MLB Baseball 24 Hours

Last updated: May 16, 2026, 8:51 PM ET

Pitching Injuries Mount Across MLB

A rash of pitching injuries continues to decimate rotations across baseball, with Blue Jays right-hander Jose Berrios set to undergo elbow surgery Wednesday, creating uncertainty around his return timeline. The injury wave extends beyond Toronto, as Dodgers left-hander Blake Snell was scratched from his scheduled start due to loose bodies in his left elbow, sidelining the veteran indefinitely. Mets starter Clay Holmes suffered a fractured right fibula when struck by an 111.1 mph comebacker from Yankees hitters, adding to New York's mounting injury concerns. Baltimore's Jordan Westburg underwent Tommy John surgery on his right elbow, ensuring the Orioles infielder will miss the entire 2026 season. These injuries compound an already challenging landscape for clubs managing workloads during the season's early months.

Position Players Also Feeling Impact

The injury bug has spread beyond pitching staffs, with several key position players landing on the shelf. Rangers All-Star shortstop Corey Seager missed his second consecutive game against Houston after experiencing back spasms that flared up Saturday morning. Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story was placed on the 10-day injured list with a sports hernia, ending a disappointing start to his season at the plate. Texas second baseman Josh Smith was hospitalized with viral meningitis and is expected to remain in care for at least a week. These absences come at critical junctures as teams navigate the opening weeks of summer competition.

Phillies Power Surge Continues

Kyle Schwarber launched two two-run homers to push his season total to, powering Philadelphia's offense in a wild victory that showcased the Phillies' dangerous lineup capabilities. The outburst continued Schwarber's torrid stretch, though the slugger admitted he cannot fully explain the source of his current tear. Meanwhile, interim manager Dusty Wathan made history filling in for Don Mattingly during Philadelphia's 6-0 win over Pittsburgh on Saturday, guiding the club while Mattingly attended his son Trevor's Purdue University graduation. The Phillies' offensive outburst aligned with their climb in power rankings, suggesting their bats could carry them through uncertain pitching times.

Cardinals Embrace Unusual Good Luck Charm

Busch Stadium adopted an unconventional celebration ritual after dozens of shirtless Cardinals fans, led by a college baseball team from Alton, Illinois, sparked back-to-back victories over the weekend. The trend of bare-chested spectators appears to have caught on among St. Louis supporters, creating a unique atmosphere that coincided with improved team performance. While the Cardinals' on-field success cannot be directly attributed to fan fashion choices, the timing of the wins during this unusual display suggests the team may be riding a wave of positive momentum heading into crucial divisional matchups.

Draft Prep and Labor Discussions Intensify

As teams evaluate talent for July's amateur draft, ESPN's latest mock draft projections provide insight into how the first 40 picks could unfold, with several intriguing decisions at the top of the board. The draft speculation comes amid ongoing collective bargaining discussions between MLB and the MLBPA, where labor negotiations intensify over key issues that will shape baseball's next agreement. These off-field developments occur against the backdrop of shifting power rankings, where a new team claimed the top spot in Week 7 thanks to red-hot offensive production that has redefined early-season expectations.

Mets-Yankees Rivalry Takes Center Stage

The first Subway Series of the season brings renewed attention to two teams with contrasting philosophies, as the Mets undergo roster reconstruction while the Yankees attempt to build upon their core. Amid mounting pressure to end New York's championship drought, Yankees captain Aaron Judge maintains sky-high expectations despite external scrutiny about the team's trajectory. The cross-town rivalry arrives as both clubs deal with significant injuries, making lineup decisions and strategic adjustments crucial for early summer positioning in their respective divisions.

Minor League Blowout Highlights Offensive Explosion

A Pirates minor league affiliate pounded out 18 hits while capitalizing on seven defensive errors to cruise past an Orioles affiliate 28-1 in a seven-inning affair Friday night. The offensive onslaught demonstrated the kind of run support that has been lacking at the major league level for several organizations dealing with pitching injuries. Meanwhile, fantasy baseball managers eye potential breakout candidates as speculation builds around Dodgers batting order options, with Eric Karabell examining which players might emerge as valuable fantasy assets