MLB Baseball 24 Hours

Last updated: April 21, 2026, 5:30 AM ET

ALUMINUM & TRAVEL LOGISTICS

The Toronto Blue Jays endured a bizarre travel delay when mechanical issues forced the team to abandon their charter plane in Phoenix and endure a lengthy bus ride across the desert to Southern California ahead of their series opener. Separately, in personnel news affecting several clubs, the St. Louis Cardinals placed third baseman Brendan Donovan on the 10-day injured list Sunday, effective retroactively to Saturday, due to a left groin muscle strain, while the Minnesota Twins dealt with their own pitching setback, placing right-hander Mick Abel on the 15-day IL with right elbow inflammation.

NL WEST INJURY & ROSTER CONCERNS

The Atlanta Braves received positive news regarding superstar Ronald Acuña Jr. after he was struck twice by pitches from the Washington Nationals; X-rays later came back negative, leaving the MVP candidate day-to-day. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Dodgers face significant near-term pitching losses, as closer Edwin Diaz is slated for elbow surgery this Wednesday to remove loose bodies, projecting months away from the mound. Furthermore, Dodgers manager Craig Counsell expressed his opinion that the current MLB rule allowing the team to carry an extra pitcher—specifically due to Shohei Ohtani's two-way status—is "bizarre," adding complexity to roster management discussions across the league.

AMERICAN LEAGUE PITCHING WOES & FANTASY WAIVERS

Boston Red Sox starter Sonny Gray was pulled early from Monday's Patriots' Day matchup against the Detroit Tigers in the third inning due to tightness in his right hamstring, adding further uncertainty to the rotation. In an unusual pre-game development, Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler stated he and his family received threats ahead of his scheduled Fenway Park debut against the Red Sox, though he maintained his excitement for the start. For managers seeking immediate help, potential waiver wire targets this week include available arms from the Twins and Astros, who possess several pitchers worth claiming before other managers scoop them up.

TRADE BLOCK SPECULATION

As the league navigates early-season injuries and roster adjustments, speculation is already mounting about potential trade candidates leading up to the August deadline. Analysts have begun identifying the player most likely to be traded for all 30 MLB franchises, ranging from established major leaguers to high-ceiling prospects, depending on each team's competitive window.