab games, per manager Carlos Mendoza – would give the Mets the lineup they had envisioned entering the season for the first time in months.
June 18
The Atlanta Braves acquired catcher Joey Bart from the Pittsburgh Pirates for right-handed pitcher Hunter Stratton on Thursday night.
Atlanta made room for Bart on the 40-man roster by designating catcher Sandy León for assignment. The Pirates assigned Stratton to Triple-A Indianapolis.
Bart was batting .259 with two homers, six RBIs and a .670 OPS in 21 games with Pittsburgh. He grew up in the Atlanta suburbs and played college ball in the city at Georgia Tech before being selected second overall by the San Francisco Giants in the 2018 amateur draft.
The NL East-leading Braves (46-27) already have two fine catchers in 2025 NL Rookie of the Year Drake Baldwin and 2023 All-Star Sean Murphy, but Murphy is on the 60-day injured list with a broken finger.
Stratton appeared in one game with the Braves this year and pitched a scoreless inning. He played for the Pirates from 2023-25 before getting traded to Atlanta last July.
León was batting .091 with zero RBIs in 21 games this season.
Kansas City shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. left the Royals’ game with the St. Louis Cardinals on Thursday night with right knee discomfort after making a sliding play in the field.
With the bases loaded in the fourth inning, Witt went to his knees to prevent Jordan Walker’s RBI single from getting to the outfield. Witt was checked out by Royals staffers before remaining in the game for the rest of that half inning.
But he was scheduled to lead off the bottom of the fourth, and the Royals instead had Tyler Tolbert pinch-hit for him. The Royals announced later that Witt’s departure was due to knee discomfort.
Before his departure, Witt had gone 2 for 2 with a solo homer in the first inning and an RBI single in the second. Witt also scored his second run of the night in the second inning.
The two-time All-Star is batting .294 with a .368 on-base percentage, 10 homers, 32 RBIs and an MLB-leading 28 steals in 76 games this season.
Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout is back on the injured list.
The team announced before Thursday night’s game against the Athletics that the 11-time All-Star was placed on the 10-day IL due to a right hamstring strain. The Angels recalled infielder Christian Moore from Triple-A Salt Lake among a flurry of moves.
Injuries have hindered Trout for much of this decade. Since winning his third AL MVP award in 2019, Trout has played more than 82 games in a season just twice – 119 in 2022 and 130 in 2025.
The 34-year-old Trout had played in 74 of 75 games this year in a resurgent season. He’s batting .234 with an .866 OPS, 17 homers, 36 RBIs and seven steals.
He entered Thursday with an AL-leading 54 runs, a total that was tied for second in the majors behind Washington’s James Wood. Trout’s 66 walks also ranked second in the big leagues, behind the Athletics’ Nick Kurtz.
Trout had the second-highest vote count of any AL outfielder in the All-Star Game balloting totals that were released this week. He grew up near Philadelphia, where this year’s All-Star Game will take place next month.
The injury to Trout created an opportunity for Moore, who was hitting .333 with a .468 on-base percentage, nine homers, 45 RBIs and 10 steals in 51 games at Salt Lake while playing second base, third base and the outfield.
Moore hit .198 with a .284 on-base percentage, seven homers, 16 RBIs and three steals in 53 games with the Angels last season.
In other moves, the Angels recalled right-hander Ryan Johnson from Double-A Rocket City, released left-hander Drew Pomeranz and optioned right-hander Brett Kerry and catcher Logan Porter to Salt Lake.
Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Adolis García is out for the rest of the season with a lat injury. The Phillies announced Thursday that García will undergo latissimus dorsi repair surgery on Wednesday. The Phillies estimated his recovery would take six to eight months, enabling him to be ready for the start of the 2027 season.
García signed a one-year, $10 million contract with the Phillies in December after playing six seasons with the Texas Rangers. The two-time All-Star began his career with St. Louis in 2018.
The 33-year-old García was batting .195 with a .270 on-base percentage, seven homers, 21 RBIs and three steals in 67 games. He left a June 10 game in Toronto with what the Phillies described as a pulled muscle in his right shoulder after making consecutive throws to home plate on sacrifice flies.
In other moves Thursday, the Phillies recalled right-handed pitcher Seth Johnson and selected the contract of right-hander Bryse Wilson from Triple-A Lehigh Valley. They optioned left-handed pitcher Tanner Banks to Lehigh Valley.
Johnson had an 0-1 record and six saves with a 1.33 ERA in 24 relief appearances with Lehigh Valley. In two prior stints with Philadelphia this season, Johnson has posted a 7.36 ERA while appearing in three games.
Wilson was 3-5 and posted a 6.29 ERA with Lehigh Valley in 12 appearances, including 11 starts. Wilson last pitched in the majors with the Chicago White Sox last year, and he owns a 20-23 record and 4.82 ERA in 163 career MLB appearances. Banks was 0-4 with a 5.86 ERA in 26 games with Philadelphia.
Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Quinn Priester will undergo season-ending surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome and is expected to be sidelined for eight to 10 months.
Thoracic outlet syndrome is a disorder that occurs when blood vessels or nerves in the space between the collarbone and first rib are compressed. That can lead to neck and shoulder pain, numbness or tingling in the fingers, and arm weakness. Priester’s thoracic outlet decompression surgery will be performed on Monday in Dallas by surgeon Dr. Gregory Pearl and will involve the removal of the first upper rib on the right side.
“After doing all the things that we had gone through to try and fix this problem without surgery, we’ve just kind of gotten to a point where these things aren’t working, so we’re going to get surgery and make sure we clean this up and so that for the rest of my career this isn’t an issue,” Priester said before the Brewers game against Cleveland on Thursday.
Priester was a key cog in the team’s rotation a season ago when he went 13-3 with a 3.32 ERA in 29 appearances, including 24 starts, for a team that made it to the National League Championship Series before losing to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The condition caused considerable control issues during the rehab stints, Priester said. In five rehab games at Triple-A Nashville, two in Arizona and one at High-A Wisconsin, Priester had a 15.75 ERA and 2.88 WHIP in 16 innings, with 24 walks, 18 strikeouts, four hit batters and six wild pitches.
“When the brain and arm are communicating the right way because of the nerves that are pinching in there, it makes it nearly impossible to actually create a result that’s repeatable,” he said. “It was great that we had gotten the pain to go away with the nerve blocks, but essentially, we couldn’t alleviate all the symptoms.”
Priester said the full recovery time for the surgery is expected to be eight to 10 months, but the 25-year-old is confident he can beat the timeline. “I’m still a pretty young guy that may be able to make that a little bit quicker, be diligent with the work and be ready to compete for a spot in spring training next year,” Priester said.
June 17
Cleveland Guardians outfielder Chase DeLauter has become the latest Guardians position player to go on the injured list.
The team announced the move before their Wednesday night game with the Milwaukee Brewers. DeLauter had hurt his ribs Saturday while colliding with the outfield wall. Outfielder Kahlil Watson was recalled from Triple-A Columbus to fill DeLauter’s spot on the roster.
DeLauter’s injury came during a 3-1 victory over the Detroit Tigers in which seven-time All-Star third baseman José Ramírez and outfielder Angel Martinez also were hurt.
Ramírez underwent surgery Tuesday to remove the hook of the broken hamate bone in his left hand, an injury that occurred when he hit a foul pop to Tigers catcher Dillon Dingler. The normal recovery time after surgery is five-to-seven weeks.
Martínez also got hurt while fouling off a pitch. He went on the injured list Tuesday with a nondisplaced fracture in his left foot, and Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said Tuesday the 24-year-old could miss four-to-six weeks.
DeLauter is batting .263 with a .337 on-base percentage, seven homers and 34 RBIs in 66 games. Four of his homers came in Cleveland’s first three games of the season.
Ramírez is batting .239 with a .339 on-base percentage, 10 homers and 33 RBIs in 72 games. Martínez has a team-high 11 homers to go along with a .239 batting average, .276 on-base percentage and 33 RBIs in 66 games.
Watson, 23, was batting .255 with a .370 on-base percentage, 12 homers, 35 RBIs and 15 steals in 56 games at Columbus. Watson entered the pro ranks as a Miami Marlins first-round pick in 2021, but he has no major-league experience.
Max Scherzer is back on the injured list.
The Toronto Blue Jays placed the three-time Cy Young winner on the 10-day injured list on Wednesday with back spasms. The move came hours before Scherzer was scheduled to start against the Boston Red Sox.
Toronto will use reliever Braydon Fisher as an opener against Boston instead.
Scherzer, who turns 42 next month, spent more than six weeks on the injured list this season with right forearm tendinitis and left ankle inflammation. He returned last week and became the 11th pitcher in major-league history to reach 3,500 career strikeouts when he fanned Philadelphia slugger Kyle Schwarber.
The moment proved to be the highlight as Scherzer was pulled after giving up five runs in 3 1/3 innings in what became a 7-4 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies.
Scherzer, who signed a $3-million, one-year deal to return to Toronto in the offseason, is 1-4 with a 10.23 ERA in six starts with the Blue Jays in 2026.
The Tigers announced that Gleyber Torres is headed back to the 10-day IL, once again for his oblique. Torres had just returned at the start of June after spending all but two games of May on the IL for a strain to the same oblique, his left.
The second baseman is thriving when he is on the field, batting .280/.395/.395 with 10 extra-base hits in 43 games. While the power isn’t much, the .395 on-base percentage would rank fourth in the American League if Torres qualified, behind only the Athletics’ Nick Kurtz, the Astros’ Yordan Alvarez amd the Orioles’ Taylor Ward.
Torres was also finally hitting for power upon returning from the initial oblique injury: he hit .341/.413/.585 with six of those extra-base hits in those 11 games; not coincidentally, Detroit was 7-4 in those games despite being well under .500, at 30-43, for the season.
The Tigers activated starting pitcher Casey Mize from the IL to take Torres’ space on the roster. Mize has made nine starts in 2026 and owns a 2.27 ERA, with over four times as many strikeouts as walks in 47 ⅔ innings. He will slot back into a rotation that also recently welcome back defending AL Cy Young winner, Tarik Skubal.
June 16
Guardians All-Star third baseman Jose Ramirez had surgery Tuesday to remove the hook of the broken hamate bone in his left hand. The team said in a statement that the procedure was performed in Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, by Dr. Thomas Graham.
“We knew he was going to need surgery, so earlier today he was able to get it done,” Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said before Tuesday’s game.
Ramírez suffered the injury during the fifth inning of Saturday’s 3-1 win over the Detroit Tigers, when he fouled out on a pop up to Tigers catcher Dillon Dingler. It is only the second time in Ramírez’s 14 big league seasons that he has been placed on the injured list. The seven-time All-Star also broke the hamate bone in his right hand in 2019 and missed only a month. The normal recovery time post-surgery is five to seven weeks.
“That’s part of life. Those are things that are going to happen, so I’m not upset. It’s just part of the game and just got to keep going,” Ramírez said about the injury on Sunday.
The 33-year-old native of the Dominican Republic has played in a franchise-record 1,681 games. He is also the only player in Cleveland’s 125-year history to have at least 300 stolen bases and 250 home runs.
Cleveland also placed outfielder Angel Martinez on the 10-day injured list Tuesday due to a nondisplaced fracture in his left foot. Martínez’s injury also occurred during Saturday’s game after fouling off a pitch.
Martínez, who leads the Guardians with 11 homers, could be out four to six weeks, Vogt said. “He walked in Monday probably knowing that we’d probably get some testing done on Monday if he wasn’t feeling better and he wasn’t,” Vogt said. “MRI and CT scan both revealed a fracture in the foot, so it will be four to six weeks for Angel.”
Star catcher Cal Raleigh, runner-up in AL MVP voting last season after hitting 60 home runs, was reinstated from the 10-day injured list Tuesday. He was in the lineup and behind the plate as the Mariners returned home for their series opener against the Baltimore Orioles.
Raleigh had been out since May 14 with a right oblique strain, the first IL stint of his career. Seattle went 15-13 without him and was still leading the AL West, but the team finished 4-6 recently on a 10-game trip through Detroit, Baltimore and Washington.
“I’m just really just excited to get back,” said Raleigh who hit .412 (7 for 17) with five home runs and 12 RBIs in a five-game rehab assignment with Class A Everett and Triple-A Tacoma. “I missed it a lot, and it was a fun week getting back out there. I’m really excited just to get back to it, be with the guys, and get back in the thick of it.”
Raleigh’s numbers prior to the injury were nowhere near what he became accustomed to during his historic 2025 campaign, when he established single-season records for homers by a catcher, a switch-hitter and a Mariners player. He entered Tuesday’s game with a .161 batting average, seven homers and 18 RBIs.
Raleigh wasn’t the only reinforcement to arrive for Seattle on Tuesday. Veteran shortstop J.P. Crawford, who had been on the injured list since June 5 after being hit in the hand by a pitch at Detroit, returned to action and promptly was inserted as the team’s starting third baseman for the first time this season as the club continues to see what rookie shortstop Colt Emerson can do.
Seattle did have a setback, however, as outfielder Randy Arozarena was placed on the 10-day injured list with a left hamstring strain. The move was retroactive to Saturday. Arozarena hasn’t played since last Friday, and an MRI on Tuesday showed mild inflammation.
June 14
Spencer Strider’s MRI revealed inflammation in his ailing right elbow and the Atlanta Braves won’t know the next step for their right-handed pitcher until the results are viewed by Dr. Keith Meister.
Strider was placed on the 15-day injured list Saturday, less than 24 hours after he left his start against the New York Mets.
“You always expect to see inflammation when somebody’s hurting,” Braves manager Walt Weiss said before Sunday’s series finale against the Mets. “So we just want to let Dr. Meister get a look at it and get his diagnosis.”
Strider, who underwent Tommy John surgery in 2019 and had the UCL in his right elbow repaired with an internal brace in April 2024, was pulled after his velocity dipped to 88 mph while issuing a six-pitch walk to MJ Melendez leading off the fourth inning. He was clocked as high as 96 mph earlier in the game.
Strider allowed six hits and a season-worst seven earned runs in three innings. He allowed three homers, including a grand slam to Bo Bichette in the second inning.
Strider was making his eighth start of the season for the first-place Braves after missing the first 34 games recovering from a strained left oblique. He is 4-2 with a 5.31 ERA this season.
Batterymate Drake Baldwin, the reigning National League Rookie of the Year, homered in his first rehab game for Triple-A Gwinnett on Saturday. Baldwin, who has been sidelined since May 19 with a strained right oblique, is expected to return to the Braves during the homestand that begins Tuesday night.
“Looking forward to writing his name on a lineup card here pretty soon,” Weiss said. “Pretty impressive. Just a pure hitter. He’s one of the few guys that can take several weeks off, step in the box and hit a homer.”
Kansas City Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino had surgery Sunday on a fractured hamate bone in his right hand and could miss up to six weeks, the latest injury misfortune to befall a club that has struggled to live up to expectations this season.
The Royals recalled outfielder John Rave from Triple-A Omaha to replace Pasquantino on the roster ahead of their series finale against the Astros. Jac Caglianone, who has been their regular right fielder, likely will play the majority of games at first base.
Pasquantino left the Royals’ rain-delayed 8-7 loss to the Houston Astros on Saturday night after making contact with the ball in the fifth inning.
“I’m frustrated for him, especially as he’s gotten himself going,” manager Matt Quatraro said. “You never want to lose any of these guys to injury, and it stinks because I know how hard he’s worked to get back to being productive.”
Pasquantino hit .264 with a career-high 32 homers and 113 RBIs last season, and the Royals hoped that he could build on that breakout performance this season. But much like the club, which began the day 10 1/2 games out of first place in the AL Central, the 28-year-old left-handed hitter has gotten off to a slow start, batting just .224 with six homers and 32 RBIs.
“He’s gone through injuries before,” Quatraro said, “and it can be a real grind.”
June 12
Misiorowski Sets Velocity Record
Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Jacob Misiorowski set the record for the fastest pitch thrown by an MLB starting pitcher on Friday. In the top of the first inning of the Brewers’ game against the Phillies, Misiorowski burned a pitch at 105 miles per hour to strike out Kyle Schwarber. Ten of his 12 pitches in the first inning surpassed 100 mph, and none of the fastballs were under 102.3 mph.
June 11
Mets SS Francisco Lindor Could Be Back By June
Francisco Lindor has started playing simulated games and New York Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns is hopeful the shortstop can return to the team by the end of June.
“Our expectation’s he’s going to play games for us this month,” Stearns said Friday before the Mets opened a three-game series against the Atlanta Braves. “I don’t know exactly when this month, but that means we’re getting closer. We want to go as fast as possible and smart as possible, and that’s a delicate line.”
Manager Carlos Mendoza said Lindor, who suffered a strained left calf while running the bases against the Minnesota Twins on April 22, played a two-inning simulated game Friday.
Lindor took at-bats against a pitcher from Single-A Brooklyn, though he didn’t run after making contact. He also fielded ground balls.
“More like a controlled environment (where) we’re simulating game action but we’re controlling it,” Mendoza said. “He’s going to do that again next week here, where instead of two innings it’s more like three, five (innings). And then we’ll revisit at the end of next week to see what’s the next step.”
Lindor would still require a rehab stint in the minors following what will end up being his longest stay on the injured list, Mendoza said. Lindor has missed the last 44 games, during which the Mets have gone 22-22.
He missed just 52 games in his first five seasons with the team and played at least 143 games in each of his first four nonpandemic seasons with Cleveland.
Lindor will likely return to a club still trying to play its way back from a 12-game losing streak in April — the longest skid for the Mets since 2002.
New York, which is in the midst of a 25-game stretch against teams that began June with a winning record, is in last place in the NL East.
“There’s no question we’ve played better since April, but we still haven’t played consistent enough to get ourselves out of a hole that we dug in April,” Stearns said. “And we’re very aware of that. So we have to prove it. I continue to believe that we have people in the clubhouse who are capable of doing this.”
A’s Activate SS Jacob Wilson
Athletics shortstop Jacob Wilson was activated off the injured list on Friday, and designated hitter Brent Rooker was placed on the 10-day IL retroactive to Tuesday because of a bone bruise in his left knee.
Wilson was placed on the injured list a month ago because of a dislocated left shoulder. The 2025 All-Star is batting .292 with three home runs and 19 RBIs over 39 games this season.
Rooker missed the victories over the Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday and Wednesday, and manager Mark Kotsay said he would be further evaluated on the off day Thursday.
A two-time All-Star who has hit 30-plus home runs each of the past three seasons, Rooker is hitting. 200 with 10 homer and 29 RBIs over 48 games this year.
The A’s are in Las Vegas this week and open a three-game series against the Colorado Rockies on Friday night.
Ohtani, Wrobleski Exit Early
Los Angeles Dodgers two-way star Shohei Ohtani was lifted for a pinch hitter in the seventh inning of Thursday night’s 8-6 win over Pittsburgh due to left knee inflammation.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts downplayed the significance of the injury. Roberts said the move was precautionary because the Dodgers did not want to risk Ohtani being injured further.
