MLB Baseball 24 Hours

Last updated: June 20, 2026, 2:30 PM ET

Pitching Injuries and Roster Moves

Tigers veteran Justin Verlander is sidelined for several weeks after sustaining a left hamstring strain, forcing manager A.J. Hinch to adjust his rotation. In Arizona, the Diamondbacks removed Michael Soroka after only one inning due to posterior left hip discomfort, while in Chicago, Cubs closer Daniel Palencia was diagnosed with a mild flexor strain in his right arm. Meanwhile, the Rangers scratched Nathan Eovaldi from his scheduled start against the Padres because of persistent left knee soreness, and the organization simultaneously optioned Josh Smith to Triple-A just days after the second baseman returned from a 37-game absence caused by viral meningitis and other injuries.

Injury Updates and Lineup Changes

Dodgers catcher Will Smith remains on the shelf as the team delayed his return from a neck injury, leaving his status for the upcoming road trip uncertain. His teammate Shohei Ohtani also missed Friday's lineup against the Orioles, as the superstar is currently away from the team on paternity leave. Elsewhere, Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. avoided the injured list despite suffering a Grade 1 MCL sprain that kept him out of action against the Cardinals, and Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. dismissed protective gear plans despite sustaining a painful groin injury from a foul ball just one day prior.

Emerging Arms and Pitching Milestones

Brewers ace Jacob Misiorowski topped out at 104.2 mph during a powerful performance against the Braves, though the velocity was not enough to secure a victory. His display of raw power comes as Cam Schlittler struck out 13 batters in a dominant Friday night outing that garnered national attention, including high praise from Knicks forward Josh Hart. On the recovery front, Blue Jays right-hander Shane Bieber rejoined the club on Friday, with manager John Schneider noting the pitcher is feeling good and could be activated from the injured list within the next few days.

Operational Irregularities and Industry Scrutiny

The Padres and Rangers started their game with only two umpires on the field during the top of the first inning, a rare lapse in standard officiating coverage. Beyond the diamond, the broader baseball ecosystem is facing internal pressure as collectibles industry practices such as box breaking undergo intense scrutiny from regulators and fans alike to determine if the activity constitutes a form of gambling.