MLB Baseball 3h Briefing
×Last updated: May 21, 2026, 11:56 PM ET
Stadium Development & Technology
The Athletics' $2 billion domed stadium on the Las Vegas Strip remains on track espn.com for a 2028 opening, with the lower bowl structure now taking shape along the resort corridor. Meanwhile, Major League Baseball's new Automated Ball-Strike system showed mixed early results espn.com through the season's first weeks, with challenge rates and accuracy metrics drawing scrutiny from players and analysts alike.
Player Performances & Injuries
Shohei Ohtani delivered a superstar performance espn.com in his return to the Dodgers' lineup, launching a leadoff home run before pitching five scoreless innings to help defeat the Padres. The Braves removed Ronald Acuna Jr. espn.com from Thursday's game as a precaution after the outfielder experienced pain in his left thumb. In Chicago, Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong criticized his own defensive lapses espn.com as "laughable" following errors that contributed to a 5-0 loss against Milwaukee. Tarik Skubal completed his third bullpen session espn.com since elbow surgery, with Detroit manager A.J. Hinch calling the progress a "great step" while the pitcher's return timeline remains uncertain.