Roberts also said he is optimistic that Ohtani will be ready to play Friday night when the Dodgers meet the White Sox in Chicago to open a three-game series between division leaders.
“We tried to be smart about it and get him out of the game,” Roberts said. “He told the trainer that he felt a little something behind his knee and I just didn’t see any sense in risking it.”
The reigning NL MVP hit his 13th homer of the season, a solo shot, in the third inning. He also had a single and walked twice, reaching base in all four of his plate appearances.
Ohtani was not made available to the media following the game. He is hitting .305 with 40 RBIs. As a pitcher, he is 6-2 with a 1.06 ERA and 73 strikeouts in 67 2/3 innings.
Starting pitcher Justin Wrobleski left the game in the fifth inning with a left hamstring contusion. The left-hander was hit by a line drive off the bat of Bryan Reynolds. The ball ricocheted off Wrobleski to first baseman Freddie Freeman. Wrobleski collided with Reynolds while taking Freeman’s toss at first base.
“I’ll get some treatment on it and I’ll be fine,” Wrobleski said. “I don’t think it’s a big deal. Just a little frustrating.”
Will Smith To Injured List
The Los Angeles Dodgers placed catcher Will Smith on the 10-day injured list Thursday with neck inflammation.
The Dodgers made the move with the three-time All-Star before facing the Pittsburgh Pirates in the finale of a three-game series. The team purchased the contract of Chuckie Robinson from Triple-A Oklahoma City.
The move with Smith was retroactive to Monday. The Dodgers expect him to return when eligible next Thursday.
Dalton Rushing will handle the bulk of the catching duties while Smith is sidelined. Smith is hitting .249 with six home runs and 23 RBIs in 52 games.
Tarik Skubal Is BACK
Two-time reigning Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal will return to the Detroit Tigers’ starting lineup Saturday against the Cleveland Guardians.
Manager A.J. Hinch made the announcement Thursday, adding that right-hander Casey Mize could return Sunday if he completes another bullpen session later Thursday.
Skubal, meanwhile, appears ahead of schedule. The Tigers announced in early May that their 29-year-old ace would require arthroscopic surgery to remove loose bodies from his left elbow. The procedure, called a NanoNeedle scope, took place nearly five weeks ago. Skubal made one rehab start, allowing two hits over five shutout innings for Detroit’s High-A affiliate.
Prior to landing on the injured list, Skubal had a 3-2 record with a 2.70 ERA in seven starts. He allowed 35 hits and 13 earned runs over 43.1 innings. He last pitched for the Tigers on April 29.
Braves Place Ronald Acuña On 10-Day IL
Ronald Acuña Jr. was placed on the 10-day injured list Wednesday by the Atlanta Braves because of a strained left hamstring. The star right fielder got hurt Tuesday night during a 10-inning loss to the Chicago White Sox, when he pulled up limping after trying to beat out a grounder in the fourth.
Acuña was removed from the game, and an MRI on Wednesday showed the strain.
“Grade 1, so it’s not terrible, but enough where we had to IL him,” Braves manager Walt Weiss said, according to MLB.com. “We’d be waiting around a while, playing short-handed if we were waiting for it to heal. So we went ahead and put him on the IL.’
It is Acuña’s second left hamstring injury this season. He was on the 10-day injured list from May 3-18 with a strained left hamstring also sustained while attempting to run out a grounder. “I don’t think it’s as severe as the last one, but still going to need some time,” Weiss said.
The 28-year-old Acuña, the 2023 NL MVP and a five-time All-Star, is hitting .251 with seven homers, 22 RBIs, 15 steals and a .793 OPS for the Braves, who top the majors with a 45-23 record. They lead the NL East by eight games over Philadelphia.
Atlanta selected the contract of first baseman Rowdy Tellez from Triple-A Gwinnett, where the eight-year major league veteran was batting .259 with eight homers, 33 RBIs and an .850 OPS in 49 games.
To open a spot for him on the 40-man roster, right-hander Jhancarlos Lara was designated for assignment.
June 10
Pirates Place Oneil Cruz On 10-Day IL
The Pittsburgh Pirates placed center fielder Oneil Cruz on the 10-day injured list on Wednesday with a broken left hand.
Cruz was injured while sliding into the plate during the fourth inning of a loss to Atlanta on Saturday. Cruz was available as a pinch-runner on Sunday and the club had been hopeful he would avoid a stint on the IL. But additional tests revealed non-displaced fractures between his ring finger and his pinkie.
The move, retroactive to Monday, means the Pirates will have to try to stay in the mix in the NL Central without one of their most productive hitters. Cruz is hitting .264 with 14 home runs and 44 RBIs. His 98 strikeouts also lead the majors.
Pittsburgh recalled utility player Billy Cooke from Triple-A Indianapolis to take Cruz’s roster spot. Cooke is hitting .190 in 32 games this year for Pittsburgh.
The Pirates also placed catcher Henry Davis on the paternity list and recalled catcher Rafael Flores Jr. from Triple-A.
Phillies’ OF Johan Rojas Needs Elbow Surgery
Suspended Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Johan Rojas needs surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right elbow and will be sidelined until spring training.
The Phillies said Wednesday that Rojas felt pain while ramping up to return from the 80-game suspension he received in March following a positive test for the performance-enhancing substance Boldenone.
Rojas, 25, would have been eligible to return June 25.
Rojas hit .224 with one homer, 18 RBIs and 12 stolen bases for the Phillies last season. He was demoted to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Aug. 1 and didn’t play for Philadelphia during the remainder of the season.
Rojas went 3 for 15 with one RBI in spring training this year. He had been slated to play for the Dominican Republic at the World Baseball Classic, but was dropped ahead of the tournament.
June 9
Cubs Starter Out Until After All-Star Break
he Chicago Cubs are expected to be without starter Jameson Taillon until after the All-Star break due to a strained left hamstring.
The right-hander exited Sunday’s game against San Francisco in the second inning. He was placed on the 15-day injury list Tuesday before opening a three-game series with the Colorado Rockies.
Chicago made a series of moves, including reinstating outfielder/infielder Matt Shaw from the 10-day IL and recalling right-handers Ethan Roberts and Tyler Ferguson from Triple-A Iowa. The team also optioned designated hitter Kevin Alcántara to Iowa, while placing pitcher Trent Thornton on the paternity list.
The loss of Taillon is the latest blow to a pitching staff already without Matthew Boyd, Cade Horton and Justin Steele. Boyd, the Cubs’ opening-day starter, is nearing a return. He’s slated to pitch over the weekend in San Francisco.
The 34-year-old Taillon threw an inning Sunday, allowing a run, before departing in the second with the injury. He’s 2-5 with a 5.19 ERA.
“After the All-Star break, I think, would be what we’re shooting for,” manager Craig Counsell said before Tuesday’s game. “The margins become … it makes losing somebody else more daunting, obviously. So that’s just the way we’re at, and guys are going to have some opportunities for the next month or so, until we get to the All-Star break, because of it.”
Shaw is hitting .242 with three homers and 12 RBIs.
“Ready to help in any way I can,” Shaw said. “Whatever that looks like, whatever that kind of manifests into, whether it’s some of those late-inning pinch running situations, I look forward to those.”
Brewers Give Long-Term Extension to Top Prospect
Outfield prospect Luis Lara signed a seven-year contract Tuesday with the Milwaukee Brewers, who continue to work out long-term deals with some of their top minor league players.
The Brewers announced the deal runs through 2032 with team options for 2033, 2034 and 2035. The club didn’t disclose financial terms, but ESPN, MLB.com and the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reported the agreement includes $31 million in guaranteed money.
The deal comes less than three months after the Brewers signed shortstop prospect Cooper Pratt to an eight-year, $50.75 million contract.
“Luis is an exciting young talent, and we’re thrilled to commit to him long term,” Brewers president of baseball operations Matt Arnold said in a statement. “He has proven to be one of the premier defensive outfielders in the minor leagues, and he has taken tremendous strides forward offensively this season. With support from ownership, we’re pleased to be able to lock in another key player for our future.”
The Brewers started this pattern of reaching long-term deals with heralded minor league prospects in December 2023 when they signed outfielder Jackson Chourio to an eight-year, $82 million contract. At the time, Chourio had no major league experience and had played only six games above the Double-A level.
Chourio made the Brewers’ big league roster the next year and has compiled more than 20 homers and 20 steals in each of his first two full seasons in the majors. He entered Tuesday batting .305 with an .846 OPS this year.
Now the Brewers have made a long-term commitment to another promising outfielder.
Baseball America ranks Lara as the No. 50 prospect in the game, while MLB Pipeline has him 91st. The 21-year-old entered Tuesday batting .338 with seven homers, 27 RBIs and 18 steals in 56 games with Triple-A Nashville this season.
Lara ranked second in the International League in runs (49) and on-base percentage (.447). He was tied for third in hits (69), was fourth in batting average and was tied for fifth in walks (39).
Last year, Lara won a Gold Glove as one of the top three defensive outfielders in the minors. During that 2025 season, he batted .257 with a .369 on-base percentage, two homers, 40 RBIs and 44 steals in 136 games with Double-A Biloxi.
Lara signed with the Brewers in January 2022 out of Venezuela.
Milwaukee added Lara to its 40-man roster and optioned him to Triple-A. The Brewers also transferred left-handed pitcher Brian Fitzpatrick to the 60-day injured list in a corresponding move.
Brewers’ Brian Fitzpatrick Diagnosed With UCL Sprain
Milwaukee Brewers left-handed reliever Brian Fitzpatrick is seeking a second opinion after being diagnosed with a partial proximal sprain of the ulnar collateral ligament in his throwing elbow.
Fitzpatrick got injured while throwing a warmup pitch Friday night in a 9-7 victory at Colorado after getting called up from Triple-A Nashville earlier in the day.
The Brewers offered an update on Fitzpatrick’s situation before their Tuesday night game with the Athletics in Las Vegas.
Fitzpatrick had thrown a scoreless sixth inning in the Friday game at Colorado. He went back out for the seventh inning and got hurt during a warmup pitch.
The 26-year-old Fitzpatrick has gone 0-0 with a 1.35 ERA in five appearances with Milwaukee. He is 3-1 with a 1.13 ERA and one save in 15 games with Nashville.
Pirates SS Konnor Griffin Nears Throwing Stage
Pirates rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin’s right forearm strain is improving, and the 20-year-old is optimistic he’ll be back soon.
Griffin initially reported discomfort in his forearm after a loss to the Chicago Cubs on May 27. He appeared as a designated hitter over the next two games before going on the 10-day injured list on May 31.
The team thought his stay on the IL would be brief, though the timeline for his possible return was pushed back after the nature of the injury turned out to be a little more severe than the club anticipated. Griffin is eligible to come off the IL on Wednesday but remains out indefinitely.
Griffin, who made his big league debut in early April as a teenager and quickly signed a nine-year deal with the team, was seen by multiple physicians. Pirates director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk said imaging of Griffin’s right (throwing) arm indicated the UCL was “stable.”
While Griffin indicated he hoped to start a throwing program as early as Wednesday, Tomczyk indicated any throwing activity won’t begin until Griffin meets with the medical team “in the coming days.”
Griffin, who turned 20 on April 24, was hitting .270 with four home runs, 22 RBIs and 14 stolen bases at the time of the injury.
“Just trying to take a little break and really make sure I don’t hurt myself worse and just take our time with it,” Griffin said in the Pittsburgh clubhouse before Tuesday’s game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. “It’s still middle of the season, so we’ve got some time to rehab and get back and be ready to roll towards the last half.”
Griffin, who pitched in high school before being drafted in the first round of the 2024 draft, said he’d never experienced any issues in his throwing arm before but made it a point to be proactive in bringing it to the attention of the club’s medical staff.
“I think we caught it at the right time, where I’m not going to have to miss the whole year,” he said. “I can just miss just a couple weeks and try to be back out there as soon as possible.”
Francisco Alvarez Returns To Mets From IL
Mets’ catcher Francisco Alvarez missed nearly a month recovering from a torn meniscus in his right knee, but on Tuesday was activated from the IL, per The Athletic. New York sent catcher Hayden Senger back to Triple-A to make room for Alvarez.
Alvarez is in his fifth season in the majors, but is still just 24 years old – he debuted with the Mets in 2022, at age 20. In 2024, he was a vital part of New York’s offense, hitting .256/.339/.447, and while he was off to a slower start in ’26, Alvarez was still batting .241/.317/.393, average in general but well above-average for a catcher.
While Senger rarely played – and did not hit well – in Alvarez’s absence, Luis Torrens took on the bulk of the duties behind the plate over the past month. He is hitting all of .217/.271/.327 – Alvarez’s return, even if he doesn’t return to his 2025 form, is a massive upgrade for a Mets’ lineup that is still missing star shortstop Francisco Lindor due to a strained calf, and has seen the majority of the lineup, save left fielder Juan Soto, rookie right fielder Carson Benge and DH MJ Melendez, struggle at the plate.
White Sox Promote Top Prospect Montgomery
Top prospect Braden Montgomery joined the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday after the outfielder was called up from Triple-A Charlotte.
Montgomery is batting .314 with 10 homers and 41 RBIs over 56 games with Double-A Birmingham and Charlotte this season. He was promoted to the Triple-A Knights on May 5.
Montgomery, 23, was selected by Boston with the No. 12 pick in the 2024 amateur draft. He was acquired by Chicago in the Garrett Crochet trade in December 2024.
The White Sox also recalled left-hander Joe Rock from Charlotte before their game against the Atlanta Braves. Right-hander David Sandlin and outfielder Rikuu Nishida were sent down, and outfielder Austin Hays was transferred to the 60-day injured list.
Rock, 25, was acquired in a trade with Tampa Bay on May 19 for infielder Oliver Dunn. He made four starts with the Knights after the deal, going 0-0 with a 4.00 ERA.
Rock was a second-round pick in the 2021 amateur draft. He made his major league debut last year, compiling a 2.35 ERA in three appearances with the Rays.
June 7
Angels place Jack Kochanowicz on the 15-day IL
The Los Angeles Angels put pitcher Jack Kochanowicz on the 15-day injured list with right elbow inflammation Sunday.
The right-hander allowed seven runs and six hits in one-third of an inning in a 9-1 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday. Kochanowicz (2-5) gave up six straight hits to open the bottom of the first.
The Angels recalled left-hander Sam Aldegheri from Triple-A Salt Lake. He is scheduled to start against the Houston Astros on Monday in Anaheim.
Reporting by the Associated Press.
Royals’ Bobby Witt Jr. leaves game early vs. Twins
Kansas City shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. left the Royals’ game with the Minnesota Twins on Sunday with what the team described as right knee soreness.
Witt left the game in the seventh inning. The two-time All-Star had gone 0 for 4 with three strikeouts before his departure.
Witt is batting .280 with a .354 on-base percentage, .456 slugging percentage, nine homers, 27 RBIs and 23 steals in 66 games this season. He entered Sunday tied for the major-league lead in steals.
Reporting by the Associated Press.
Tarik Skubal pitches five scoreless innings in rehab debut
The Detroit Tigers are getting closer to having their ace back in the rotation. Tarik Skubal threw five scoreless innings Sunday in his first minor league rehab appearance since undergoing elbow surgery last month.
Skubal struck out six and allowed just two hits during his rehab start for Single-A West Michigan against Dayton.
Before the injury, Skubal was 3-2 with a 2.70 ERA across seven starts this season. He recorded 45 strikeouts with just six walks over 43.1 innings after winning the American League Cy Young Award in each of the last two seasons.
The Detroit Tigers are off to a 26-39 start and sit fourth in the AL Central, putting Skubal at the center of trade speculation ahead of the MLB trade deadline. Skubal is set to hit free agency after the season and has already been linked to multiple teams in trade rumors.
June 5
Royce Lewis Returns
The Minnesota Twins recalled infielder Royce Lewis from Triple-A St. Paul on Saturday, less than three weeks after the former No. 1 draft pick was sent down to work on his swing mechanics and position flexibility.
Lewis, who turned 27 on Friday, was hitting .163 with three home runs and 37 strikeouts in 104 at-bats this season when the Twins demoted him on May 19. In 15 games with St. Paul, he hit .333 with 10 home runs.
He also started games at first and second base after spending the bulk of his time with the Twins at third base.
“He went down, he did a good job, he deserves to be back because of the way he performed,” manager Derek Shelton said. “And he’s going to get some opportunities up here.”
Lewis was the first pick in the 2017 amateur draft. The former high school shortstop’s progress has been hampered by numerous injuries, including two torn ACLs and multiple oblique and hamstring strains.
In a corresponding move, outfielder James Outman was designated for assignment.
June 4
Aaron Judge To Injured List
The New York Yankees placed Aaron Judge on the 10-day injured list Friday, a day after announcing the slugger has a stress fracture in one of his ribs that will keep him off the field indefinitely.
The three-time AL MVP will rest and have limited activity before getting re-evaluated and having additional imaging in about four to six weeks. The Yankees said in a statement that Judge is expected to return “at some point this season.”
They recalled Spencer Jones from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes Barre for his second stint with the team to replace Judge.
Jones went 4 for 24 on May 8-21 after being called up to replace Jasson Domínguez, who injured the AC joint in his shoulder while crashing into the left-field fence on a catch against Brandon Nimmo on May 7 against Texas.
Judge underwent a CT scan on Thursday and had an MRI earlier in the week when he met with a specialist. The Yankees initially said Judge had shoulder soreness before clarifying the injury was to a rib on his right side, which was first revealed when Judge underwent testing on Monday, the team’s off day.
June 1
Elly De La Cruz Lands On IL
Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz was placed on the 10-day injured list Monday with a right hamstring strain.
De La Cruz left Sunday’s 6-4 victory over the Atlanta Braves with right hamstring tightness after singling to right center in the fifth inning.
He underwent an MRI on Monday morning.
With the Reds leading 3-2 on Sunday, De La Cruz sent a ball into the gap against Braves starter Spencer Strider. The contact normally would have gone for a double, but De La Cruz grimaced as he reached first base and stopped. He walked off the field on his own after meeting briefly with training staff.
De La Cruz has appeared in 276 consecutive games, the sixth-longest streak for a Reds player in the expansion era (since 1961). His streak began on July 30, 2024. He’s batting .280 with 12 home runs this season.
The Reds also recalled infielder Edwin Arroyo from Triple-A Louisville, selected left-hander Brandon Leibrandt from Triple-A and designated for assignment right-hander Yunior Marte.
The 22-year-old Arroyo is batting .323 with 11 homers and 34 RBIs with a .945 OPS in 53 games.
May 31
Marlins Place Janson Junk On 15-Day IL
The Miami Marlins are placing pitcher Janson Junk on the 15-day injured list due to right shin inflammation, per MLB. He will not make his scheduled start on Sunday against the New York Mets.
