MLB Baseball 3 Days

Last updated: April 21, 2026, 8:30 AM ET

Pitching Velocity & Roster Moves

The arms race in Major League Baseball continues to accelerate, with the number of pitchers regularly hitting 100 mph exploding as that velocity transitions from a novelty to the standard expectation for elite relievers and starters. This emphasis on high velocity coincides with a growing list of high-profile pitching injuries across the league. The Los Angeles Dodgers announced closer Edwin Diaz will undergo right elbow surgery Wednesday to remove loose bodies, sidelining him for months, while the Minnesota Twins placed right-hander Mick Abel on the 15-day injured list due to right elbow inflammation. Furthermore, the Philadelphia Phillies lost closer Jhoan Duran to a strained left oblique, sending him to the 15-day IL, and the San Francisco Giants confirmed veteran reliever Jose Butto requires arm surgery from Dr. Jason Lee that will sideline him for five to six months.

Several teams navigated immediate roster adjustments following pitching setbacks or other physical issues. The Boston Red Sox saw starter Sonny Gray exit Monday’s Patriots' Day matchup in the third inning with right hamstring tightness, while the Arizona Diamondbacks managed an early exit from Corbin Carroll due to low back tightness, though the team expressed confidence the issue was minor. In transactional news, the Seattle Mariners moved third baseman Brendan Donovan to the 10-day IL with a left groin strain retroactive to Saturday, and the Houston Astros placed Joey Loperfido on the 10-day IL due to a right quad strain. Conversely, the Diamondbacks activated outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr., less than eight months after he suffered a torn right ACL.

Team Logistics & Star Player Updates

Team logistics faced unexpected interruptions when the Toronto Blue Jays were forced to take a bus from Phoenix to Orange County late Sunday night after a mechanical failure grounded their charter flight. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Dodgers adjusted their lineup by placing first baseman Freddie Freeman on the paternity list Sunday, recalling longtime prospect Ryan Ward in his stead. The ongoing roster flexibility discussions surrounding superstars were brought into focus when Cubs Manager Craig Counsell labeled the Ohtani rule "bizarre", referencing the MLB provision that allows the Dodgers to carry 14 pitchers because of Shohei Ohtani’s two-way status.

Off-Field Drama & Player Milestones

Off-field attention focused on a few key interactions and personal moments. Royals catcher Salvador Perez and manager Matt Quatraro publicly affirmed they were aligned following social media drama generated by Perez the previous day, after Quatraro had been ejected in the first inning Saturday for arguing calls. On a positive note, Cleveland Guardians catcher Austin Hedges celebrated a major personal milestone, becoming engaged on the field following the team's victory. Separately, Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler expressed excitement about making his Fenway Park debut against the Red Sox, despite disclosing that he and his family have received threats ahead of the rivalry matchup.

Fantasy Outlook & Trade Speculation

As the season progresses, fantasy baseball managers are seeking immediate pitching help, with the Twins and Astros identified as key sources for available arms on the waiver wire this week. Looking toward the trade deadline, league-wide speculation centers on which players might be moved, with analysts providing a breakdown of the individual most likely to be traded across all 30 organizations, alongside potential "if-all-goes-wrong" candidates. In positive personnel news for managers, Miami Marlins All-Star outfielder Kyle Stowers prepared for his season debut on Sunday after recovering from a hamstring strain that had sidelined him previously.