Last updated: March 22, 2026, 7:30 PM ET
National League Roster Setbacks & Contract News
Major League Baseball continues to grapple with injuries impacting opening day rosters, as Mets outfielder Mike Tauchman faces surgery for a torn meniscus sustained shortly after signing a minor league contract last month, forcing New York to execute immediate roster shuffling. Similarly, the Chicago Cubs will start the season without Seiya Suzuki, who is sidelined after straining a knee ligament during the World Baseball Classic, meaning he misses Thursday's contest against Washington. In contrast to the injury woes, the Philadelphia Phillies secured their ace left-hander, agreeing to a new six-year contract with Cristopher Sanchez, providing long-term stability to their rotation ahead of the regular season grind.
American League Personnel Adjustments & Player Relations
The Baltimore Orioles have optioned starter Dean Kremer to the minor leagues despite his strong prior performance, where he previously led the club in wins, innings pitched, and strikeouts last season, indicating a strategic move to manage service time or rotation depth early on. Away from club decisions, Tampa Bay's Randy Arozarena publicly offered an apology to Seattle catcher Cal Raleigh following the expletive-laced exchange that occurred between the two teammates during the recent World Baseball Classic tournament, attempting to put the clubhouse tension to rest before the season commences.