Junk is expected to miss 2-3 weeks with the injury. John King will open a bullpen game for the Marlins on Sunday, while Josh White, who was recalled from Triple-A Jacksonville to replace Junk on the roster, is expected to make his MLB debut at some point during the game.
Losing Junk will impact the Marlins’ rotation, as he has put together a solid season so far. The right-hander owns a 4.80 ERA with a 1.30 WHIP and 43 strikeouts across 60 innings pitched this season.
May 30
Munetaka Murakami To Injured List
The Chicago White Sox placed slugger Munetaka Murakami on the 10-day injured list with a right hamstring strain before Saturday’s game against the Detroit Tigers at Rate Field. In a corresponding move, the White Sox selected infielder Jacob Gonzalez from Triple-A Charlotte.
Murakami, who entered Saturday tied for the AL lead in home runs with 20, was injured in Friday night’s series opener against Detroit, beating out a double play in the third inning. He underwent imaging on Saturday. Following Friday’s 4-3 win over Detroit in 10 innings, White Sox manager Will Venable told reporters he thought Murakami might miss “a couple of weeks.”
The first baseman is hitting .240 with four doubles, 41 RBIs, 44 walks, 43 runs scored and a .938 OPS over 57 games with the White Sox this season, his first in the major leagues.
Murakami grabbed the back of his right thigh after beating a throw to first base when he hit into a fielder’s choice in the third inning. Luisangel Acuña came in to pinch run for him.
The 26-year-old Murakami has been a huge addition for the resurgent White Sox, who signed the Japanese star to a two-year, $34 million contract in December. Murakami entered Saturday tied with Houston Astros star Yordan Alvarez for second place in the majors in homers. Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber leads the majors with 22.
Gonzalez, who turns 24 on Saturday, is rated by MLB.com and Baseball America as the No. 23 prospect in the White Sox organization. He’s hitting .317 with 11 doubles, one triple, 19 home runs, 62 RBIs, 33 walks, 42 runs scored and a 1.087 OPS over 52 games with Charlotte.
In a separate move, the White Sox transferred right-hander Jordan Leasure to the 60-day injured list; he has right forearm flexor inflammation.
May 29
Kendry Rojas To Injured List
The Minnesota Twins placed left-hander Kendry Rojas on the 15-day injured list Friday because of elbow inflammation. The move was retroactive to Tuesday. Rojas was scratched from a scheduled start Thursday after developing soreness during warmups.
The 23-year-old rookie and the team’s top pitching prospect made his Major League debut on April 22. He is 1-0 with a 1.26 ERA in five games across two stints with the Twins this season.
Additionally, the Twins optioned right-hander Travis Adams to Triple-A St. Paul following Thursday’s game in Chicago against the White Sox. Adams appeared in five games during his most recent stint, going 1-0 with a save while allowing five runs.
To replace Rojas and Adams on the 26-man roster, the Twins returned right-hander Cody Laweryson from his rehab assignment and reinstated him from the 15-day IL. The Twins also recalled left-hander Kody Funderburk from St. Paul.
May 28
Forearm soreness sidelines Pirates’ SS Konnor Griffin
Pittsburgh Pirates rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin was scratched from Thursday’s starting lineup against the Chicago Cubs due to right forearm soreness. While he remains available and is officially considered day-to-day, the team is acting with caution.
Griffin is putting together a strong rookie campaign, batting .261 with four home runs, 21 RBIs, and a .716 OPS. His absence is a tough blow for the Pirates, who currently sit at the bottom of a tight NL Central despite a winning 29-27 record.
Garrett Whitlock To Injured List
The Boston Red Sox placed reliever Garrett Whitlock on the 15-day injured list on Thursday with left knee inflammation. The move is retroactive to May 25.
Whitlock last pitched on Sunday against the Minnesota Twins. The right-hander told reporters on Wednesday that his landing leg slipped during his first warm-up pitch of the outing, resulting in a hyperextension.
Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy said Whitlock received a painkilling injection before Boston’s 8-0 win over the Atlanta Braves on Wednesday.
Whitlock has a 3.20 ERA through 20 relief appearances this season.
The Red Sox recalled left-hander Tyler Samaniego from Triple-A Worcester to replace Whitlock. Samaniego has posted a 1.04 ERA in 18 games for Boston this season.
Kenley Jansen To Injured List
The Detroit Tigers placed closer Kenley Jansen on the 15-day injured list on Thursday with pelvic inflammation.
Jansen left Wednesday’s 4-0 win over the Los Angeles Angels in the ninth inning. The 38-year-old Jansen is 1-3 this season with a 4.80 ERA and seven saves in 11 chances. He has allowed three walk-off homers since April 24.
On April 14, he recorded his 479th career save to move past Lee Smith for third place on the MLB career list. He now has 483, trailing only Hall of Famers Mariano Rivera (652 saves) and Trevor Hoffman (601).
To replace Jansen, the Tigers recalled left-hander Drew Sommers from Triple-A Toledo. Sommers had four appearances with the Tigers last season, posting an 0-1 record with an 18.00 ERA.
May 27
Dodgers’ Kiké Hernández suffers left oblique tear
The Los Angeles Dodgers are expected to be without utility player Kiké Hernández for the foreseeable future. An MRI on Wednesday revealed a “significant” tear in his left oblique, per The Athletic.
Hernández could miss around 6-8 weeks with the oblique, depending on when symptoms subside.
Hernández has appeared in just two games for the Dodgers this season, but remained productive during his brief stint with the club, going 4-for-4 with one home run and two RBIs. The Dodgers currently sit atop the National League West with a 35-20 record.
Marlins’ Eury Pérez exits early due to hamstring spasm
Miami Marlins pitcher Eury Pérez left Wednesday’s start against the Toronto Blue Jays after four shutout innings after suffering a right hamstring spasm while stretching in the dugout. Pérez allowed three hits, all singles, and did not issue a walk.
Prior to exiting, Pérez was dominant, recording nine strikeouts over four innings.
There has been no update on Pérez’s return to the mound, but he is more than likely expected to land on the 10 or 15-day injured list. The Marlins are 26-30 on the season and sit fourth in the National League East.
May 26
Shohei Ohtani Removed After HBP
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani was removed in the fourth inning shortly after a pitch from Colorado Rockies’ LHP Kyle Freeland struck him on the hands. Ohtani briefly remained in the game, ultimately scoring on a double from outfielder Andy Pages. However, he didn’t appear in his next at-bat as Dalton Rushing came in to pinch hit. Ohtani is scheduled to start on Wednesday against the Rockies.
Tampa Bay Rays Sign Craig Kimbrel
The Tampa Bay Rays signed right-handed reliever Craig Kimbrel to a major-league contract on Tuesday to shore up their bullpen; the Rays placed right-hander Jesse Scholtens on the 15-day injured list with a right wrist strain to make room for Kimbrel on the active roster.
The New York Mets designated Kimbrel for assignment on Friday after the nine-time All-Star allowed 10 runs over 15 innings in 14 appearances. He signed a free agent contract with the team in January.
The 37-year-old Kimbrel has 440 saves with 10 teams in his 17-year career. He won a World Series with the Boston Red Sox in 2018 and was the 2011 NL Rookie of the Year.
The Rays have the AL’s best record at 34-17, but their bullpen’s ERA of 4.40 is 21st in the majors.
White Sox place Noah Schultz on 15-Day IL
The Chicago White Sox announced Tuesday that pitcher Noah Schultz has been placed on the 15-day injured list with right patellar tendinitis. It remains unclear when Schultz will return to the field.
In a corresponding move, the White Sox recalled right-handed pitcher David Sandlin from Triple-A Charlotte.
Schultz entered the season as the organization’s top pitching prospect and was called up to the majors on April 12. Through eight starts, he posted a 5.82 ERA and a 1.34 WHIP while recording 33 strikeouts across 38.2 innings pitched.
Athletics calling up lefty pitching prospect Gage Jump
The Athletics are calling up one of their top prospects in left-handed reliever Gage Jump, according to ESPN. Jump is regarded as one of the top left-handed pitching prospects in baseball and ranks as the organization’s No. 3 overall prospect
Jump was selected with the No. 73 overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft and is expected to join the Athletics’ bullpen immediately.
His fastball reaches up to 97 mph, and he has recorded 56 strikeouts in 38 innings at Triple-A while posting a 3.58 ERA across 150.2 innings over two minor league seasons. The Athletics currently sit atop the American League West with a 27-27 record.
May 23
Yordan Álvarez Leaves Game
Houston Astros slugger Yordan Álvarez left Saturday’s game against the Chicago Cubs in the middle of an at-bat in the sixth inning because of back spasms.
After fouling off a pitch from Colin Rea to fall behind 0-2, Alvarez appeared to be in discomfort. Zach Dezenzo stepped in as a pinch-hitter, and swung and missed on the next pitch to complete the strikeout.
Álvarez was chatting with the training staff in the on-deck circle before the at-bat, his third of the game. The three-time All-Star is batting .300 with 15 homers and 31 RBIs.
Roster Tweak
The scuffling Chicago Cubs recalled outfielder Kevin Alcántara from Triple-A Iowa before their game Saturday against the Houston Astros and designated infielder Nicky Lopez for assignment. Slumping four-time Gold Glove left fielder Ian Happ was out of the lineup, replaced by Michael Conforto as Chicago tried to end a six-game losing streak. The Cubs are 2-10 following a 20-3 run that included two separate 10-game win streaks and had propelled them to 27-12, the best record in the majors on May 8.
The 23-year-old Alcántara was batting .242 with 15 home runs and 32 RBIs and a .906 OPS in 41 games with Iowa. His 15 homers were tied for the most by a Triple-A player entering Saturday. Alcántara has played in 13 games with the Cubs during call-ups over the past two seasons and has a .238 average with one RBI in 22 plate appearances.
The Cubs acquired Lopez from the Colorado Rockies on April 23; he went 0 for 5 in four games. Chicago has scored 18 runs during its six-game slide and Happ, in his 10th season, has struggled. The switch-hitting 31-year-old has only one hit and two walks in his past six games, while striking out 14 times in 26 plate appearances.
“I think the thing from yesterday is we just need to give Ian a break,” manager Craig Counsell said. “And look, we’ve got a lot of guys not hitting. That’s kind of why we’re in the middle of this right?
“But I think Ian’s feeling it the most, and so he’s the guy we’re giving a break to.”
Counsell said Alcántara figures to see playing time as he shakes up his club.
“Kevin’s on the roster,” Counsell said. “You know there are spots to get him in there.”
May 22
Trevor Story Update
Struggling Boston Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story could be out several weeks after sports hernia surgery.
The team announced on Friday what it said was a successful procedure by Dr. William Meyers at the Vincera Institute in Philadelphia. Story sat out the opener of Boston’s three-game series at the Atlanta Braves last week and was placed on the 10-day injured list the following day. He told reporters in Atlanta that he was weighing his options but that surgery could keep him out for as many as 10 weeks.
The two-time All-Star played in 41 of the Red Sox’s first 43 games and is batting .206 with three homers in his fifth season in Boston. He has also committed six errors. His .547 OPS ranks 165th of 173 qualified hitters. Andruw Monasterio has started in Story’s place in four of the past six games, with Isiah Kiner-Falefa starting the other two.
But interim manager Chad Tracy said the team would evaluate the possibility of moving second baseman Marcelo Mayer to shortstop if it appeared Story will be out for an extended period.
That is now a reality.
Story joins outfielder Roman Anthony (right wrist sprain) and Garrett Crochet (left shoulder inflammation) on the IL for the Red Sox, who enter Friday’s three-game series with the Minnesota Twins fourth in the AL East.
Marlins Top Pitching Prospect Undergoing Tommy John Surgery
Marlins left-hander Robby Snelling will undergo surgery on Friday to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his left elbow, ending his season after just one major league start.
Snelling, the team’s No. 2 prospect, was called up from Triple-A Jacksonville earlier this month and made his MLB debut in a loss to Washington on May 8, giving up three runs on five hits while walking four in five innings. He later reported discomfort in his left elbow after a bullpen sessions, and an MRI revealed a sprained UCL.
Snelling was evaluated Thursday in Dallas by Dr. Keith Meister, who recommended surgery, the team said. A recovery timeline will be given following Friday’s surgery.
“Disappointing for him and us,” manager Clayton McCullough said. “That’s an unfortunate part of our industry. Guys go down. We just keep going, and Robby will come back from this a stronger person.”
McCullough said the Marlins will try different pitchers to fill the fifth spot in the rotation, mentioning Braxton Garrett, who was optioned to Triple-A Jacksonville on Wednesday, and Tyler Phillips, who has allowed four earned runs with 27 strikeouts in 30 relief innings this season.
“We have some others in Jacksonville that have thrown the ball well and (can) potentially get that opportunity,” he said. “We have ways here with the group we have that we can cover those games. So I think that we’ll just continue to kick the tires on what we think is best. And guys will have chances to step into that spot and have a chance to perform here.”
Tests Reveal No Structural Damage For Trent Grisham’s Knee
New York Yankees center fielder Trent Grisham was relieved that tests did not reveal any structural damage to his left knee on Thursday, a day after he exited a game in the fifth inning.
“Last night I was pretty optimistic just with how I was feeling there would be no structural damage but still good to get the news,” Grisham said before the Yankees concluded a four-game series against Toronto.
Grisham grimaced at second base after his bloop double fell between left fielder Yohendrick Pinango and third baseman Kazuma Okamoto in the second inning of Wednesday’s 2-1 loss.
The 29-year-old remained in the game until Spencer Jones replaced him in center in the fifth. Jones made his second start in center Thursday after playing 22 games there for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre
Grisham is hitting .174 with six homers and 27 RBIs. While his batting average is the fourth-lowest in the majors among qualifying hitters, Grisham has the third-most RBIs among center fielders.
Acquired from the Padres in December of 2023 along with Juan Soto, Grisham returned to the Yankees on the one-year, $22,025,000 qualifying offer in the offseason after batting .235 with a career-high 34 homers and 74 RBIs in 143 games.
May 21
Pirates call up Dominican prospect
The Pittsburgh Pirates have called up Esmerlyn Valdez from AAA Indianapolis to make his MLB debut Friday against the Toronto Blue Jays. Valdez is a versatile prospect who can play outfield and first base. Valdez is batting .253 with 10 home runs and 29 RBIs through 46 games at the minor league level in 2026.
Tarik Skubal Throws Another Bullpen Session For Tigers
Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Stubal threw another bullpen session on Thursday, his third since his rehab program from elbow surgery began.
The two-time American League Cy Young Award winner underwent a non-invasive procedure on his left pitching elbow on May 6 to remove a loose body. He threw his latest bullpen session prior to Detroit’s home game against Cleveland.
Manager A.J. Hinch called it a “great step” but stopped short of saying when Skubal might return to action.
“There are little hurdles to clear along the way when you come back from a procedure,” Hinch said. “As much as we described it as simple, it’s still a procedure.”
Skubal used his full arsenal while throwing a total of 35 pitches, taking a breather in-between to simulate a break between innings.
“His velocity was as high as it’s been since his throwing started,” Hinch said. “He sat down and came back and did like a simulated second inning. That’s encouraging and it’s full stuff.”
Skubal will travel with the team during its weekend series in Baltimore and throw another bullpen session. The team’s medical and coaching staff will determine his next step afterward.
Skubal is 3-2 with a 2.70 ERA in seven starts this season. He’ll be a free agent after the season.
May 20
Mariners’ J.P. Crawford open to moving to 3B for Colt Emerson
Not only have the Seattle Mariners made headlines with top prospect Colton Emerson making an early impact, but it’s already creating ripple effects in the clubhouse. Shortstop J.P. Crawford has already approached manager Dan Wilson about moving to third base, per The Seattle Times.
“I just want to be there for him,” Crawford said. “We’re on the same team. We all have the same goal, and that’s to win a World Series. And the sooner you could get comfy here, the better.”
The expectation was that Emerson would be the full-time third baseman moving forward, shifting away from his natural shortstop position. With Crawford open to the change, there is still no update on whether the Mariners will officially make the move.
Emerson is the top prospect in the Mariners’ farm system and ranked No. 6 overall in baseball. He signed an eight-year, $95 million extension before the season, marking the largest commitment at the time to a minor leaguer who had not yet made his MLB debut.
Edward Cabrera leaves start with blister injury
The Chicago Cubs’ injury woes continued with the latest setback involving starting pitcher Edward Cabrera. He exited Wednesday’s game against the Milwaukee Brewers in the fourth inning with a blister on his right middle finger, the team announced
Trent Thornton entered in relief of Cabrera after the injury. Prior to exiting, Cabrera’s fastball velocity had noticeably dipped, with his final pitch clocked at 92.5 mph — his slowest fastball of the season.
Cabrera has struggled at times early in his first season with the Cubs after being acquired from the Miami Marlins this offseason. He has posted a 4.06 ERA with a 1.31 WHIP and 45 strikeouts across 51 innings pitched.
May 19
Astros place Lance McCullers Jr. on 15-Day IL
The Houston Astros scratched pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. from his scheduled start against the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday night due to shoulder inflammation, manager Joe Espada said. McCullers is traveling back to Houston to be evaluated by team doctors.
Espada said Lance McCullers Jr. has been pitching through the injury “for a while” and has since been placed on the 15-day injured list.
McCullers Jr. has struggled on the mound for the Astros this season. In eight appearances for the club, he has posted a 2-3 record with a 6.86 ERA, 1.53 WHIP and 43 strikeouts across 39.1 innings pitched.
Dodgers add LHP Eric Lauer to Active Roster, option RHP Wyatt Mills
The Los Angeles Dodgers have moved LHP Eric Lauer to the active roster and optioned RHP Wyatt Miller, the team announced.
Lauer was recently acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays to add depth to the Dodgers pitching room, amidst the lingering injuries of pitchers Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow. While Lauer will be in the bullpen, he’ll become the Dodgers sixth starter starting next week. With Lauer’s move, the Dodgers also optioned Mills, who returns to Oklahoma City after his four appearances where he allowed seven walks and four runs in 3.1 innings.
Lauer has not been a star this year, but his 2025 season is impressive. Lauer pitched 5.2 innings in the World Series, against the Dodgers, and pitched 4.2 innings in Game 3, which went to 18 innings.
Gerritt Cole to make season debut for Yankees on Friday
New York Yankees starting pitcher Gerrit Cole is set to make his season debut Friday against the Tampa Bay Rays, according to manager Aaron Boone. Cole has been sidelined since undergoing Tommy John surgery last March and has not pitched since the 2024 World Series.
Not only do the Yankees already boast one of the best rotations in baseball, but Gerrit Cole has long been among the sport’s elite arms. He won the 2023 Cy Young Award, becoming the first Yankee to earn the honor since Roger Clemens in 2001.
In his last season with the Yankees in 2024, Cole went 8-5 with a 3.18 ERA, 99 strikeouts, and a 1.19 WHIP over 95 innings pitched.
