MLB Baseball 24 Hours

Last updated: June 20, 2026, 5:30 PM ET

Injury Reports and Roster Flux

Tigers veteran pitcher Justin Verlander is sidelined for several weeks after sustaining a left hamstring strain, forcing manager A.J. Hinch to adjust his rotation. In Phoenix, Diamondbacks starter Michael Soroka exited early after just one inning against the Twins due to posterior left hip discomfort, while the Cubs confirmed that closer Daniel Palencia has a mild flexor strain in his right arm. These setbacks follow a series of roster adjustments across the league, including the Rangers' decision to option Josh Smith to Triple-A only days after the second baseman returned from a 37-game absence caused by multiple injuries and a bout with viral meningitis.

Lineup Adjustments and Star Absences

The Dodgers are managing a depleted roster as Will Smith remains sidelined with a neck injury that will keep him off the field through the weekend and potentially off the team’s upcoming road trip. Further impacting Los Angeles, Shohei Ohtani missed Friday's lineup against the Orioles while away from the team on paternity leave. Meanwhile, the Royals are navigating the absence of shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. due to a Grade 1 MCL sprain, though the club avoided placing him on the injured list. Despite the physical toll of the game, Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. rejected safety equipment on Friday, confirming he does not plan to wear a protective cup despite taking a foul ball to the groin just one day earlier.

Pitching Performances and Game Disruptions

Rangers right-hander Nathan Eovaldi was scratched from his start against the Padres after experiencing left knee soreness, a move that coincided with an unusual officiating shortage during that same contest. Fans and players alike noticed that only two umpires were positioned on the field when the game commenced in the top of the first inning. Elsewhere, Brewers ace Jacob Misiorowski demonstrated elite velocity by hitting 104.2 mph during a strong outing against the Braves, though the effort was not enough to prevent a Milwaukee loss. These high-stakes pitching displays continue to command attention, as seen with Cam Schlittler, who struck out 13 batters on Friday night to earn high-profile praise from NBA champion Josh Hart, who labeled the right-hander the top pitcher in the American League.

Industry Trends

Beyond the diamond, the broader baseball collectibles market is under scrutiny as box breaking faces regulatory questions regarding whether the practice should be classified as gambling or a lottery. This debate surrounding the hobby reflects the growing intersection between professional sports, fan engagement, and emerging financial risks within the trading card industry.