Last updated: March 22, 2026, 6:30 AM ET
Opening Day Roster Moves & Injury Setbacks
As Opening Day looms, several teams finalized major personnel decisions, though not without immediate complications. Chicago's Seiya Suzuki will miss the opener against Washington on Thursday after suffering a minor ligament strain in his right knee during World Baseball Classic play, forcing the Cubs to adjust their lineup before the first pitch. Meanwhile, the New York Yankees confirmed veteran presence by placing 34-year-old outfielder Randal Grichuk onto the active roster for the start of the season. The Mets, however, are adopting an unconventional starting strategy, as manager Carlos Mendoza announced that Sean Manaea will begin in the bullpen in a piggyback role while the team utilizes a five-man rotation to open the campaign.
Minor League Assignments & Veteran Releases
Across the league, teams continued trimming down major league camps, reassigning prospects and granting releases to veterans struggling to secure a spot. Baltimore optioned Dean Kremer to the minors, a move surprising to some considering he led the Orioles in wins, innings pitched, and strikeouts during the previous campaign. Similarly, Pittsburgh dispatched top prospect Konnor Griffin, the highly touted 19-year-old, to minor league camp on Saturday following the final slate of exhibition games. Several established players found themselves unexpectedly seeking new employment after being cut; the Nationals released right-handed reliever Drew Smith from his minor league contract, and the Rangers granted their release papers to veteran reliever Ryan Brasier. Furthermore, outfielder Austin Slater exercised his contract clause after failing to make the Tigers' Opening Day roster, electing free agency rather than accepting a minor league assignment in Detroit.