Braves C Drake Baldwin Lands On 10-Day IL
The Atlanta Braves placed catcher Drake Baldwin on the 10-day IL with a right oblique strain. Baldwin has played in every game this season for Atlanta to tie for the National League lead of 48, in part because fellow backstop Sean Murphy is on the IL with a fractured finger, and hit .303/.389/.543 with 13 home runs.
The reigning NL Rookie of the Year played in the series opener against the Miami Marlins on Monday but was replaced after his third plate appearance in the sixth inning of Atlanta’s 12-0 loss.
“Everyone deals with this,” Braves manager Walt Weiss said Tuesday. “It’s part of a major league season. Virtually every team is going to deal with their fair share of injuries. It’s tough when it happens to your best players. You’ve got to find a way to get through it and guys have to step up.”
Weiss added that Baldwin initially felt a slight discomfort after his second at-bat but not painful enough to warrant his removal.
Veteran catcher Sandy León is already on the roster with Murphy out, but as Baldwin is tied with slugging first baseman Matt Olson for the team lead in OPS+, he will be a downgrade even if he hits well over a short stretch. Baldwin has been a huge part of the Braves’ excellent offense and an MLB-best +86 run differential.
This was one of a flurry of moves by Atlanta on Tuesday. mostly involving relievers. Lefty reliever Aaron Bummer was released and righty JR Ritchie was optioned to Triple-A, opening up another two roster spots, which were then used to recall right-hander Victor Mederos, promote catcher Chadwick Tromp and activate southpaw Dylan Dodd from the IL.
Twins Option Royce Lewis To Minors
The Minnesota Twins demoted former No. 1 draft pick Royce Lewis to the minor leagues, the team announced Tuesday.
The Twins also designated right-handed pitcher Justin Topa for assignment and placed catcher Ryan Jeffers on the injured list with a left hamate bone fracture. Right-handed pitcher Travis Adams was recalled from Triple-A St. Paul, and the Twins selected the contracts of infielder Orlando Arcia and catcher Alex Jackson. Lewis heads to the minors after struggling following his return from a sprained left knee. Since returning from the injured list on April 21, the third baseman has struck out 25 times in 68 plate appearances while batting just .132 with one home run and five RBIs.
Before the injury, Lewis hit .222 with two doubles, two homers, eight RBIs and an .822 OPS in 12 games.
The Twins made a similar move last week, demoting right fielder Matt Wallner to Triple-A St. Paul.
May 18
Nationals Plan to Recall OF Dylan Crews
The Washington Nationals are recalling outfielder Dylan Crews to the major league roster, per The Athletic. Crews began the season in Triple-A after a difficult spring training and was optioned ahead of Opening Day.
Crews was optioned to Rochester in March for a planned reset of his swing mechanics and to rebuild his offensive confidence. The Washington Nationals made the move after he struggled throughout spring training, batting just .103.
Through two seasons in the pros, Crews has appeared in 116 games for the Washington Nationals. In that span, he has posted a .211 batting average with 13 home runs and 35 RBIs, along with a .634 OPS.
Braves activate Ronald Acuña Jr. from 10-Day IL
The Atlanta Braves are activating outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. from the 10-day injured list ahead of Monday’s series opener against the Miami Marlins, the team announced. Acuña has been sidelined since May 2 due to a strained left hamstring.
To make room for Ronald Acuña Jr., the Braves placed infielder Kyle Farmer on the 10-day injured list with a strained right forearm, retroactive to May 16.
Acuña Jr. is a key addition back to the Braves’ lineup, bringing a consistent impact at the plate since his 2018 debut. This season, he has hit .252 with two home runs, nine RBIs, and a .740 OPS across 34 games.
Rangers place SS Corey Seager on 10-Day IL
The Texas Rangers placed shortstop Corey Seager on the 10-day injured list with lower back inflammation, the team announced. Seager took a scheduled day off on Friday before waking up with back spasms on Saturday, causing him to miss the series against the Houston Astros.
“He’s just too valuable and important to the rest of our season,” Manager Chris Young said. “Our anticipation is this will give him the chance to reset mentally.”
In a corresponding move, the Rangers promoted utility player Michael Helman from Triple-A to replace Seager on the roster.
Seager has struggled offensively this season, batting .179 with seven home runs and 20 RBIs through 42 games. He could return as early as next Monday when the Rangers open a seven-game homestand.
White Sox C Kyle Teel out 3-6 weeks with right knee sprain
The Chicago White Sox’s top prospect and catcher, Kyle Teel, has yet to play this season after suffering a right hamstring strain while playing in the World Baseball Classic. He had recently begun a rehab assignment with Triple-A Charlotte as he worked toward a return.
However, Teel’s recovery suffered another setback Saturday night when he injured his right knee during the rehab stint. He was diagnosed with a right knee LCL sprain, the team announced Monday.
Teel is expected to miss 3-to-6 weeks for recovery and rehab before returning to play.
Not only is Teel viewed as one of the top prospects in the organization, but he is also expected to be a key piece of the team’s young core moving forward. He showed that potential last season, posting a .273 batting average with eight home runs, 35 RBIs and a .786 OPS across 78 games.
May 17
Astros Place Jose Altuve On IL With Grade 2 Oblique Strain
The Houston Astros are placing second baseman Jose Altuve on the injured list with a Grade 2 oblique strain, per The Athletic. Altuve sustained the injury Saturday and underwent imaging Sunday, which revealed the severity of the strain.
The Astros have not announced a timetable for Altuve’s return to the field.
Altuve has appeared in 42 games for the Astros this season, posting a .245 batting average with four home runs and 12 RBIs. His absence leaves Houston without one of the most experienced bats and leaders in its lineup moving forward.
Mariners Call Up Top Prospect Colt Emerson
The Seattle Mariners are promoting top infield prospect Colt Emerson, the team announced. With Brendan Donovan on the 10-day injured list because of a groin injury, Emerson is expected to take over as the team’s primary third baseman moving forward.
Emerson, 20, is the Mariners’ top prospect and the No. 6 overall prospect in baseball. He signed an eight-year, $95 million contract this past offseason, the largest deal in MLB history for a player without any major league service time.
Mariners general manager Justin Hollander said promoting Emerson was an unexpected move that quickly came together following Donovan’s injury.
“We want to do the right thing for Colt,” Hollander said. “We also want to do the right thing for the Mariners. We think he’s the best option. This period will get him some runway. This is not a 15 at-bat or 20 at-bat tryout to see if he’s capable of taking the job and running with it for the rest of the year.”
Dodgers Trade For P Eric Lauer
The Los Angeles Dodgers are trading for Toronto Blue Jays reliever Eric Lauer after placing right-hander Brusdar Graterol on the 60-day IL. The corresponding move for Graterol is from the 15-day IL to the 60-day IL, creating room for Lauer.
The Dodgers acquired Lauer in exchange for cash considerations or a player to be named later. Reliever Jack Dreyer became the latest Dodgers pitcher placed on the injured list Sunday, prompting a move to add Lauer for bullpen depth.
Lauer is 1-5 this season with the Blue Jays and has put together a 6.69 ERA and 26 strikeouts in 36.1 innings.
May 16
Blake Snell to Undergo Surgery
Ahead of Saturday’s game against the Angels, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts announced that pitcher Blake Snell will undergo surgery on Tuesday and will miss significant time, per Katie Woo. Initially, Snell was scratched from Friday’s starting lineup and placed on the 15-day injured list.
“He’s going to get surgery on Tuesday, as I understand it, it’s going to be to take out those loose bodies, and it’s supposed to be a lot quicker recovery, so we’re encouraged about that, and [we] expect him certainly back this season,” Roberts said before Saturday’s game.
Snell was expected to make his second start of the season on Friday against the Angels after missing significant time dealing with shoulder inflammation. Against the Braves, Snell threw three innings of 77 pitches and allowed five runs.
José Berríos Needs Surgery
The Toronto Blue Jays could be without right-hander José Berríos for the remainder of the season after the veteran pitcher is scheduled to undergo elbow surgery Wednesday.
Blue Jays manager John Schneider said Saturday that Dr. Keith Meister will repair a stress fracture in Berríos’ elbow and also evaluate possible ligament damage during the procedure. The team will not know the full extent of the injury or Berríos’ timetable for recovery until the surgery is completed.
“There may be some ligament stuff going on,” Schneider said.
Berríos, 31, has not pitched in the majors this season after elbow inflammation was first detected during a routine MRI while he was attempting to join Puerto Rico for the World Baseball Classic in spring training. A later examination revealed the stress fracture.
Berríos tried to work his way back, making four rehab starts at Triple-A Buffalo, but continued discomfort after his May 3 outing prompted another visit with Meister. He struggled during the rehab assignment, with a 10.67 ERA over 14 1/3 innings.
Last season, Berríos went 9-5 with a 4.17 ERA in 31 appearances for Toronto before landing on the injured list in September with elbow inflammation; he missed the Blue Jays’ run to the 2025 World Series.
May 15
Dodgers scratch LHP Blake Snell vs. Angels
The Los Angeles Dodgers have scratched left-handed pitcher Blake Snell from Friday’s start against the Los Angeles Angels, per Katie Woo. The Dodgers will instead turn to a bullpen game, with Will Klein expected to serve as the starter in the first game of the Freeway Series.
There is currently no official reason for the late scratch, though Snell was set to make just his second start since returning from shoulder fatigue that forced him to begin the 2026 season on the injured list. The two-time Cy Young winner made his season debut last Saturday against the Atlanta Braves, allowing four runs across three innings.
Snell originally was expected to continue building up in the minor leagues before injuries in the Dodgers rotation accelerated his return to the majors. Now, after just one appearance, uncertainty once again surrounds his status moving forward.
The Dodgers are expected to provide more clarity on Snell’s condition later Friday evening.
Tarik Skubal Update
Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal has started playing catch and soft tossing, just over a week after elbow surgery.
The two-time AL Cy Young Award winner had a procedure on May 6 to remove a loose body in his pitching elbow, which was described as minimally invasive. When the Tigers placed the 29-year-old left-hander on the 15-day injured list in a move effective May 4, the team projected he would miss two to three months.
“Tarik has started his throwing program, which is significant news just that it’s increased his rehab progression to the next phase, which is really exciting,” manager A.J. Hinch said Friday. “We thought this procedure would lead to a step-by-step process and this next step is literally the throwing program. So he initiated that earlier this week and will continue to play catch daily until we ramp him up to the bullpen.”
Skubal felt irritation in his last start, on April 29 against the Atlanta Braves, but he remained in the game and struck out the side in his seventh and final inning. He was scratched on the day of his next scheduled start.
“He obviously feels great,” Hinch said. ‘I was texting back and forth with him last night, and he was super excited about just the general feeling. It doesn’t feel weird, it doesn’t feel awkward. It’s not guarded.
“I’ve seen video of it. We’re in touch with him daily about the program,” Hinch added. “And that sort of freedom, mentally and physically, I think, is a great sign. We’ve been in touch with the doctor and making sure that we’re going by the protocol because this is a unique set of circumstances, throwing so soon.”
Skubal is 3-2 with a 2.70 ERA in seven starts, striking out 45 batters and walking six in 43 ⅓ innings. He has a $32 million salary after winning in arbitration and is eligible for free agency after the World Series.
“If there’s any sort of soreness, fatigue, lack of execution, things like that, we can get to the baseball [part of the rehab] once we clear any of the swelling,” Hinch said.
Max Fried Placed On IL With Bone Bruise
New York Yankees left-hander Max Fried will be sidelined for at least two weeks and perhaps longer because of a bone bruise of his left elbow.
The 32-year-old had an MRI and CT scan Thursday, a day after he cut short a start at Baltimore following the third inning. He also was examined by Yankees team physician Dr. Christopher Ahmad.
New York said Friday that Fried will be placed on the 15-day injured list and the imaging will be reviewed by Los Angeles Dodgers team physician Dr. Neal ElAttrache. The Yankees said repeat imaging will be taken in a few weeks or when Fried is asymptomatic to determine when he can resume throwing. A more specific return projection will be determined then.
Fried is 4-3 with a 3.21 ERA in 10 starts this season after going 19-5 with a 2.86 ERA and making the All-Star team in his first season after leaving Atlanta to sign a $218 million, eight-year contract with the Yankees.
New York appears to have decent starting depth.
Carlos Rodon rejoined the Yankees’ rotation last weekend after recovering from surgery last October to remove loose bodies in his left elbow and shave a bone spur.
Gerrit Cole is nearing a return from elbow ligament replacement surgery in March 2025. Cole has made five minor league rehab starts, and Boone said the 2023 AL Cy Young Award winner will make two or three more. Cole is scheduled to start Saturday for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
New York’s rotation also includes Cam Schlittler, Will Warren and Ryan Weathers.
May 14
Cal Raleigh to injured list
The Seattle Mariners placed catcher Cal Raleigh on the 10-day injured list on Thursday morning with a right oblique strain, the first IL stint of the AL MVP runner-up’s career in his sixth major-league season.
The 29-year-old Raleigh was mired in the longest hitless streak in the majors this season before breaking out on Tuesday night with two singles in a 10-2 rout of the Houston Astros.
On Wednesday, Raleigh left the Mariners’ 4-3 loss to Houston in the eighth inning after appearing to aggravate an injury to his right side. Raleigh missed three games from May 2-4 with soreness on his right side.
“Nobody wants to go on the IL, and especially not Cal [Raleigh],” manager Dan Wilson said. “But I think, at this point, it’s the smart thing to do.”
In 41 games this season, Raleigh is hitting .161 with seven home runs, 18 RBI, four doubles, 18 walks and 16 runs. His .161 batting average is second-lowest in the majors among hitters with enough at-bats to qualify. Only Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Cedric Mullins (.150) has a lower average.
To fill Raleigh’s spot on the active roster, the Mariners recalled catcher Jhonny Pereda from Triple-A Tacoma. Pereda, 30, has appeared in two games with Seattle this season, hitting .400 with a run scored.
Mets LF Juan Soto returns to lineup after X-rays
Juan Soto returned to the starting lineup Thursday for the injury-riddled New York Mets, who also learned Francisco Lindor has progressed in his recovery from a strained left calf.
Soto exited a 3-2, 10-inning win over the Detroit Tigers in the seventh inning on Wednesday night, four innings after he fouled a ball off his right foot. X-rays were negative and Soto was penciled into the lineup as the designated hitter for the matinee finale against the Tigers.
Manager Carlos Mendoza said Lindor, who was injured April 22 while scoring from first on a double hit by Francisco Alvarez, underwent an MRI Wednesday that showed “signs of healing,” though the All-Star shortstop is nowhere near a return.
Mendoza said Lindor has been cleared to do more work in the weight room before beginning a running program.
“Positive sign,” Mendoza said. “We’ve just got to let it heal.”
Mendoza said there was no timetable for Lindor to begin baseball activities. Lindor has been sidelined for the Mets’ last 18 games — four more than he missed the previous four seasons combined.
Alvarez, who suffered a torn meniscus in his right knee while fouling off a pitch in Tuesday’s 10-2 win over the Tigers, underwent surgery Thursday morning. Mendoza said the Mets expect Alvarez to miss up to eight weeks.
Twins demote Matt Wallner, call up Zebby Matthews
The Minnesota Twins sent struggling right fielder Matt Wallner to their Triple-A team and promoted right-handed pitcher Zebby Matthews to start against the Miami Marlins on Thursday.
Wallner is batting just .167 with three doubles and four home runs in 120 at-bats and a .551 OPS. The 28-year-old struck out in eight straight at-bats prior to the demotion and has 53 strikeouts in 135 plate appearances, the worst whiff rate in Major League Baseball.
Wallner hit a career-high 22 home runs in 104 games last season after posting robust OPS marks in part-time duty of .877 in 2023 and .894 in 2024.
Matthews went for 3-0 with a 2.00 ERA and 18 strikeouts in 18 innings over his last three Triple-A starts for the St. Paul Saints. Matthews made 16 starts for the Twins last season, but he was the odd man out for the rotation at the end of spring training.
The Twins placed right-hander Taj Bradley on the injured list with inflammation in his right pectoral muscle last week, joining All-Star right-hander Pablo López and rookie right-hander Mick Abel on the shelf. López is out for the season following Tommy John elbow surgery, and Abel recently had a setback in his recovery from elbow inflammation.
Matthews was promoted so the Twins could push back rookie Connor Prielipp’s next start to manage his workload, but right-hander Simeon Woods Richardson’s spot in the rotation is tenuous, too. Woods Richardson allowed eight runs in three innings on Wednesday in a 9-5 loss to the Marlins, and his ERA spiked to 7.71.
The Twins also sent right-handed reliever Travis Adams to St. Paul and recalled utility player Ryan Kreidler for his second stay with the club. Kreidler played third base and center field over a five-game stint last month.
May 13
Jason Heyward set to join Dodgers front office as special assistant
After putting together a 15-year MLB career that included multiple accolades and two World Series titles, Jason Heyward is making the transition to the front office. Heyward is set to join the Los Angeles Dodgers front office as a special assistant, per the Los Angeles Times.
Manager Dave Roberts said Jason Heyward will travel to different affiliates to observe talent in his new role. Heyward returns to the Dodgers after spending two seasons with the organization, including helping the club win the 2024 World Series.
Marlins place LHP Robby Snelling on 15-day IL
The Miami Marlins are placing left-handed pitcher Robby Snelling on the 15-day IL with a UCL sprain, the team announced. Snelling is the No. 2 prospect in the Marlins organization and the No. 29 overall prospect in baseball.
Snelling is coming off his MLB debut, where he threw five innings against the Washington Nationals, allowing three earned runs while striking out two. He showed flashes of command but struggled to consistently miss bats in his first big-league outing.
Manager Clayton McCullough announced that Braxton Garrett will start against the Minnesota Twins on Thursday and fill his spot in the rotation.
Mets place C Francisco Alvarez on 10-day IL
The New York Mets are placing catcher Francisco Alvarez on the 10-day injured list with a right knee meniscus tear, the team announced Wednesday. He is expected to miss significant time, and a timetable for his return will be determined as more information becomes available.
Alvarez was injured in the sixth inning during the Mets’ 10-2 win over the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday night.
Not only will Alvarez be missed behind the plate, but he also provided a steady presence in the Mets’ lineup. He put together a .241 batting average with four home runs and 10 RBIs, posting a .710 OPS across 37 games this season.
The Mets have the fourth-worst record in baseball at 16–25 and sit last in the National League East.
Max Fried exits start
New York Yankees left-hander Max Fried was pulled from Wednesday’s start at the Baltimore Orioles after just three innings due to left elbow posterior soreness, the team announced.
Fried went straight up the tunnel after Baltimore scored twice in the third inning, and New York had Paul Blackburn warming in the bullpen while batting in the fourth.
Fried allowed three runs and five hits. In his previous start at the Milwaukee Brewers, he permitted five runs in six innings. He has repeatedly dealt with blister issues on his left finger, making four trips to the injured list from 2018-23 while with the Atlanta Braves and taking an extended layoff last year around the MLB All-Star break.
