MLB Baseball 24 Hours

Last updated: June 12, 2026, 11:49 AM ET

American League Standings & Player News

The New York Yankees may see a familiar face return to the mound in closer Aroldis Chapman, though he stated he would require an apology from GM Brian Cashman for the circumstances of his previous departure. Meanwhile, the Boston Red Sox are enduring an "embarrassing and unacceptable" season, according to team president Sam Kennedy, but there are no plans to remove Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow. In pitching news, Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal is set to rejoin the rotation on Saturday against the Cleveland Guardians, less than six weeks after undergoing elbow surgery.

National League Standings & Player News

Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani was removed from Thursday's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates due to knee inflammation, though manager Dave Roberts characterized the move as precautionary. Catcher Will Smith was also placed on the 10-day injured list with neck inflammation, leaving the Dodgers thin at catcher. The Pirates also suffered a blow, with outfielder Oneil Cruz landing on the IL with a broken left hand after sustaining non-displaced fractures in his ring and pinkie fingers. Cruz's injury adds to Pittsburgh's recent struggles, which saw them blow a five-run lead against the Dodgers on Wednesday, a collapse Ohtani lamented included a missed ABS challenge. In Philadelphia, the Phillies added outfield depth by acquiring Derek Hill from the Chicago White Sox, seeking to bolster their roster after Adolis Garcia exited Wednesday's game with a shoulder injury. Hill's acquisition could provide a much-needed boost.

Milestones & League-Wide Discussions

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Max Scherzer achieved a significant career milestone Wednesday, recording his 3,500th strikeout against Philadelphia's Kyle Schwarber. Elsewhere, discussions surrounding potential structural changes to the league continue, with an examination of how a salary cap might function in Major League Baseball, drawing parallels from other professional sports leagues amidst ongoing Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations. The league's competitive balance is also a topic of discussion, as several teams are rising and falling in recent power rankings, indicating a dynamic and unpredictable season.

Player Personalities & Future Considerations

While on-field performance dominates headlines, some players are exploring avenues beyond the diamond. Los Angeles Dodgers' Mookie Betts is set to make a guest appearance on Disney Jr.'s "Puppy Dog Pals," highlighting a different facet of his public persona. The league also continues to ponder the best ways for players to celebrate success, with a recent piece questioning why pitchers shouldn't have their own celebrations on the mound, similar to what hitters enjoy.