MLB Baseball 24 Hours

Last updated: June 20, 2026, 8:30 PM ET

Roster Turbulence and Injury Reports

The Dodgers delayed the return of catcher Will Smith from a neck injury, keeping him off the active roster through the weekend with his travel status for Monday’s road trip currently in doubt. While the club manages that absence, Shohei Ohtani missed the lineup Friday night against the Orioles as he remains away from the team on paternity leave. Elsewhere in the National League, the Diamondbacks lost Michael Soroka after only one inning of work against the Twins due to posterior left hip discomfort, creating immediate pressure on the Arizona pitching depth.

Pitching Performance and Personnel Changes

Texas manager Bruce Bochy faced a chaotic evening as the Rangers scratched Nathan Eovaldi due to left knee soreness just before his scheduled start against the Padres. The team also optioned Josh Smith to Triple-A Round Rock on Friday, a move that comes only days after the second baseman returned from a 37-game absence caused by a combination of injuries and viral meningitis. Adding to the unusual atmosphere in Arlington, the Padres-Rangers game began with only two umpires stationed on the field during the top of the first inning.

Young Arms and Medical Setbacks

Milwaukee’s Jacob Misiorowski topped out at 104.2 mph during a powerful but ultimately unsuccessful outing against the Braves on Friday. Meanwhile, the Cubs’ pitching staff faces further uncertainty after Daniel Palencia received a diagnosis of a mild flexor strain in his right arm, according to manager Craig Counsell. On a brighter note for prospect watchers, Cam Schlittler delivered a 13-strikeout performance on Friday that drew high praise from NBA champion Josh Hart, who labeled the tall right-hander as the premier pitcher in the American League.

Industry Oversight

The broader baseball ecosystem is facing scrutiny beyond the diamond as league officials and stakeholders examine whether box breaking practices in the sports collectibles market should be classified as gambling. This investigation highlights a growing tension between the rise of high-stakes trading card culture and the regulatory frameworks governing professional sports-adjacent industries.