Fried was an All-Star in 2025, his first season with the Yankees. The 32-year-old has posted a 3.21 ERA in 10 starts this season.
Reds expected to sign pitcher Chris Paddack
The Cincinnati Reds are expected to sign veteran right-hander Chris Paddack, per FOX 19’s Charlie Goldsmith. The deal is expected to run through the rest of the season as the Reds deal with rotation injuries to Hunter Greene, Brandon Williamson and Rhett Lowder.
Paddack was released by the Marlins on May 10 after signing a one-year, $4 million deal in the offseason. He made seven starts for Miami, posting a 7.63 ERA and 1.66 WHIP with 27 strikeouts across 30.2 innings.
Dodgers to sit Shohei Ohtani from lineup for 2 days
Shohei Ohtani is getting a break from the batter’s box for two days. The struggling Los Angeles Dodgers superstar hit just his second home run in his last 24 games — an opposite field solo shot to left-center in a 6-2 loss to the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday night. It ended an 11-game homerless streak, which tied his longest as a Dodger.
Ohtani finished the game going 2-for-4 with two runs, an RBI and a walk. The rest of the team was 2-for-25 with four walks. He has seven home runs on the season and is batting .240.
Despite this, manager Dave Roberts said after the game that Ohtani won’t be in the lineup as the designated hitter Wednesday when he also starts against the Giants. Earlier, Roberts said he was giving Ohtani a day from hitting Thursday, although he would be available late if the outcome hangs in the balance.
“It might just be a good thing to take a little bit of a load off of his plate offensively,” Roberts said before the game. “I just can’t take for granted what’s on his plate and so I’m trying to be sensitive.”
As Ohtani goes, so have the Dodgers (24-18). They remained a half-game behind NL West-leading San Diego despite their fourth loss in a row. Andy Pages (.318 average) and Max Muncy (.272) have been LA’s best hitters so far, while the rest of the lineup is struggling, including Freddie Freeman (.276) and Kyle Tucker (.253).
Ohtani is in his first full season as a two-way player for the Dodgers. Coming off two major right elbow surgeries, he was limited to the DH role in 2024, when he created the 50/50 club, with 54 home runs and 59 stolen bases, was named NL MVP and the Dodgers won the World Series.
Cal Raleigh snaps skid after uniform shower
Cal Raleigh was desperate to shake things up while mired in the longest hitless streak in the majors this season. So on the advice of pitcher Logan Gilbert, Seattle’s star catcher showered in full uniform after Monday night’s game.
And on Tuesday night, things went his way for the first time all month as he snapped an 0-for-38 slump with two singles in a 10-2 rout of the Houston Astros.
“Logan gave me some good advice to wash off the bad mojo or juju from the baseball gods,” Raleigh said. “So yeah, it worked. He was right, so I got to give him credit where credit’s due.”
Raleigh’s hit in the seventh inning was his first since April 27. He was 0 for 2 with a walk Tuesday when he connected off Jayden Murray with one out in the inning.
Last year’s AL MVP runner-up raised his arms high above his head and smiled toward the dugout after he reached first base following the line drive to center field. Many in the Seattle dugout cheered after he got the hit.
But his first emotion wasn’t elation or even relief when he connected.
“I was kind of just like rolling my eyes because I knew everybody was going to be making a big deal about it,” Raleigh said with a laugh. “But yeah, it felt good to barrel one up.”
May 12
Athletics place SS Jacob Wilson on 10-day IL
Athletics shortstop Jacob Wilson was officially placed on the 10-day injured list Tuesday after dislocating his left shoulder. He suffered the injury on Sunday afternoon against the Baltimore Orioles while diving for an infield single.
Wilson is coming off an All-Star season and is off to another strong start, helping the Athletics sit atop the American League West with a 21–19 record.
Not only is Wilson making an impact in the field, but he’s also off to a strong start at the plate for the Athletics. Through 39 games this season, he’s batting .293 with three home runs, 19 RBIs, and a .709 OPS.
Pirates place C Joey Bart on the 10-day IL
The Pittsburgh Pirates officially placed catcher Joey Bart on the 10-day injured list Tuesday with a left foot infection. In a corresponding move, the team recalled catcher Endy Rodríguez from Triple-A Indianapolis to take his spot on the roster.
Bart has appeared in 21 games this season, batting .259 with two home runs, six RBIs and a .670 OPS.
Rodríguez was once viewed as a potential long-term option behind the plate for Pittsburgh, but he has spent the past two-plus seasons working his way back after undergoing multiple elbow surgeries. He now gets a chance to prove himself at the major league level with Bart sidelined.
Braves place Sean Murphy on IL and bring back Sandy León
The Atlanta Braves announced on X that they have placed catcher Sean Murphy on the injured list after he suffered a fractured left middle finger. It marks another frustrating setback after Murphy already missed the first month of the 2026 season while recovering from hip surgery before returning to play just four games. In those four games, Murphy had just one hit in 14 at-bats.
The injury occurred during a catcher’s interference play in Sunday’s win over the Los Angeles Dodgers, and manager Walt Weiss said Murphy could be sidelined for up to eight weeks.
Because of Murphy’s injury, the Braves brought back 37-year-old catcher Sandy León to provide depth behind the plate. León originally signed with Atlanta as a non-roster invitee in February but failed to make the Opening Day roster and was released in April to pursue an opportunity in the Mexican League.
León has played in MLB for 14 seasons and won a World Series title with the Boston Red Sox in 2018. He appeared in five games for the Braves in 2025, recording just one hit in 12 at-bats.
Brewers activate Christian Yelich from IL
The Milwaukee Brewers announced on X that they have officially activated Christian Yelich from the injured list. Yelich is set to rejoin the club Tuesday for a three-game homestand against the San Diego Padres. To open a roster spot for Yelich, the Brewers have optioned first baseman/outfielder Tyler Black to Triple-A Nashville.
Having not played since April 12, Yelich missed exactly one month with an adductor strain and is now set to return to a Brewers team that has been red hot. Coming off a sweep of the New York Yankees, Milwaukee has won four straight games and seven of its last 10, moving into second place in the NL Central and within 3.5 games of the Chicago Cubs.
Prior to his injury, Yelich was batting .314 with one home run and 10 RBIs in just 51 plate appearances.
Yankees recall SS Anthony Volpe
The New York Yankees are expected to recall shortstop Anthony Volpe from Triple-A Scranton, per Francys Romero. Volpe is set to rejoin the club for his season debut following the injury to infielder José Caballero.
Caballero is expected to be placed on the 10-day injured list with a finger injury, prompting the Yankees to recall Volpe to add depth at shortstop. Volpe has spent the start of the season in Scranton after opening the year outside of New York’s major league roster.
Volpe is coming off a difficult 2025 season at the plate, hitting .212 with 19 home runs, 72 RBIs and a .663 OPS across 153 games for the Yankees.
Mets calling up top prospect A.J. Ewing
Desperate to spark a stagnant lineup, the New York Mets are calling up outfield prospect A.J. Ewing after just 12 games with Triple-A Syracuse, a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press on Monday night.
The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the team had not yet announced the move.
The 21-year-old Ewing will be added to the roster before Tuesday night’s series opener against the Detroit Tigers at Citi Field. He was batting .326 with three doubles, a triple and four RBIs in 51 plate appearances at Syracuse. He had drawn five walks, stolen five bases and scored nine runs.
The speedy center fielder is New York’s second-ranked minor league prospect behind pitcher Jonah Tong, according to MLB.com.
Luis Robert Jr., the team’s opening-day center fielder, is on the injured list with a lumbar spine disk herniation. Also missing star shortstop Francisco Lindor and first baseman Jorge Polanco because of injuries, the Mets (15-25) entered Monday with the worst record in the majors and an offense that lags near the bottom in many significant statistical categories.
Ewing also has experience at second base and both corner outfield spots. He reached Double-A Binghamton last year, hitting .339 in 28 games, and batted .349 with a 1.053 OPS and 12 steals in 18 games at that level this season before getting promoted to Syracuse.
The 5-foot-10, 160-pound Ewing, a left-handed hitter, was a fourth-round draft pick by the Mets in 2023 out of Springboro High School in Ohio. The club will need to open a 40-man roster spot for him Tuesday.
Dodgers, Diamondbacks make trade
The Los Angeles Dodgers added to their outfield depth by acquiring Alek Thomas in a trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday.
Thomas was batting just .181 with two homers and 10 RBIs when he was designated for assignment by Arizona last week. But the speedy Thomas is a solid defender, and he could be used by Los Angeles as a late-inning defensive replacement and pinch runner.
The Dodgers sent outfield prospect Jose Requena to the Diamondbacks. To make room for Thomas on the 40-man roster, outfielder Michael Siani was designated for assignment.
Thomas was selected by Arizona in the second round of the 2018 amateur draft. He made his major league debut in 2022.
Thomas had his share of big moments with the Diamondbacks, particularly during the team’s run to the 2023 World Series. He hit four homers during the postseason, including a tying two-run shot against the Phillies in Game 4 of the NL Championship Series.
The 26-year-old Thomas is a .230 hitter with 31 homers, 143 RBIs and 28 steals in 448 career games.
May 11
Stephen Vogt to miss second straight game for Guardians with viral infection
Cleveland Guardians manager Stephen Vogt is set to miss his second consecutive game with a viral infection. Bench coach Tony Arnerich is set to step in for Vogt on Monday night when the Guardians host the Los Angeles Angels.
Vogt is expected to return to manage the Guardians on Tuesday night.
Dodgers activate Mookie Betts for series opener vs. Giants
The Los Angeles Dodgers are officially activating shortstop Mookie Betts from the injured list ahead of Monday night’s series opener against the San Francisco Giants, the team announced.
This will be the first time Mookie Betts has been in the Dodgers lineup since April 4 against the Washington Nationals. Betts has been sidelined with a right oblique strain since then and is returning after a rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City.
In a corresponding move to make room for Betts, the Dodgers are optioning infielder Alex Freeland to Triple-A Oklahoma City.
Nathan Eovaldi scratched from start with left side tightness
Texas Rangers right-hander Nathan Eovaldi has been scratched from his scheduled start Monday night against the Arizona Diamondbacks due to left side tightness. Jake Junis is expected to start in Eovaldi’s place.
Eovaldi is 4-4 this season with a 4.15 ERA and 1.17 WHIP while recording 47 strikeouts across 47.2 innings pitched. The Rangers will likely monitor the veteran closely moving forward as they await further updates on the severity of the injury.
Carlos Correa undergoes season-ending ankle surgery
Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa underwent successful surgery to repair a torn peroneus brevis tendon in his left ankle, per The Athletic. Correa is expected to miss the remainder of the season.
Recovery from a torn peroneus brevis tendon generally takes 3-to-6 months for a return to normal activities, though full recovery after surgery can take up to 9-to-12 months. For Correa, that timeline makes his availability for the start of next season uncertain as he begins rehab.
Correa appeared in 32 games for the Astros this season, batting .279 with three home runs, 16 RBIs, and a .787 OPS.
May 10
Mookie Betts set to return from injured list
Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts will return from the injured list on Monday, manager Dave Roberts said. Betts sustained an oblique injury on April 4, and hasn’t played since. After a month out, he played three rehab games at the AAA level in Oklahoma City, and will return to the major league club on Monday. Betts, who was slashing .179/.281./.429 prior to his injury, was batting third in the Dodgers’ lineup, so it will be interesting to see where he slots back in when he returns.
May 9
Los Angeles Dodgers claim LHP Charlie Barnes from the Chicago Cubs
The Los Angeles Dodgers have acquired left-hander Charlie Barnes off waivers from the Chicago Cubs, the former announced. To make space on the 40-man roster, Los Angeles has transferred infielder/outfielder Tommy Edman to the 60-day injured list.
Barnes only pitched for Chicago once this season, allowing four runs (three earned) in three innings of bulk relief on April 13. Barnes had been optioned twice by the Cubs this season, and was already playing in the minors when his 40-man roster spot was pulled. Now, Barnes heads west to add depth to the Dodgers’ pitching staff.
While right-handed starter Tyler Glasnow continues to recover from a back injury, the return of Blake Snell is a welcome sighting for the Dodgers. However, Barnes gives Los Angeles the extra depth it needs in the meantime.
leveland Guardians acquire Patrick Bailey from the San Francisco Giants
The San Francisco Giants traded struggling two-time Gold Glove-winning catcher Patrick Bailey to the Cleveland Guardians on Saturday, the teams announced. The Giants received minor-league left-hander Matt Wilkinson and the 29th pick in the 2026 amateur draft in the trade.
Cleveland optioned catcher Bo Naylor to Triple-A Columbus to make room for Bailey. Naylor has been the Guardians’ regular catcher since 2023.
Bailey has been regarded as one of the top defensive catchers in the game thanks in part to his elite pitch-framing skills since being called up in 2023. He leads the majors since 2023 with 69 catcher framing runs and 42 defensive runs saved over the past two-plus seasons. With that said, Bailey’s hitting has been an issue and bottomed out this season. Bailey was batting .146 with one homer and five RBIs in 89 plate appearances. His .396 OPS ranked last among 286 players with at least 75 plate appearances this season.
Bailey had become expendable for the Giants with Daniel Susac Daniel Susac and Jesus Rodriguez expected to handle most of the catching duties, with Eric Haase as another option. Those players have provided much more offense for the Giants, who enter the day last in the majors in scoring with 3.16 runs per game and tied with the New York Mets for the worst record in the National League.
Bailey, who turns 27 later this month, won Gold Gloves at catcher in 2024 and 2025. He is a career .224 hitter with a .611 OPS.
May 8
Dodgers’ Blake Snell set to make season debut Saturday
The Los Angeles Dodgers are activating Blake Snell from the 15-day injured list, and he is set to make his season debut Saturday against the Atlanta Braves, the California Post reported. It also falls on the day of Snell’s bobblehead night at Dodger Stadium.
Snell was originally scheduled for one more rehab outing, but the Dodgers decided to bring him back earlier than expected. The left-hander missed more than a month to begin the season due to left shoulder fatigue that had been bothering him since last year. In his latest rehab start, Snell allowed two runs over four innings while throwing 55 pitches, so he is expected to be on a limited pitch count Saturday.
In 2025, Snell posted a 2.35 ERA with 72 strikeouts across 61.1 innings and played a major role in the Dodgers’ World Series run, recording three wins, a 3.18 ERA and 41 strikeouts in 34 postseason innings last fall.
Miami Marlins call up No. 2 prospect
The Miami Marlins called up No. 2 pitching prospect, left-handed pitcher Robby Snelling, this week from Triple-A Jacksonville, and he will make his MLB debut on Friday night at home against the Washington Nationals.
“It’s pretty surreal,” Snelling said in Miami’s clubhouse on Thursday before walking over to the dugout where fans yelled for his signature. “Still trying to just kind of soak it in and get acclimated with all the guys again that I was around in spring and really take it all in and not let the moment get too big.”
The left-handed Snelling, selected 39th by the San Diego Padres in the 2022 amateur draft, was dealt to Miami in a 2024 package that sent left-hander Tanner Scott and righty Bryan Hoeing to San Diego. Snelling didn’t make the Marlins’ initial 40-man roster this year despite impressing coaches during spring training. He called that both frustrating and motivating.
“I was upset and not necessarily at anybody in general,” Snelling said. “Just being told that you’re not going to get to do what you really had wanted to do as early as you wanted to do is a tough pill to swallow. But then you kind of come back down to earth and realize, ‘Alright, what do I need to do to get to that point where I want to be?’”
Snelling worked on lowering his walks, in part by improving his first-pitch strike rate. In six starts with Triple-A Jacksonville this season, Snelling went 3-1 with the second-best ERA (1.86) among qualified pitchers. He walked more than three batters only twice in those six starts. A spot opened up in the Marlins’ starting rotation after struggling pitcher Chris Paddack was designated for assignment on Tuesday.
May 7
Bryce Miller set to return to Mariners rotation
The Seattle Mariners are battling for the top of the American League West, but reinforcements could soon be on the way. The rotation is expected to receive a major boost, with Bryce Miller saying he is set to rejoin the Mariners, per The Seattle Times.
Miller has yet to debut this season after suffering a left oblique strain early in spring training, landing him on the 15-day injured list to open the year. He has made rehab starts at High-A Everett and Triple-A Tacoma as he works back to full readiness.
Miller is coming off a difficult 2025 season with the Mariners, making 18 starts while posting a 5.68 ERA and 1.41 WHIP with 74 strikeouts over 90.1 innings pitched.
Dodgers’ Mookie Betts could be activated as soon as Monday
The Los Angeles Dodgers may be sitting atop the National League West, but reinforcements are on the way. Mookie Betts is set to begin a rehab assignment Friday night and could rejoin the Dodgers as soon as Monday night, per The Athletic.
The Dodgers’ Triple-A Oklahoma City affiliate announced that Betts will join the team for a rehab assignment on Friday and Saturday. He is expected to use the stint to get back into game rhythm and rebuild timing at the plate before returning to the major league roster.
If Betts returns Monday against the Atlanta Braves, it would mark his first game since April 4, when he suffered an oblique injury against the Washington Nationals.
Yankees expected to promote OF Spencer Jones
After Yankees outfielder Jasson Domínguez was carted off during Wednesday night’s game against the Cleveland Guardians, New York is expected to recall Spencer Jones, per the New York Post.
Domínguez was placed on the 10-day injured list with a low-grade AC joint sprain in his left shoulder and is expected to miss multiple weeks. In his absence, Jones is expected to join the Yankees’ active roster and see immediate playing time in the outfield.
Jones, the Yankees’ No. 6 overall prospect, has been productive at Triple-A this season, hitting 11 home runs with 41 RBIs and posting a .958 OPS across 33 games.
Reds’ Rhett Lowder exits early with right shoulder discomfort
The Cincinnati Reds took another hit to their pitching staff on Thursday, as starter Rhett Lowder exited in the fourth inning against the Chicago Cubs with right shoulder discomfort, the team announced.
Lowder pitched three innings, allowing three runs on one hit with four walks and one strikeout. His status is unclear as he joins a Reds pitching staff already dealing with injuries to Emilio Pagán, Brandon Williamson, Nick Lodolo and Caleb Ferguson.
Jasson Domínguez carted off
New York Yankees’ left fielder Jasson Domínguez left Thursday’s game against the Texas Rangers in a cart after crashing into the wall while catching Brandon Nimmo’s drive leading off the first inning.
Domínguez, playing outfield for the Yankees for the second time this season, ran 81 feet to catch Nimmo’s 101 mph shot. He gloved the ball 375 feet from the plate as his left shoulder hit hard against the video advertising board.
Domínguez’s sunglasses flew off as he fell to the warning track chest first, prompting center fielder Trent Grisham to come over as manager Aaron Boone jogged out to check on Domínguez along with head athletic trainer Tim Lentych, assistant athletic trainer Jimmy Downam and director of sports medicine and rehabilitation Michael Schuk.
