MLB Baseball 3 Days

Last updated: April 5, 2026, 8:30 AM ET

MLB Injury Woes Mount Across Leagues

Major League Baseball saw a flurry of player absences over the weekend, centered heavily on key outfielders and infield stars suffering mid-game setbacks. The New York Yankees endured a scare Saturday when plate umpire Ron Kulpa exited the matchup against the Miami Marlins in the fourth inning after absorbing a direct foul ball off his mask. On the field, the Los Angeles Dodgers lost superstar Mookie Betts due to right lower back pain immediately after the top of the first inning in Washington, while the Milwaukee Brewers dealt with a new injury when right fielder Sal Frelick departed Saturday's split doubleheader opener with left side tightness by the fourth inning. Compounding the injury news, New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto was diagnosed with a right calf strain following an MRI after exiting Friday's contest early due to tightness in the same area.

Several other teams contended with significant personnel losses, particularly impacting pitching staffs and defensive anchors. In Detroit, veteran starter Justin Verlander was sidelined on the 15-day IL with hip inflammation, forcing the Tigers to adjust their rotation plans immediately following his season home debut. The Chicago Cubs also placed pitcher Cade Horton on the injured list after he reported right forearm discomfort in the second inning against Cleveland, while the Minnesota Twins lost All-Star center fielder Byron Buxton to a right forearm contusion during Friday's home opener victory over the Rays. Furthermore, the Toronto Blue Jays faced uncertainty after catcher Alejandro Kirk sustained a thumb injury from a foul tip in the tenth inning Friday, requiring X-rays.

The injury epidemic extended to the base paths and defensive specialists, with several teams placing players on the IL for extended periods. Arizona Diamondbacks rookie outfielder Jordan Lawlar suffered a fractured right wrist after being struck by a pitch on Friday, immediately landing him on the 10-day IL. Separately, the struggles of the Chicago White Sox rotation were underscored by the placement of pitcher Cade Horton on the IL after he exited early with forearm issues, a situation the team's front office stated would not prompt them to rush top pitching prospects to the majors.

Team Openers, Milestones, and Roster Moves

As teams settled into their home schedules, several clubs celebrated victories marked by individual achievements and unique roster adjustments. The New York Yankees set an early positive tone for their home opener, cruising past the Marlins 8-2, fueled by an Aaron Judge home run that followed an encouraging pregame text from the star slugger. Pittsburgh celebrated its home opener at PNC Park with a narrow 5-4 victory over the Orioles, where shortstop Konnor Griffin dazzled in his major league debut, driving in an RBI double. Meanwhile, the Kansas City Royals navigated unexpected roster turbulence; catcher Carter Jensen was scratched from the lineup Thursday morning after oversleeping, forcing the team to recall right-hander Luinder Avila from Triple-A Omaha to start Friday against the Brewers in place of an ill Brady Singer.

In personal milestones and organizational acknowledgments, former White Sox shortstop and manager Ozzie Guillén will have his No. 13 jersey retired in August, marking a significant honor for the franchise. On the player performance front, Shohei Ohtani shook off a slow start at the plate, delivering a three-run homer against the Nationals early in the game to log his first RBIs of the season. Outside of MLB, former Cy Young winner Trevor Bauer signed with the Long Island Ducks, preparing to pitch opening night for the Atlantic League team on April 21.

Brewers Culture and Prospect Security

The Milwaukee Brewers provided a lighter moment amid the injury reports when manager Pat Murphy had his custom of carrying "pocket pancakes" banned by a local reporter, leading the team to adopt a "rally tortoise" as their new good luck charm. Separately, Brewers prospect Cooper Pratt discussed the security afforded by his long-term contract signed while still in the minor leagues, suggesting the financial stability should alleviate performance pressure as he aims for the majors. The team also welcomed back a healthy player, as Mariners shortstop J.P. Crawford was reinstated from the 10-day IL after beginning the season sidelined with a right shoulder issue.