MLB Baseball 24 Hours

Last updated: April 20, 2026, 11:30 PM ET

MLB Injury Updates & Roster Moves

The injury bug continued to bite several clubs, forcing immediate roster adjustments across the league. Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. was thankfully diagnosed as day-to-day after sustaining multiple hits by pitch, with subsequent X-rays returning negative. Elsewhere in the AL Central, the Minnesota Twins placed right-hander Mick Abel on the 15-day injured list due to right elbow inflammation, creating an immediate need for rotation depth that fantasy managers should monitor closely, especially as waiver wire options emerge this week. Furthermore, the St. Louis Cardinals confirmed that third baseman Brendan Donovan landed on the 10-day IL, retroactive to Saturday, nursing a left groin muscle strain, a move that saw Seattle add Wilson to the active roster.

Pitching Health & Travel Woes

Pitching health remains a major concern, exemplified by the Boston Red Sox starter Sonny Gray exiting Monday's Patriots' Day contest in the third inning due to right hamstring tightness, compounding issues for a rotation already facing scrutiny. This news comes as the Los Angeles Dodgers announced that closer Edwin Díaz will require surgery on Wednesday to remove loose bodies in his right elbow, an operation that projects him to miss several months of action, severely impacting the NL West standings. Meanwhile, the Toronto Blue Jays faced logistical hurdles after a mechanical failure grounded their charter plane, forcing the team to endure a lengthy bus ride from Phoenix to Orange County late Sunday evening.

Managerial Commentary & Trade Speculation

Managerial frustrations surfaced regarding roster construction rules, as Chicago Cubs skipper Craig Counsell deemed the current MLB rule "bizarre" that permits the Dodgers to carry an expanded 14-man pitching staff specifically because of Shohei Ohtani's unique contract status. As teams navigate these complexities, speculation mounts regarding potential mid-season adjustments, with analysts identifying players across all 30 rosters who could be prime trade candidates by August, ranging from established stars to prospects. Amid this backdrop of roster shuffling, Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler stated he remains "excited" for his Fenway Park debut against the Red Sox, despite confirming that both he and his family have received threats ahead of the rivalry matchup.