Domínguez cupped his head in his glove and sat up after about a minute. He pointed to his shoulder and craned his neck as he was being examined, then walked to a cart under his own power and was seated as the cart drove away.
Matthew Boyd has surgery
Chicago Cubs left-hander Matthew Boyd had surgery Thursday to repair a partial meniscus tear that he suffered in his left knee while playing with his children.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell said he expected Boyd to miss about six weeks.
“It’s kind of the minor meniscus surgery, so we know he’s going to miss a month, six weeks,” Counsell said ahead of his team’s game against the Cincinnati Reds. “Probably closer to six weeks with getting it ramped back up. That’s what we’re hopeful for. Obviously, we’ll see how it all goes, and I think the important thing is how much time do we miss throwing? That’s probably the biggest thing right here. The knee is going to recover pretty quickly, but how much throwing down time do we have to take?”
Boyd, 35, injured the knee on Wednesday. The left-hander joins starters Cade Horton, Justin Steele and Jordan Wicks on the injured list. Horton (elbow) is out for the season while Steele (elbow) is not expected back until the second half.
May 6
Royals’ Cole Ragans exits start vs. Guardians with triceps and elbow soreness
Kansas City Royals left-hander Cole Ragans exited Wednesday night’s start against the Cleveland Guardians after three scoreless innings because of left triceps and elbow soreness, the team announced.
Ragans was dominant before leaving, allowing just one hit and two walks while striking out four batters. He threw just 58 pitches prior to exiting, though his command on the mound has faced criticism at times this season.
The Royals have not yet provided a timeline for further evaluation or a potential return.
He’s off to a rough 1-4 start with a 4.84 ERA, a 1.45 WHIP and 98 strikeouts across 61.2 innings pitched this year. Despite the struggles, Ragans has continued to show swing-and-miss stuff when healthy, remaining one of the Royals’ most important arms in the rotation.
Tigers Place Gleyber Torres on 10-Day IL with Oblique Strain
The Detroit Tigers placed second baseman Gleyber Torres on the 10-day injured list Wednesday afternoon with a left oblique strain. Torres suffered the injury on Saturday during the Tigers 5-1 win over the Texas Rangers.
Torres was injured while trying to score from second base on a single from Riley Greene. He was thrown out at the plate and exited the game after just three innings for the Tigers.
This is not the first time Torres has dealt with an oblique injury. He missed 10 games last season because of a similar issue. Oblique injuries can often linger for hitters because of the strain placed on the core during swings and throwing motions.
Even if the absence is short, the Tigers are expected to feel the loss of Torres in the lineup. He has been one of Detroit’s more productive hitters this season, batting .259 with two home runs, 11 RBIs, 25 walks and a .716 OPS.
Matthew Boyd set to undergo meniscus surgery
The injuries continue to pile up for the Chicago Cubs, who have now lost another arm from their rotation. Matthew Boyd is set to undergo meniscus surgery and will be out for the foreseeable future, per ESPN.
Boyd suffered the injury on Wednesday morning while sitting down to play with his kids. The Cubs will not have a clear timeline for his recovery until after the procedure.
He joins a growing list of injured Cubs pitchers. Cade Horton recently underwent Tommy John surgery on his right elbow, while Justin Steele continues to recover from his own procedure last season.
Boyd was coming off a career year but struggled early this season. In five starts, he posted a 6.00 ERA and a 1.29 WHIP with 31 strikeouts across 24 innings.
Tyler Glasnow leaves start with back pain
Los Angeles Dodgers’ starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow left Wednesday’s game against the Houston Astros before the second inning because of low back pain. Glasnow allowed a home run to leadoff hitter Brice Matthews before retiring the next three batters with two strikeouts to end the first. He returned to the mound to warm up before the second inning but appeared to be in discomfort after throwing a pitch and signaled to the dugout.
Several Dodgers staff members, including manager Dave Roberts, came onto the field to talk to him, and Glasnow walked off the field with them after a couple of minutes. He was replaced by Jack Dreyer. Glasnow’s strikeout of Yordan Alvarez in the first inning was the 1,000th of his MLB career.
A 32-year-old right-hander, Glasnow was limited to 18 regular-season starts last year by right shoulder inflammation that sidelined him from April 27-July 9.
Houston Astros to lose Carlos Correa for season
Houston’s Carlos Correa has a torn tendon in his left ankle that will require season-ending surgery, the star infielder said Wednesday. Correa was injured Tuesday while taking swings in the batting cage before a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
“I was hitting in the cage, normal day, feeling great,” he said. “I went through my whole routine, took a swing and just felt a pop. It just completely snapped on me and then I fell to the ground and couldn’t put weight on it.”
Correa was on crutches and in a walking boot Wednesday morning at the ballpark after seeing a foot specialist. He said he would seek some other opinions before scheduling the surgery.
Correa, 31, said the injury was a “complete tear” and his recovery is expected to take six to eight months.
It’s yet another blow to an Astros team that has dealt with scores of injuries this season, including an oblique injury to Yainer Diaz that landed the catcher on the injured list Tuesday.
Correa, who is back with the Astros after last summer’s blockbuster trade from the Twins, played third base for Houston last season with Jeremy Pena at shortstop. But Correa has been playing shortstop recently with Peña out with a hamstring injury.
Correa is batting .279 with three home runs and 16 RBIs.
May 5
Roman Anthony day to day with wrist injury
The Boxton Red Sox may have avoided a major problem as outfielder Roman Anthony is reportedly day-to-day with a wrist injury, per Chris Cotillo. Anthony injured his wrist, while hitting a foul ball on Monday, and exited the game. After Tuesday’s report, he may not miss a long period of time.
Cal Raleigh returns to the lineup
Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh returned to the lineup on Tuesday. Raleigh had missed three games with right side soreness, but the injury was minor, and the slugger is now active again. He’s slashing .186/.272/.380 with seven home runs through 33 games.
Rays place LHP Steven Matz on injured list
The Tampa Bay Rays placed left-handed pitcher Steven Matz on the 15-day injured list with left elbow inflammation, per Ryan Bass. Over his first seven starts this season, Matz has a 4-1 record with a 3.86 ERA and 28 strikeouts.
May 4
How Realistic Is a Mike Trout Homecoming to Philadelphia?
With the Philadelphia Phillies off to a rocky start, trade speculation has begun as the club looks for ways to rebound from a 14–20 record. One name that has surfaced as a potential target is Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels.
The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal discussed the possibility during an appearance with Kevin Burkhardt on MLB on FOX on Monday afternoon, but he remains unsure whether a trade for Trout is realistic at this time.
“I still don’t see it,” Rosenthal said. “Keep in mind, Trout has never expressed any desire to move on from the Los Angeles Angels. He’s had opportunities to say, ‘hey, I’d like to get going somewhere else,’ but he hasn’t done that.”
That lack of urgency to leave has reinforced the Angels’ position as they continue to build around Trout, who has not shown any real interest in leaving the organization over the years.
“He has a full no-trade clause, so he has control over his situation,” Rosenthal said. “Also, his trade value right now is not necessarily what you might think it is, even though he’s off to a great start.”
Beyond the financial hurdles, there’s the simple reality that he seems genuinely content in Anaheim, regardless of the outside noise.
“While it’s always fun to imagine going back to his roots,” Rosenthal said. “I just don’t see it happening.”
OF Roman Anthony exits with injury
Boston Red Sox outfielder Roman Anthony exited Monday’s game against the Detroit Tigers with a wrist injury, per Ian Browne. In the top of the first inning, Anthony fouled off a pitch and stepped out of the batter’s box grimacing. He ultimately left the game.
Anthony’s first full MLB season was off to a slow start as he was slashing .231/.357/.324 with one home run through 29 games.
Orioles Sign Veteran Reliever Lou Trivino
After opting out of his minor league deal with the Philadelphia Phillies, veteran reliever Lou Trivino signed a major league contract with the Baltimore Orioles on Monday afternoon, per The Athletic.
Travino, 34, is set to join his sixth team in the league after spending last season with the San Francisco Giants, Los Angeles Dodgers and Phillies. He put together 47.2 innings pitched out of the bullpen with a 3.97 ERA.
Since returning in 2025 after missing two seasons due to Tommy John surgery on his right elbow, he has reestablished himself as a bullpen option across multiple teams. The Orioles signed him to a major league deal for additional bullpen depth.
Baltimore has been hit hard by injuries, with several relievers, including Ryan Helsley, Yaramil Hiraldo, Keegan Akin, Andrew Kittredge and Félix Bautista, currently sidelined or dealing with health issues.
By adding Trivino, the Orioles gained a durable arm to help mitigate the workload of a strained pitching staff.
May 3
Ronald Acuña Catches Break with a Hamstring Injury, But Goes to IL
Ronald Acuña will be out for a little, but he and the Atlanta Braves are fortunate that he won’t be sidelined for a longer period of time. Acuña was placed on the 10-day injured list after an MRI found he suffered a Grade 1 hamstring strain.
“All things considered, it could have been a lot worse,” Walt Weiss told reporters on Sunday.
Acuña left Saturday night’s game against the Colorado Rockies in the second inning. He was attempting to run out a ground ball before he pulled up about halfway down the base path and grabbed at his hamstring.
The five-time All-Star and 2023 National League MVP is batting .252 with two home runs, nine RBIs, 17 runs and a team-high seven steals. He had played in all 34 games after a torn ACL he suffered in May 2024 limited him to a combined 144 games over the past two seasons.
The Braves activated right-hander Spencer Strider from the injured list prior to Sunday’s start. The 2023 All-Star was set to make his season debut after being sidelined with a strained oblique. The Braves optioned right-hander Hunter Stratton to Triple-A Gwinnett following Saturday’s game to make room for him. They also selected outfielder José Azócar’s contract from the minor league club on Sunday with Acuña going on the injured list.
May 2
New York Mets extend Luis Torrens
The New York Mets signed catcher Luis Torrens to a two-year, $11.5 million extension, according to The Athletic. Torrens, who’s in his third season with the Mets, has driven in four runs over 13 appearances this season, owning a .200/.200/.267 slash line.
Behind the plate, he has posted three defensive runs saved this season (11 appearances, eight of them being starts) and posted 11 defensive runs saved in 2025 (86 appearances, 72 of them being starts).
May 1
Milwaukee Brewers place Brandon Woodruff on IL
Brewers pitcher Brandon Woodruff has gone on the injured list one day after a reduction in his velocity caused him to leave a game in the second inning.
The Brewers announced Friday that the two-time All-Star was going on the 15-day injured list due to right shoulder inflammation. The Brewers recalled right-hander Easton McGee from Triple-A Nashville before beginning a three-game series with the Washington Nationals.
None of the 21 pitches Woodruff threw exceeded 86.9 mph in the Brewers’ 13-1 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Thursday. Woodruff’s average fastball velocity in that game was 85.4 mph, well below his season average of 92.5.
Woodruff had a 1-0 count on Nolan Arenado in the second inning when Brewers coaches and athletic training staff went to check on him. Woodruff left the game at that point.
“He doesn’t feel like he’s injured,” Murphy said after Thursday’s game. “He said, ‘My arm’s dead. Nothing’s coming out.’ I think we just have to be really cautious here.”
This represents the latest injury-related setback for the 33-year-old right-hander, whose fastball averaged about 96 mph as recently as 2023. Woodruff had a lat strain that prevented him from pitching in the postseason during Milwaukee’s run to the NL Championship Series last year. That injury didn’t prevent him from starting this season on time. He underwent shoulder surgery after the 2023 season and didn’t pitch at all in 2024, but he returned midway through last season and went 7-2 with a 3.20 ERA in 12 starts.
Nico Hoerner exits Chicago Cubs’ game with neck injury
Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner left Friday’s game against the Arizona Diamondbacks because of neck tightness.
Hoerner hit a leadoff double and scored on Michael Busch’s two-run single in the first inning. Matt Shaw batted for Hoerner in the second and remained in the game at second base.
The Cubs said Hoerner’s neck tightness was on his left side.
Hoerner has been one of the majors’ best players so far this season. The two-time Gold Glove Award winner is batting .297 with four homers, 26 RBIs and seven steals in 32 games.
Hoerner, who turns 29 on May 13, agreed to a $141 million, six-year contract in March. He was selected by the Cubs in the first round of the 2018 amateur draft.
April 30
Arizona Diamondbacks activate Gabriel Moreno
The Arizona Diamondbacks activated their Gold Glove catcher from the 10-day injured list. Moreno had been sidelined by a strained left oblique. He was in the starting lineup for the opener of a weekend series at the Chicago Cubs.
“Having Gabby healthy and in this lineup means we’re a different team,” Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said. “It’s the quality of at-bat, it’s how he controls the running game defensively, how he runs the game behind the plate. So nothing against the other catchers, he’s just very dynamic, has a lot of tools.”
The 26-year-old Moreno is batting .275 with five RBIs in 13 games this season. He got hurt in an April 10 matchup against the Philadelphia Phillies.
New York Mets place another position player on the IL
The depleted New York Mets took another hit Thursday when center fielder Luis Robert Jr. was placed on the 10-day injured list with lumbar spine disc herniation. Robert, 28, hasn’t played since the first game of Sunday’s doubleheader against the Colorado Rockies due to what the team said was lower back tightness. An MRI administered on Wednesday revealed the injury. The IL move was retroactive to April 27.
Manager Carlos Mendoza said Robert had an epidural and was instructed to rest for seven to 10 days. He said team doctors were hopeful Robert could return shortly thereafter.
“It’s just frustrating from both ends — for Luis, for us,” Mendoza said before the series finale against the Washington Nationals. “But we’ve got to get him back right.”
The IL stint is the 10th since 2021 for Robert, who has previously been sidelined by right hip, right knee, left wrist and left hamstring issues as well as blurred vision. He has played more than 110 games just once — in 2023, when he finished 12th in the AL MVP voting after hitting 38 homers for the Chicago White Sox.
The Mets acquired Robert from the Chicago White Sox in exchange for Luisangel Acuna in January in hopes the former Gold Glove Award winner could help improve their up-the-middle defense. He was limited to back-field duty for most of spring training in an attempt to keep him healthy for the regular season.
Robert had a homer and five RBIs in the first two games of the season but has just five hits in his last 38 at-bats dating back to April 13 to drop his season average to .224. Shortstop Francisco Lindor (left calf) and first baseman/designated hitter Jorge Polanco (left Achilles, right wrist) are also on the injured list for the Mets, who began Thursday with baseball’s worst record at 10-20.
Reds lose another starter to injury
The Cincinnati Reds placed left-handed starter Brandon Williamson on the 15-day injured list with left shoulder fatigue after undergoing an MRI on Thursday morning.
“Structurally it came back good,” Reds manager Terry Francona said. “He will go on a shoulder program (for) range of motion, strength, all that stuff.”
Williamson, 28, was pulled after three innings in Wednesday’s 13-2 loss to the Colorado Rockies after allowing four runs on four hits. He walked four and struck out four. He is 2-3 with a 6.11 ERA in six starts after missing all of last season following left elbow surgery in September 2024.
Williamson made the club out of spring training when fellow left-hander Nick Lodolo landed on the IL with a blister on his left index finger. A setback for Williamson was not unexpected.
“When he made the club, because he pitched so well in the spring, we were all concerned that, OK, it’s going to be every five or six days, there’s going to be some hiccups,” Francona said.
The Reds (19-11) are off to their best 30-game start since 2006 despite being without starters Hunter Greene and Lodolo, and with Andrew Abbott struggling with a 6.59 ERA in six starts.
April 29
Garrett Crochet to injured list
The Boston Red Sox put the star left-hander on the 15-day injured list because of left shoulder inflammation and recalled utilityman Nate Eaton from Triple-A Worcester.
Last year’s AL Cy Young Award runner-up, when he went 18-5 with a 2.59 ERA, Crochet has a 6.30 ERA through six starts in 2026. Crochet (3-3) struck out seven over six shutout innings in Saturday’s 17-1 win at the Baltimore Orioles, looking every bit like the ace Boston traded for in December 2024 and signed to a $170 million, six-year contract in March 2025.
The Red Sox fired manager Alex Cora and five coaches following Saturday’s game. Crochet’s win over the Orioles came two starts after the ugliest outing of his Red Sox career — an 11-run debacle over 1 2/3 innings at the Minnesota Twins on April 13. Crochet has been an All-Star in each of the past two seasons.
New York Yankees call up blue-chip pitching prospect
Veteran outfielder Randal Grichuk was designated for assignment Wednesday by the Yankees, clearing a spot on their roster to activate right-hander Elmer Rodriguez for his major-league debut.
Rodriguez, one of the Yankees’ top prospects, was set to start Wednesday, when AL-best New York looked to complete a three-game series sweep at the Texas Rangers. The 34-year-old Grichuk, who was with his seventh team over 13 big-league seasons, was hitting .194 with no homers and two RBIs in 16 games. He agreed to a minor-league contract with the Yankees in late February that included an invitation to spring training, and he broke camp with the team.
Switch-hitting outfielder Jasson Dominguez was called up by the Yankees on Monday, when Giancarlo Stanton missed his third consecutive game with a strained right calf before being placed on the 10-day injured list.
The 22-year-old Rodriguez, who pitched for Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic last month, is taking Luis Gil’s spot in the starting rotation after the right-hander was sent to Triple-A following a rough start in a 7-4 loss to the Houston Astros on Sunday.
Kikuchi exits start against White Sox early
Los Angeles Angels starter Yusei Kikuchi left Wednesday’s game against the White Sox in Chicago after two innings with left shoulder tightness.
The two-time All-Star left-hander was replaced by lefty Mitch Farris, who had been called up from Triple-A Salt Lake before the game after Joey Lucchesi was designated for assignment.
Kikuchi allowed no runs on two hits and a walk with one strikeout before exiting. The 34-year-old from Japan, an All-Star last season with Los Angeles, entered Wednesday at 0-3 with a 6.21 ERA in 29 innings in six games, all starts.
Kukuchi is in his eighth major league season and pitched for Seattle, Toronto and Houston before signing as a free agent with the Angels in November 2024. He has career mark of 48-61 with a 4.51 ERA.
Los Angeles entered Wednesday having lost five straight and nine of 10.
Angels recall Mitch Farris, DFA Lucchesi
The Los Angeles Angels recalled left-hander Mitch Farris from Triple-A Salt Lake and designated lefty Joey Lucchesi for assignment on Wednesday before their game in Chicago against the White Sox.
The 25-year-old Farris returns to the Angels for a second stint this season. He was 0-0 with a 2.08 ERA over 4 1/3 innings in three games earlier this month.
Farris was 1-3 with a 6.66 ERA in five appearances, all starts, with Los Angeles in 2025. The Atlanta Braves traded him to the Angels in December 2024.
