MLB Baseball 24 Hours

Last updated: April 22, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

MLB Woes & Streaks

The New York Mets descended further into crisis, losing for the 12th consecutive time after squandering an early 3-0 lead against the Twins, ultimately falling 5-3 at Citi Field, a defeat that extended their slide and has many observers questioning their postseason viability this early in the season. Despite the team languishing in last place in the National League East, President Dave Dombrowski expressed concern over the Philadelphia Phillies' parallel struggle—an 8-15 start featuring a current seven-game losing streak—though he affirmed that manager Rob Thomson currently remains safe from termination. The downtrodden Mets received a relatively muted reception from fans upon returning home to Queens following the latest defeat, though the club anticipates a needed offensive infusion Wednesday with outfielder Juan Soto returning from the injured list.

Injury Updates & Roster Moves

The injury bug continued to plague contenders, with the Boston Red Sox placing starter Sonny Gray on the 15-day injured list due to a right hamstring strain suffered in his first season with the club following a November trade from St. Louis. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Braves were forced to make a high-leverage move, sidelining closer Raisel Iglesias for 15 days after he reported right shoulder discomfort stemming from an awkward sleeping position last Friday, prompting the team to immediately elevate Suarez into the closer role. On a more positive note for roster health, the Texas Rangers are awaiting results from an MRI on outfielder Wyatt Langford's tight right forearm after he exited Tuesday’s 5-1 victory over Pittsburgh, and the Minnesota Twins activated third baseman Royce Lewis from the IL after he missed nine games nursing a sprained left knee.

Early Season Statistical Anomalies & Player Turnarounds

Early-season metrics are beginning to paint a confusing picture, prompting analysts to question which emerging statistics truly warrant attention, such as unpredictable reliever performance that could suggest a Cy Young candidate or inexplicably cold starts from established offenses. Conversely, some players are already showing signs of correcting their course; Cleveland Guardians rookie Chase DeLauter broke out of a 7-for-47 slump by delivering a crucial bases-clearing triple in an 8-5 victory Tuesday night. In the American League West, the Seattle Mariners find themselves unexpectedly near the bottom of the standings after 25 games, sitting fourth ahead only of the Astros, yet veteran catcher Cal Raleigh maintained optimism, stating, "I have faith in this group." Seattle also made a corresponding bullpen adjustment, designating right-hander Casey Legumina for assignment and recalling Alex Hoppe from Triple-A, a player acquired in the November deal with Boston.

Clubhouse Returns & Offseason Planning

Several key players are scheduled to rejoin their respective clubs Wednesday or Thursday, offering immediate reinforcements to struggling rotations and lineups. Chicago Cubs left-hander and All-Star Matthew Boyd is slated to make his first start in three weeks against the Phillies on Wednesday, returning from a biceps strain that sidelined him, while Baltimore Orioles manager Brandon Hyde welcomed back star catcher Adley Rutschman from an ankle issue for Tuesday's game in Kansas City. In Philadelphia, the team is preparing for a more substantial return, as ace Zack Wheeler, who has been sidelined since August, is scheduled for his first start of the year Saturday in Atlanta, an event that will test the struggling Phillies' pitching depth. Separately, the Royals & Hallmark Cards announced a cooperative venture to construct a new downtown ballpark surrounded by mixed-use projects, signaling long-term civic investment despite their current on-field struggles.