MLB Baseball 3 Days

Last updated: April 14, 2026, 5:30 AM ET

AL CENTRAL & AL EAST SHAKEUPS

The Yankees narrowly defeated the Angels in an 11-10 slugfest where both Aaron Judge and Mike Trout launched two home runs apiece, showcasing immense offensive firepower on both sides. Meanwhile, the American League East is reeling from significant personnel losses: the Orioles placed catcher Adley Rutschman on the 10-day injured list due to left ankle inflammation, and Baltimore subsequently traded for first baseman Christian Encarnacion-Strand, 26, from the Reds in a Monday deal. Adding to the injury woes across the division, Toronto's George Springer was diagnosed with a fractured big toe after exiting Saturday's loss, prompting the Blue Jays to immediately acquire infielder Lenyn Sosa from the White Sox.

Pitching personnel news dominated headlines as the Yankees prepare for reinforcements while the Red Sox endured a historic blowup; the Yankees anticipate near-term returns for Gerrit Cole and Nestor Rodón from rehab assignments, and shortstop Anthony Volpe is cleared to begin his own minor league stint. Conversely, Boston's highly touted ace Garrett Crochet was shelled for 11 runs, 10 of them earned, across just 1⅔ innings against the Twins on Monday night. Furthermore, the injury crisis continued in Houston, as the reeling Astros placed shortstop Jeremy Pena on the injury list with hamstring tightness, shortly after starter Cody Bolton exited his outing with mid-back tightness during Sunday's loss.

NL STRUGGLES & CARDINALS HISTORY

The New York Mets’ early season collapse deepened as the club dropped its sixth consecutive contest, prompting manager Carlos Mendoza to state the team "got to just ride this storm" amid internal struggles, which included shortstop Francisco Lindor committing his third miscue in two days during an 11-6 defeat. Adding to the Mets’ difficulties, All-Star outfielder Juan Soto, sidelined since April 3 with a strained right calf, is expected to begin running within the next 48 hours, while the club called up outfielder Tommy Pham to inject offense. The high-spending matchup between the Mets and Dodgers began this week, emphasizing the massive financial outlay on display for the series.

On a brighter note for the National League Central, St. Louis outfielder Jordan Walker continued his exceptional start, belting his eighth home run of the season, making him only the fifth player in Cardinals franchise history to reach that mark within the first 16 games. Across the NL East, Phillies rookie Andrew Painter, who was scratched Sunday due to a migraine, managed to throw five innings in relief during a 4-3 loss, while Nationals reliever Ken Waldichuk departed Sunday’s win after hurting his arm throwing a pitch. Adding to Baltimore’s mounting injury list—which already included Rutschman and Zach Eflin, who is targeting a 2027 return post-Tommy John surgery at age 32—the Orioles also placed first baseman Ryan Mountcastle on the IL with a broken left metatarsal.

INJURY BUG SPREADS ACROSS LEAGUES

A significant wave of injuries struck several contenders, most notably impacting the AL West and NL West. The Astros confirmed more personnel losses after Jeremy Pena was shut down, and rookie pitcher Tatsuya Imai was sent back to Houston for examinations on right arm fatigue, which manager Joe Espada called "just not good news" following his third start. In San Diego, right-hander Nick Pivetta was removed from Sunday’s victory in the fourth inning due to stiffness developing in his pitching elbow, requiring an early exit. Further south, Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich exited Sunday’s game against Washington with tightness in his left hamstring, with the team anticipating "bad news" regarding the severity.

Several teams made corresponding roster moves to manage the physical setbacks. The Cubs placed right-hander Hunter Harvey on the injured list Sunday because of inflammation in his right triceps, while the Guardians activated reliever Hunter Gaddis and outfielder George Valera off the injured list Monday. The Rockies were forced to scratch left-hander Kyle Freeland from his scheduled start against the Padres after the game commenced due to soreness in his pitching shoulder, forcing a last-minute adjustment. Meanwhile, Angels rookie George Klassen left Saturday’s start in the third inning with a bruised nail on his right index finger, forcing him from the mound.

PITCHING NOTES & TRANSACTIONAL MOVES

Pirates ace Paul Skenes indicated that the team's improved offense is making his outings easier this season, noting that he no longer operates "on a razor's edge" where a single mistake can immediately cost the game, a departure from last year's reality. A minor transaction saw the Yankees return the Rule 5 pick Cade Winquest, 25, to the Cardinals just three days after designating him for assignment earlier in the week. In league news of general interest, the broadcast side saw NBC announce that the Zac Brown Band will provide the opening music for its Sunday night MLB coverage, a feature set to debut soon. Finally, the baseball world mourned the passing of Phil Garner, the three-time All-Star infielder and former Astros manager, who guided Houston to its first World Series appearance; he passed away at the age of 76.