Lucchesi, in his eighth major league season, was 0-1 with 13.50 ERA in 3 1/3 innings over five games with the Angels in 2026 after signing with them as a free agent on April. 9. He previously pitched for the Padres, Mets and Giants, and is 23-28 with a 4.15 ERA in 124 games, including 77 starts, for his career.
The 6-foot-5, 32-year-old Lucchesi’s best season was his second in the majors in 2019 with San Diego, when he was 10-10 with a 4.18 ERA while making 30 starts.
April 28
Jackson Chourio to begin rehab assignment
Milwaukee Brewers star outfielder Jackson Chourio will begin a rehab assignment this week with the intention of returning to the big leagues by Monday, May 4, the team announced. The 22-year-old sustained a fracture in his left hand while representing Venezuela during the World Baseball Classic before the season. He played through pain at first, before being sidelined. After nearly a two-month recovery, he will make his 2026 season debut next week.
Spencer Strider to return to Braves’ rotation
Atlanta Braves RHP Spencer Strider will officially make his 2026 season debut this weekend against the Colorado Rockies. Strider was placed on the 15-day injured list with an oblique injury prior to the season. After a month-long absence, he made three rehab starts, and now will return to the big-league squad. Despite injuries to Strider and fellow starting pitcher, Spencer Schwellenbach, the Braves have been one of the best teams in baseball to start the season.
Ohtani to pitch without DH duties on Tuesday Night
Shohei Ohtani is set to make his fifth start on the mound this season on Tuesday night against the Miami Marlins, but he is not expected to be in the lineup.
It marks the second time this season that manager Dave Roberts has kept Ohtani out of the lineup while he pitches, and just the second time that this has occurred at all. He will also take the mound on five days’ rest, the first time this season he has worked on fewer than six days between starts.
The decision is part of the Dodgers’ ongoing effort to manage his workload as both a pitcher and designated hitter early in the season.
Without Ohtani in the lineup, the Dodgers will be without one of their most productive hitters. He is batting .278 with six home runs, 13 RBIs and a .898 OPS, providing steady middle-of-the-order production even in a down – for him – season so far. However, the Dodgers have bench options to fill in like catcher, DH and first baseman Dalton Rushing, who has hit seven home runs in 13 games in 2026.
On the mound, Ohtani’s has been shown dominance. The righty has a 0.38 ERA through his first four starts, going 2-0 while allowing just one earned run across 24 innings.
Padres say Manny Machado’s leg injury exit was precautionary
The San Diego Padres are off to a strong start this season, but they had a brief concern Monday night against the Chicago Cubs when third baseman Manny Machado exited the game with a leg injury.
Machado grounded out to end the previous inning before being tended to by trainers in the dugout and eventually removed from the contest. Ty France shifted from first to third base, while Gavin Sheets entered the game at first.
Manager Craig Stammen later told reporters after the game that Machado’s removal was for precautionary reasons.
“He’s fine,” Stammen said. “We took him out as a precaution. It looked like he was running down the line a little slow. Came out of the box awkwardly. He had a couple of slides to second that weren’t great on his lower half, so we’ll talk to him tomorrow and see how he’s feeling and evaluate him going forward.”
Machado has been a steady presence in the lineup this season, hitting .232 with four home runs and 16 RBIs. Even with the early exit, the Padres remain confident that his status is day-to-day as they continue their strong start.
For now, the Padres will hope the scare amounts to nothing more than a short-term pause for one of their key bats in the lineup.
April 27
Giancarlo Stanton to injured list
The New York Yankees slugger will go on the injured list with a low-grade strain of his right calf. Stanton exited Friday’s series opener at the Houston Astros after experiencing calf stiffness while running the bases and missed the following three games, including Monday’s series-opening 4-2 win over the Texas Rangers.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone revealed the results of an MRI after the game.
“It doesn’t look too serious, but enough to not want to wait a couple of more days,” Boone said.
Asked if Stanton could return as soon as he’s eligible to come off the 10-day IL, Boone said that’s possible, but he didn’t want to put a timetable on it.
The Yankees recalled outfielder Jasson Dominguez from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre before Monday’s game, and the switch-hitter went 1 for 4 with a strikeout as the designated hitter in his 2026 big-league debut. New York had an open spot on its 26-man roster after right-hander Luis Gil dropped to 1-2 with a 6.05 ERA in four starts and was optioned to Triple-A after Sunday’s loss to the Astros.
Stanton, a five-time All-Star, is hitting .256 this season with three home runs and 14 RBIs in 24 games this season. He has been plagued by injuries and hasn’t played a full season since 2018, his first with the Yankees. Stanton has been out of the lineup due to injuries to his elbows (2025), left hamstring (2020, 2023 and 2024), left quadriceps (2021), and right ankle and left Achilles (2022).
Toronto puts Scherzer on IL with forearm, ankle injuries
Three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer was put on the 15-day injured list by the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday because of right forearm tendinitis and left ankle inflammation.
A 41-year-old right-hander, Scherzer is 1-3 with a 9.64 ERA in five starts.
Toronto made the IL move retroactive to Saturday and recalled right-hander Chase Lee from Triple-A Buffalo.
Scherzer, who started Game 7 of last year’s World Series, remained with the Blue Jays by agreeing to a $3 million, one-year contract that allows him to earn $10 million in performance bonuses for innings starting with 65.
He allowed seven runs and six hits, including three home runs, in 2 1/3 innings during an 8-6 loss to Cleveland on Friday. It was the third time this season Scherzer failed to complete three innings.
He left an April 6 start against the Los Angeles Dodgers because of forearm pain, then allowed eight runs and five hits in 2 1/3 innings in an April 12 defeat to Minnesota.
An eight-time All-Star, Scherzer went 5-5 with a 5.19 ERA in 17 starts and 85 innings for the Blue Jays last season. He made three starts in the postseason, beating Seattle 8-2 in Game 4 of the AL Championship Series and making two starts in the World Series against the Dodgers.
Scherzer won titles with Washington in 2019 and Texas in 2023. He ranks 11th on the strikeouts list with 3,499, 10 behind Hall of Famer Walter Johnson.
Braves shuffle rotation in anticipation of Strider’s return
Right-hander Reynaldo López, who opened the season as Atlanta’s No. 2 starter, is moving to the bullpen as Braves manager Walt Weiss shuffles his rotation for a series against Detroit.
More changes could be coming, with right-hander Spencer Strider possibly making his season debut in this weekend’s series at Colorado after opening the season on the injured list because of a strained oblique.
Left-hander Martin Perez (1-1, 2.70 ERA) is scheduled to start Tuesday night’s series opener against Detroit. Rookie JR Ritchie, who won in his major league debut on Thursday at Washington, is scheduled to start Wednesday. Right-hander Bryce Elder (3-1, 1.95) is set for Thursday’s start.
Weiss said he expects López (1-1, 3.74) to return to the rotation after he works out some mechanical flaws in his delivery. Weiss said López is a reliever “for now.”
“We see him as a starter,” the skipper said. ‘He’s working through some things, delivery-wise, that type of thing, and he’s getting right there. And when he’s right, he’s one of our best starters. He was our No. 2 coming out of camp, even with some of the issues at the end of spring training.
“So we see him as a starter long term, but right now, trying to iron some things out. He’s going to help us out of the ‘pen in the short term.”
Right-hander Spencer Schwellenbach, who was expected to be one of the team’s top starters, and Hurston Waldrep, who was a candidate for the rotation, could return in June following elbow surgeries.
April 25
Nathan Lukes lands on IL
The Toronto Blue Jays put the outfielder on the 10-day injured list Saturday because of a strained left hamstring and selected outfielder Yohendrick Piñango from Triple-A Buffalo.
Lukes exited Friday’s game against the Cleveland Guardians in the bottom of the first inning. He led off with a double but walked off following a brief discussion with the trainer and manager John Schneider. Lukes’ double was his 11th hit in 21 at-bats. He previously had been struggling with dizziness and vision problems caused by vertigo. Lukes started the season 2-for-31 and was hitless in 23 at-bats in April before his recent surge.
Lukes becomes the 12th player on Toronto’s injured list, a group that also includes designated hitter George Springer (fractured left big toe), outfielder Addison Barger (sprained left ankle), catcher Alejandro Kirk (fractured left thumb) and outfielder Anthony Santander (left shoulder). Piñango hit .288 with three homers and 13 RBIs in 22 games at Buffalo this season. He has yet to play in the majors. To make room for Piñango on the 40-man roster, Toronto moved right-hander Yimi Garcia (elbow) to the 60-day injured list.
April 24
Jeff Hoffman out of closer role
The Toronto Blue Jays are moving Hoffman out of the closer’s role, general manager Ross Atkins said before Friday’s game against the Cleveland Guardians.
“In the short term, we are going to share that responsibility,” Atkins said.
Hoffman is 1-2 with three saves in six chances and a 7.59 ERA in 12 games this season, his second with Toronto. The right-hander came on for the save in the ninth inning of Tuesday’s game against the Los Angeles Angels. He struck out Zach Neto to begin the inning, but the next four batters reached safely, with two of them hit by pitches. Louis Varland replaced Hoffman and got Nolan Schanuel to ground into a game-ending double play.
Varland and sidearming right-hander Tyler Rogers are among the candidates to close games for the Blue Jays. Hoffman signed a $33 million, three-year contract with Toronto in January 2025. He was a first-time All-Star with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2024.
April 23
Mets receive negative news on Francisco Lindor
Hours after shortstop Francisco Lindor was placed on the 10-day injured list with a calf strain, New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza offered another update, saying Lindor will be out “quite a bit.” His stint on the injured list will likely last longer than the 10-day minimum. It puts a damper on an exciting Wednesday night for New York, who had got Juan Soto back from injury and broke its 12-game losing streak.
The Mets called up Ronny Muricio to increase their depth in the middle of the infield.
Phillies release RHP Walker in last year of deal
The slumping Philadelphia Phillies released veteran right-hander Taijuan Walker before Thursday’s game against the Chicago Cubs and recalled righty Nolan Hoffman from Triple-A Lehigh Valley.
Walker, in his 14th major league season, exited the Phillies clubhouse a couple of hours before Thursday’s contest. He’s in the final year of a four-year, $72 million contract.
The 33-year-old Walker was an All-Star with the New York Mets in 2021 and peaked with a 15-6 record and 4.38 ERA with Philadelphia in 2023. But he’s slid ever since, starting 2026 at 1-4 with a 9.13 ERA in five games, and has a combined 9-19 record with a 5.67 ERA over the past three seasons.
Walker gave up five runs (four earned) on eight hits in four innings in starting and taking the loss at Wrigley Field on Wednesday. With ace Zack Wheeler set to return on Saturday, Walker was bumped out of the Phillies rotation.
Dave Dombrowski, the Phillies’ president of baseball operations, said the team tried to trade Walker’s contract “various times,” but found no takers.
“We know and he knows that he gave every effort that he possibly could to try to get people out and it just wasn’t working,” Dombrowski added. “Maybe a change of scenery will help him.’
“He’s one of the best teammates and one of the best people I’ve been around,’ manager Rob Thomson said. “This guy’s a pro, performance aside.
April 22
Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson safe for now
Dave Dombrowski says he’s looking at “everything that’s taking place” with Philadelphia’s poor start to the season, and he has no immediate concerns about Rob Thomson being the manager to get the Phillies back to the World Series.
Speaking to reporters ahead of a 7-4 loss to the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday night — Philadelphia’s seventh loss in a row — the Phillies’ president of baseball operations stood behind Thomson’s work and said he’s been a good manager since replacing Joe Girardi in 2022.
“Generally, I’ve said about 40 games of the season is when you start to say, ‘OK, where are we shaping up? Guys have had enough time,’” Dombrowski said. “But there’s no magic in that number. Sometimes it’s a little bit more, sometimes it’s a little bit less. They’re not happy with their performances.
“I’m responsible for putting the club on the field, so I’m not happy with the way it’s going.”
The Phillies were 8-15 entering Wednesday night’s game against the Cubs, the second-worst record in the National League behind the New York Mets. Philadelphia has lost eight of its last 10 games.
“We just haven’t played very well,” Dombrowski said, adding that some individual players have played fine, but “as a group, I don’t think any part of our team has excelled.”
Lucas Giolito signs
The 31-year-old starting pitcher has signed a one-year deal with the San Diego Padres, the team announced. Giolito’s contract includes a mutual option for 2027.
Giolito, a 2019 All-Star, spent the 2025 season with the Boston Red Sox, posting a 3.41 ERA, a 1.29 WHIP, 2.1 wins above replacement and a 118 ERA+ over 26 regular-season starts. The Padres, who are tied with the Los Angeles Dodgers for the best record in MLB at 16-7, are 11th in MLB with a 3.53 ERA starting rotation ERA.
Giolito has also played parts of nine seasons in the majors for Washington, the Chicago White Sox, the Los Angeles Angels and Cleveland, going 71-66, with a 4.30 ERA and a 1.26 WHIP.
He has been durable and dependable for most of his career while earning an All-Star selection in 2019 and throwing a no-hitter in 2020. Despite missing a season because of injury, he ranks in the top five among AL pitchers from 2018-25 in innings pitched (1,092), strikeouts (1,153), wins (68) and complete games (5).
But Giolito remained on the free agent market nearly one month into the regular season before landing with the Padres, who are pitching superbly this season despite major upheaval and injury problems in their rotation.
Opening day starter Nick Pivetta went on the injured list last week with a right elbow flexor strain that could keep him out for months, while Joe Musgrove has yet to make his season debut after a slower-than-expected return from Tommy John surgery. Yu Darvish already is out for the season with an elbow injury, and Dylan Cease left last fall for a $210 million free-agent deal with Toronto.
Giolito will slot immediately into a rotation that currently includes Michael King, Randy Vasquez, German Marquez and former Dodgers star Walker Buehler.
April 21
Adley Rutschman activated
The Baltimore Orioles reinstated their star catcher from the injured list before their Tuesday night road game against the Kansas City Royals. Rutschman hasn’t played since April 10 because of left ankle inflammation. He hit .294 with six doubles in his first 10 games of the season. The Orioles designated catcher Sam Huff for assignment.
Rutschman, a two-time All-Star, is coming off his worst season at the plate. He hit .220 with nine home runs and 29 RBIs last year and played only 90 games.
Red Sox place Gray on IL
The Boston Red Sox placed right-hander Sonny Gray on the 15-day injured list on Tuesday with a right hamstring strain and recalled lefty Tyler Samaniego from Triple-A Worcester to replace him on the roster.
Gray lasted just 2 2/3 innings against the Detroit Tigers on Monday, giving up one run on three hits before experiencing discomfort in his right leg. He said after the game he had similar problems in 2022 and ’24.
“I kind of knew what it was,” he said. “It just happens every now and then. It’s just something that I’m always having to monitor since the first time it happened.”
Gray, 36, is 2-1 with a 4.30 ERA in five starts this season. He is 127-103 with a 3.59 ERA in a 14-year career with six teams.
Samaniego, 27, made his major league debut on April 8 against the Milwaukee Brewers and appeared in three games for the Red Sox, throwing 3 2/3 hitless, scoreless innings. He is 10-8 with a 3.89 ERA over six minor league seasons.
April 20
Dodgers’ Díaz set to undergo right elbow surgery, three-month absence expected
The Los Angeles Dodgers are off to a strong start to the season at 15-6, but they are set to lose one of their biggest offseason additions. All-Star reliever Edwin Díaz will undergo right elbow surgery that is expected to sideline him for around three months, according to ESPN. The procedure will be to remove loose bodies from his right elbow.
After signing a three-year, $69 million deal this offseason, Díaz seemingly struggled to find his footing in just six innings out of the bullpen this season. He recorded just four saves and 10 strikeouts while posting a 10.50 ERA prior to the injury.
April 16
Gerrit Cole beginning rehab assignment
The New York Yankees’ superstar right-hander, who won the 2023 American League Cy Young Award, will make a rehab start for the team’s Double-A affiliate on Apr. 17, manager Aaron Boone announced on Apr. 15. Cole, who’s recovering from Tommy John surgery, hasn’t pitched in an MLB game — excluding spring training — since the 2024 World Series due to the aforementioned elbow injury.
New York’s starting rotation entered Apr. 16 fourth in MLB in ERA (3.12) and WHIP (1.04), tied for fifth in strikeouts (105) and tied for seventh in opponent batting average (.214). The Yankees, who are in second place in the AL East at 10-8, are also without left-hander Carlos Rodon (elbow and hamstring) and right-hander Clarke Schmidt (elbow). Cole, a six-time All-Star, will turn 36 in September.
April 15
Kevin McGonigle inks huge deal
The Tigers announced Wednesday they have agreed to an eight-year, $150 million contract extension with rookie infield McGonigle. The 21-year-old made the Tigers’ Opening Day roster and is ranked the No. 2 prospect in the sport by MLB Pipeline. The deal begins next season and carries through 2034, covering his final five seasons of club control and his first three years that he would have been eligible for free agency. The $150 million is guaranteed and the deal includes contract escalators for the final three seasons that could raise the value to a maximum of $160 million.
McGonigle will earn guaranteed salaries of $1 million in 2027, $7 million in 2028, $16 million in 2029, $21 million in 2030, $22 million in 2031 and $23 million in the 2032, 2033 and 2034 seasons. The contract escalators could increase his 2032 maximum base salary to $25 million, his 2033 maximum to $26 million and his 2034 maximum to $28 million. The deal includes a $14 million signing bonus and a $5 million bonus each time the contract is assigned to another major league team. Through 17 games, McGonigle has totaled one home run and eight RBIs, while boasting a .311/.417/.492 slash line. He has made nine starts at third base and seven at shortstop. Last season (2025), across three levels of minor-league ball (A, A+ and Double-A), McGonigle totaled 19 home runs and 80 RBIs across 88 games, while recording a combined .305/.408/.583 slash line. McGonigle never appeared in Triple-A ball.
April 14
Giolito drawing interest from Cubs, Padres
Former All-Star starting pitcher Lucas Giolito remains a free agent midway through April, but multiple teams – like the Cubs, Padres and others – are eyeing him as an addition to their staff, per The Athletic.
The Cubs have two rotation members on the IL already, in Matthew Boyd and Cade Horton, and while Boyd should return from his strained biceps soon, Horton’s season might be over thanks to potential elbow surgery. The Padres, meanwhile, removed Nick Pivetta from Sunday’s start against the Rockies with right elbow stiffness, which will likely result in, at least, a stint on the IL.
Giolito missed the 2024 season recovering from a partial Tommy John surgery with an internal brace procedure, but returned in 2025 to produce a 3.41 ERA across 26 starts with the Red Sox. The veteran right-hander struggled early, but as he shook off the rust posted a 2.51 over his last 19 starts and 111.1 innings, with 7.6 strikeouts per nine innings. He rejected a $19 million option for 2026 with Boston, making him a free agent, but has been unable to secure a deal since.
White Sox prospect Schultz to debut
Chicago White Sox pitching prospect Noah Schultz is scheduled to make his major league debut in a start against the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday night following his recall from Triple-A Charlotte.
