MLB Baseball 24 Hours

Last updated: April 13, 2026, 5:31 AM ET

MLB Injury Crisis Deepens Across Leagues

A widespread spate of pitching injuries continued across Major League Baseball Sunday, forcing several key clubs to adjust rotation plans immediately. The Padres were forced to pull right-hander Nick Pivetta in the fourth inning of a 7-2 victory over Colorado after he reported stiffness in his throwing elbow, while the Astros lost starter Cody Bolton to mid-back tightness just two frames into their 6-1 defeat against the Mariners. Compounding the woes, Rockies lefty Kyle Freeland was scratched from his start after the game commenced due to soreness in his pitching shoulder, and Nationals reliever Ken Waldichuk exited a 8-6 win after hurting his arm while delivering a pitch in the seventh inning, signaling extensive damage across multiple bullpens.

The injury bug also bit several National League contenders, creating immediate roster holes ahead of Monday's slate. The slumping New York Mets are summoning outfielder Tommy Pham to inject offense as the club battles a five-game slide while star Juan Soto remains sidelined. Meanwhile, the Baltimore Orioles confirmed first baseman Ryan Mountcastle will head to the injured list after suffering a broken fourth metatarsal bone in his left foot, and Chicago placed ailing righty Hunter Harvey on the IL due to inflammation in his right triceps. Adding to the grim outlook for recovery, Phillies rookie Andrew Painter managed five innings of relief after being scratched from his initial start due to a severe migraine.

Further compounding the physical setbacks, Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich departed Sunday's contest with tightness in his left hamstring, with the team anticipating "bad news" regarding the severity of the soft-tissue issue. In related organizational news, the long-term prognosis for injured Phillies starter Zach Eflin remains distant, as the veteran is reportedly targeting a 2027 return following his recent Tommy John surgery performed on his 32nd birthday.

League Mourns Passing of Phil Garner

The baseball community paused to acknowledge the death of former player and manager Phil Garner, who passed away Sunday at the age of 76. Garner, a three-time All-Star infielder during his playing days, is perhaps best remembered for piloting the Houston Astros to their maiden World Series appearance as manager, leaving an indelible mark on the franchise's history.

Off-Field Entertainment

In a lighter segment, the league looked ahead to its unique offseason content, naming the contenders who will battle for the inaugural 2026 MLB Bat Flip Championship Belt following the first exhibition of flair this season.