MLB Baseball 24-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: March 22, 2026, 2:30 AM ET
Opening Day Roster Moves & Injury Setbacks
As teams finalize their 26-man rosters ahead of Thursday's openers, several clubs are navigating unexpected personnel adjustments stemming from late spring training injuries and strategic minor league assignments. Chicago's Seiya Suzuki will miss the opener against Washington after sustaining a minor ligament strain in his right knee during the World Baseball Classic, forcing the Cubs to adjust their lineup immediately. Meanwhile, the New York Yankees confirmed that 34-year-old veteran outfielder Randal Grichuk secured a spot on the Opening Day roster, providing immediate depth to the outfield corps.
Minor League Reassignments & Pitching Depth
Several organizations made notable cuts, sending established players or high-ceiling prospects to the minor leagues to begin the season. The Baltimore Orioles optioned Dean Kremer to the minors, despite the right-hander leading the team last year in wins, innings pitched, and strikeouts, indicating a desire to manage his workload early on. Similarly, Pittsburgh reassigned top prospect Konnor Griffin to minor league camp Saturday, keeping the highly touted 19-year-old off the major league club for now.
Contract Exercises & Pitching Staff Adjustments
Further streamlining of rosters included decisions on veteran free agents and internal rotation planning. The Detroit Tigers saw outfielder Austin Slater exercise his release clause after he failed to make the final Opening Day roster, allowing him to seek opportunities elsewhere. On the mound, the New York Mets announced a strategy to begin the year with a five-man rotation, where Sean Manaea is slated to start in a less conventional piggyback role out of the bullpen, manager Carlos Mendoza confirmed. Additionally, the Washington Nationals released right-handed reliever Drew Smith from his minor league agreement, while the Texas Rangers granted former Red Sox and Cubs reliever Ryan Brasier his outright release.