Schultz, a 6-foot-10, 22-year-old left-hander, was 3-0 with a 1.29 ERA in three games and 14 innings in with Charlotte. He permitted only six baserunners while striking out 19 of 47 batters. Schultz is rated by Baseball America as the No. 1 prospect in the White Sox organization and No. 21 overall.
The White Sox selected Schultz in the first round, 26th overall, in the 2022 MLB Draft. The Chicago-area native is a graduate of Oswego (Illinois) East High School, about 40 miles west of Rate Field.
At 22 years and 252 days old, Schultz will be the youngest starting pitcher to debut with the White Sox since Michael Kopech (22 years, 113 days) on Aug. 21, 2018, against Minnesota.
The White Sox also brought back outfielder Everson Pereira from a rehab assignment at Charlotte on Tuesday and reinstated him from the 10-day injured list. Chicago placed right-hander Jonathan Cannon on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to April 13) with right hip inflammation.
Pereira, 24, went on the injured list on April 5 (retroactive to April 3) with a left ankle sprain. He’s batting .250 with a home run, RBI and three runs scored in five games. Pereira was acquired from Tampa Bay on Nov. 18, 2025.
Christian Yelich to IL
The Milwaukee Brewers have reportedly placed Yelich on the 10-day injured list with a left groin strain. Yelich was removed from Milwaukee’s Sunday afternoon matchup against the Washington Nationals due to the aforementioned injury.
Through 15 games this season, Yelich has totaled one home run, 10 RBIs and three stolen bases, while owning a .314/.375/.451 slash line as Milwaukee’s primary designated hitter. Last season, the three-time Silver Slugger totaled 29 home runs and 103 RBIs.
April 13
Astros place Pena, Imai on IL
The Astros placed All-Star shortstop Jeremy Pena on the 10-day injured list with a hamstring strain and rookie right-hander Tatsuya Imai on the 15-day IL with right arm fatigue Monday. The pair of moves were the latest blows to last-place Houston’s roster, which has endured an abundance of injuries early in the season.
“We’ll get through this,” manager Joe Espada said. “But, I’m doing well. I just don’t like when our players are injured. They work really hard in the offseason to come back in shape, and expectations are for us to go out there and perform and get back to the postseason, and this makes it tough to have our guys getting banged up. But, we’ll fight through this.”
Espada said he hopes it’s not a long IL stint for Peña, and that Imai will undergo more testing after returning to Houston.
In corresponding moves, the Astros recalled right-hander J.P. France, left-hander Colton Gordon and infielder Shay Whitcomb from Triple-A Sugar Land. Right-hander Jayden Murray was optioned to Sugar Land after pitching two innings and allowing two earned runs in Sunday’s game.
Yankees return Winquest to Cardinals
Cade Winquest’s New York Yankees career ended without him throwing a pitch that counted.
New York returned the 25-year-old right-hander to the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday, three days after he was designated for assignment.
Winquest was selected from St. Louis during the Rule 5 draft at December’s winter meetings and became the Yankees’ first Rule 5 player to make the opening day roster since infielder Josh Phelps in 2007. He didn’t get into any regular-season games.
St. Louis paid $50,000 for Winquest after the Yankees paid $100,000 to select him at the draft.
He went 0-1 with a 7.20 ERA over nine spring training appearances. An eighth-round pick by the Cardinals in the 2022 amateur draft out of the University of Texas at Arlington, he was in the St. Louis farm system from 2023-25.
April 12
Blue Jays OF George Springer heads to IL
The Toronto Blue Jays will be without outfielder George Springer for an extended period of time after he suffered a big toe fracture. He sustained the injury on Saturday afternoon in the third inning of a 7-4 loss to the Minnesota Twins.
Manager John Schneider said after the game that Springer underwent X-rays at the stadium and is also scheduled for a CT scan. Springer will head to the 10-day injured list.
“It will look a little bit different if George is not in there, obviously,” Schneider told reporters after the game. “We’ll kind of figure it out day by day if he’s not there.”
The injury adds to an already difficult stretch for Toronto on the health front. The team is dealing with multiple starters missing time, including outfielder Anthony Santander, infielder Addison Barger and catcher Alejandro Kirk.
Springer has also struggled at the plate early this season. He’s putting together a .185 batting average with two home runs and six RBIs across 14 games and 54 plate appearances.
With one of the team’s most experienced players sidelined, Toronto will need to adjust its lineup as it looks to find more consistency early in the season.
White Sox call up one of their top prospects
The Chicago White Sox have spent the past few seasons retooling their farm system and now one of the organization’s top young arms is finally getting the call to the big leagues.
Left-hander Noah Schultz is expected to be promoted to the majors. He is the No. 2 prospect in the organization and No. 46 overall in baseball, according to MLB.com and is set to make his debut Tuesday night against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Schultz was a first-round pick in the 2022 MLB Draft out of Oswego East High School and has moved quickly through the system, looking sharp to open the season. At Triple-A, he’s posted a 1.29 ERA with 19 strikeouts across 14 innings.
Schultz works from a low arm slot that creates a tough angle for hitters, and it all ties into a slider that has become his best weapon. The pitch sits in the low 80s and sweeps across the zone, playing well against both righties and lefties. His fastball has also shown upper-90s velocity at times.
Manager Will Venables is expected to ease him into the rotation, likely as the White Sox’s fifth starter, but the long-term upside is what stands out. Schultz will be in a group that includes Sean Burke, Anthony Kay, Davis Martin, and Erik Fedde.
“I’m very excited about Noah,” Venables told the Chicago Sun-Times. “He’s about as nice a guy and polite a guy as can be, but he does have an edge when he goes out there and pitches, which you love to see.”
Since being drafted, Schultz has logged a 2.94 ERA with 248 strikeouts over 202.1 innings in the minors. He has been able to steadily climb each level along the way and establish himself as one of the most intriguing young arms in the minors.
April 11
Mets activate Craig Kimbrel
The Mets have called up the reliever and nine-time All-Star, per the New York Post. The Mets signed the 37-year-old to a minor-league deal in January. He made six appearances for the Mets in spring training, posting a 4.50 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and five strikeouts over 6.0 innings pitched. Last season, Kimbrel made 14 combined appearances (13 with the Astros and one with the Braves), recording a 2.25 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and 17 strikeouts over 12 innings pitched. Kimbrel is fifth in MLB history with 440 career saves.
April 10
Seiya Suzuki making season debut
The Cubs’ outfielder/designated hitter is making his 2026 debut on April 10, as the team announced it has reinstated Suzuki and designated outfielder Dylan Carlson for assignment. Suzuki, who will start in right field and bat fifth in the Cubs’ Friday afternoon matchup against the Pirates, hadn’t yet played this season due to a knee sprain that he suffered while playing for Team Japan in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Last season, Suzuki totaled a career-high 32 home runs and 103 RBIs, while posting a .245/.326/.478 slash line.
April 9
Tigers’ Parker Meadows hospitalized after unfortunate collision
Tigers center fielder Meadows was hospitalized overnight after a head-to-head collision with outfielder Riley Greene. A pop fly was hit up in the air, with Greene making the catch and Meadows landing on his back, blood appearing on his face. Medical personnel then helped him stand, carting him off to be treated. Meadows had started 11 of 13 games for the Tigers, batting .250 and having two extra-base hits. He made his major league debut two years ago, also suffering an a nerve injury, causing him to miss his first two months.
Angels lose reliever Robert Stephenson for 2026
Angels right-hander Stephenson will miss the 2026 season after having ligament and flexor tendon repair surgery on his right elbow. It is the continuation of injury woes for Stephenson, who was expected to be one of the team’s top relievers after signing a three-year, $33 million deal in January 2024. He missed the 2024 season after undergoing an ulnar collateral ligament repair with an internal brace in May 2024.
Stephenson was limited to 12 games in 2025 after he was diagnosed with a stretched biceps nerve. The 33-yard-old had a setback in spring training after attempting to pitch through thoracic outlet syndrome symptoms he experienced in the offseason. Stephenson, who made his MLB debut with Cincinnati in 2016, has a 4.69 ERA in nine seasons.
“This guy wants to pitch, this guy wants to be good,” Angels manager Kurt Suzuki told MLB.com. “Up until he had that setback in spring training, he was in a good spot mentally. He was excited, he was happy to be back on the mound. So this is heartbreaking.”
April 8
Orioles’ Zach Eflin undergoes Tommy John surgery
Orioles right-hander Eflin has undergone season-ending Tommy John surgery after leaving a start last month. The surgery was performed by Dr. Keith Meister in Arlington, Texas, the Orioles said. Eflin has been out since leaving with elbow discomfort in the fourth inning of a start against the Rangers on March 31. The start was his first since last July after dealing with back and lat injuries last season. Eflin, 32, finished 6-5 with a 5.93 ERA in 14 starts last season and re-signed with the team for $10 million in the offseason. He is 68-67 with a 4.28 ERA in 201 career starts over nine big league seasons with Baltimore, Tampa Bay and Philadelphia.
Konnor Griffin signs record deal with Pirates
The Pirates signed Griffin, who just recently made his MLB debut, to a nine-year deal, the club announced. The total value of the deal is $140 million, and is the largest contract in team history. Griffin, whom Pittsburgh selected with the No. 9 pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, is the No. 1 prospect in MLB, per MLB Pipeline. The 19-year-old shortstop has appeared in five games for the Pirates, driving in three runs and boasting a .176/.300/.235 slash line in the early going.
“This week has been amazing, debut week, and then sitting here signing a contract, it’s been amazing,” Griffin said. “It’s one of the best weeks of my life. … But it’ll be even better if we can get a win today.”
Pirates owner Bob Nutting said the nine-year contract reflects the team’s commitment in winning this season and in the future.
“This is an important step for 2026 as we look at it right now, but obviously, this is a long-term commitment,” Nutting said. “It’s a long-term statement of where we’re headed as an organization, where we are headed with this team. … This obviously is an unusual and dramatic step for the Pittsburgh Pirates. So I’m excited, I hope our fans are excited, I hope the city is excited, I know the organization is excited.”
When asked why it was important to sign for nine years, Griffin said he sees the Pirates as a winning organization.
“I’m pumped to be a Pirate and be a part of this wonderful clubhouse,” Griffin said, looking at his teammates at the back of the room. “A lot of great talent back there and coaches and staff. Thank you all for being here to support me. Y’all made this transition to the big leagues super easy. And I’m just pumped to go compete. The goal is to win. The goal is to win a World Series. And I think we’ve got a great clubhouse to go do that. I’m pumped to be part of it.”
The Pirates selected Griffin with the ninth overall pick in the 2024 amateur draft. He sprinted through the team’s farm system, hitting .333 with 21 home runs, 94 RBIs and 65 stolen bases. He was one of the final cuts during spring training last month, and his stay at Triple-A Indianapolis was brief.
White Sox option Opening Day starter Shane Smith
The White Sox optioned Opening Day starter Smith to Triple-A Charlotte on Wednesday after three shaky outings to begin the season. An All-Star as a rookie last year, Smith has been struggling with his fastball command. The 26-year-old right-hander is 0-2 with a 10.80 ERA. He has allowed 10 earned runs in 8 1/3 innings while walking nine and striking out 11. Smith threw 3 1/3 scoreless innings in Tuesday’s start against Baltimore, but needed 99 pitches to do it. He walked five and hit a batter, and the White Sox went on to lose 4-2 after the Orioles scored three in the eighth.
“He’s a total pro,” manager Will Venable said. “He takes accountability and understands the spot that he’s putting the team in. And really it’s about getting him to be the best version of himself. This guy is a very good pitcher. He’s an important part of this organization and an important part of our success.”
The White Sox don’t expect it to be a long stay in the minors. But Venable wasn’t putting a timeline on his return.
“You know we have a very clear idea of what we need to do,” Venable said. “We just weren’t able to get those results to stick here. So he’s going to continue to make his adjustments.”
The White Sox also selected left-hander Tyler Schweitzer’s contract from Charlotte and transferred infielder and outfielder Brooks Baldwin (right elbow surgery) to the 60-day injured list on Wednesday.
Guardians shortstop Gabriel Arias expected to miss 4-8 weeks
Cleveland Guardians shortstop Gabriel Arias is expected to miss four to eight weeks with a moderate left hamstring strain that occurred during Monday night’s game against Kansas City. The 26-year-old was hurt while running out a double in the fifth inning and left the game. He was placed on the 10-day injured list Tuesday after undergoing medical tests, the results of which were announced Wednesday. “He’s in some pain,” Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said before the three-game series finale against the Royals. Arias, who is batting .200 with two homers and four RBIs in 10 games, will be re-examined weekly throughout his rehabilitation. This is his third full season as a starter for Cleveland.
The Guardians recalled second baseman Juan Brito from Triple-A Columbus to take his place in the lineup, while moving Brayan Rocchio from second to shortstop. They started the final two contests against Kansas City.
April 7
Cubs’ Cade Horton out for remainder of season
Cubs pitcher Horton is done for the 2026 season after an MRI indicated significant UCL damage in his right elbow, per Chicago manager Craig Counsell. This is the 24-year-old’s second elbow reconstruction surgery, getting Tommy John surgery in 2021 during his time at Oklahoma. Last season, Horton pitched 23 games with the Cubs, starting 22 of them. He had a standout season, logging a 2.67 ERA, 97 strikeouts and an 11-4 record.
Diamondbacks put Carlos Santana on IL
Diamondbacks first baseman Santana, the oldest active position player in the majors, was placed on the 10-day injured list Tuesday with a right adductor strain. The designation is retroactive to Monday for Santana, who was injured during his lone plate appearance Sunday. The 39-year-old singled against the Braves before being lifted for a pinch-runner in the Diamondbacks’ 6-5, 10-inning win. Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said he didn’t know the severity of the strain but expected Santana to be sidelined beyond the 10-day minimum.
Orioles trade for reliever Nick Raquet
The O’s acquired left-hander Raquet in a trade with the Cardinals. The addition of Raquet puts another lefty in the bullpen for first-year manager Craig Albernaz. The 30-year-old Raquet was designated for assignment by the Cardinals on Sunday. The O’s also transferred right-hander Zach Eflin to the 60-day injured list. Right-hander Brandon Young was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk. Eflin, 32, is sidelined with right elbow discomfort. Baltimore sent minor-league second baseman Brayden Smith to St. Louis for Raquet, a third-round pick in the 2017 amateur draft. Raquet made his major-league debut last year, tossing two scoreless innings for the Cardinals in September. He was 1-0 with a 3.00 ERA in two relief appearances for Triple-A Peoria this season, last pitching on Wednesday.
White Sox place OF Austin Hays on IL
Chicago placed Hays on the 10-day injured list on Tuesday with a right hamstring strain. Hays got hurt during Monday night’s 2-1 loss to the Orioles. The 30-year-old Hays signed a $6 million, one-year contract with the White Sox in free agency. He is batting .219 with a homer and six RBIs in nine games this season. The White Sox also brought up outfielder Dustin Harris from Triple-A Charlotte. Right-hander Mike Vasil, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery, was transferred to the 60-day injured list. The 26-year-old Harris signed a minor league deal with the team in December. He is batting .217 (10 for 46) with two homers and five RBIs in 21 career MLB games — all with Texas.
April 6
Mets place Juan Soto on IL, recall Ronny Mauricio
The Mets have placed left fielder Soto on the injured list and recalled Mauricio to take his place, per USA Today. He’s expected to miss at least two weeks. The move is retroactive to April 4, when Soto was diagnosed with a right calf strain after undergoing an MRI. The 27-year-old slugger is hitting .355/.412/.516 with a home run and 11 hits to begin the season. Mauricio, a utility infielder, played in 61 games for the Mets in 2025, batting .226/.293/.369.
April 5
Astros lose ace Hunter Brown to IL
Houston has placed RHP Brown on the 15-day injured list — for the first time in his career — with a right shoulder strain, the team announced. Brown threw six innings vs. the Red Sox on Tuesday. He allowed one run, one hit and struck out eight batters in what was his first start since throwing 4 2/3 innings on Opening Day vs. the Angels.
April 4
Mookie Betts leaves Dodgers game early
Betts exited the Dodgers’ game vs. the Nationals in the bottom of the first inning with lower back pain, the team shared. In his only plate appearance before exiting, Betts drew a walk before scoring from first base on Freddie Freeman’s two-run double in the top of the first. Shortstop Miguel Rojas replaced Betts in the bottom of the first.
Tigers’ Justin Verlander lands on IL
The Tigers announced that they placed the veteran starting pitcher on the 15-day injured list due to left hip inflammation. In the one start he has made this season, Verlander, who’s in his second stint with the Tigers (he pitched in Detroit from 2005-17), surrendered five runs and eight baserunners (six hits and two walks) across 3 2/3 innings. Right-hander Keider Montero was recalled from Triple A to take Verlander’s roster spot.
April 3
Brewers sign prospect Cooper Pratt to eight-year, $50M deal
Milwaukee finalized an eight-year, $50.75 million contract with Pratt, adding the prized 21-year-old shortstop prospect to the 40-man roster and optioning him to Triple-A Nashville. The deal with Pratt includes club options that could keep him with the Brewers through the 2035 season. Pratt is among the top prospects in a Brewers farm system that ranks among the best in MLB. He was rated by MLB Pipeline as the No. 60 overall prospect.
Yankees’ Carlos Rodón hopeful injury is minor
Yankees left-hander Rodón thinks his tight right hamstring is only a minor setback in his return from elbow surgery last October. Rodón felt the tightness after throwing 50 pitches of batting practice Sunday at the team’s complex in Tampa, Florida. Rodón got hurt while running and New York called off a planned minor league injury rehabilitation outing at Double-A Somerset. Rodón is recovering from surgery on Oct. 15 to remove loose bodies in his left elbow and shave a bone spur.
Johan Oviedo added to injured list
The Red Sox have placed the right-hander on the 15-day injured list due to a right elbow strain, the team announced. In the one appearance that Oviedo has made this season, he surrendered two home runs, four earned runs and six hits over 3 2/3 innings pitched. Boston acquired Oviedo from the Pirates in the offseason.
April 1
Nick Lodolo making rehab start for Reds
Lodolo is expected to throw 60 to 65 pitches during a rehab assignment on April 2. The left-hander, who’s on the injured list due to a blister on his left index finger, will make his rehab start for Single-A Daytona against Jupiter in a Florida State League game. If Lodolo has a successful outing, he could join the Reds’ rotation during next week’s series at Miami. Lodolo was 9-8 with a 3.33 ERA and 156 strikeouts last season.
Red Sox catcher Carlos Narváez scratched
Narváez was scratched from Boston’s finale with the Astros on April 1 for an undisclosed reason. Narváez was removed from the lineup about 2.5 hours before first pitch and replaced behind the plate by Connor Wong. The 27-year-old Narváez is hitting .444 in three games this season. He is in his second season in Boston after beginning his career with the Yankees.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
