MLB Baseball 3 Days

Last updated: April 22, 2026, 8:30 AM ET

NL East Turmoil & Pitching Returns

The New York Mets' woes deepened into an agonizing 12-game skid Tuesday night, following a 5-3 home loss to the Twins where they blew an early 3-0 advantage, culminating in a demoralizing ninth-inning collapse by closer Williams. The team, which received a cold reception in Queens during their historic slide, are now entrenched in last place in the NL East; however, the offense expects an immediate boost Wednesday with outfielder Juan Soto returning from the injured list. Meanwhile, the Cubs are preparing for the return of starter Matthew Boyd on Wednesday against the Phillies, as the left-hander is slated to begin pitching after missing three weeks due to a biceps strain. In Philadelphia, the struggling Phillies rotation will see a major reinforcement Saturday when ace Zack Wheeler takes the mound in Atlanta following an absence that dates back to last August.

Injury Updates & Roster Moves Across the League

The American League saw several significant injury setbacks and corresponding roster adjustments over the last 48 hours. The Boston Red Sox placed starter Sonny Gray on the 15-day IL Tuesday due to a right hamstring strain, marking a setback for the right-hander in his first season after being acquired from St. Louis in November via trade. In Atlanta, the Braves shuffled their bullpen after closer Raisel Iglesias landed on the 15-day IL because of right shoulder discomfort sustained Friday night; Suarez will assume the role in his absence. The Minnesota Twins activated third baseman Royce Lewis off the injured list after he missed nine games recovering from a sprained left knee, while concurrently placing right-hander Mick Abel on the 15-day IL with elbow inflammation following Lewis's return.

AL West Struggles & Defensive Shuffles

The Seattle Mariners are grappling with a slow start 25 games into the 2026 campaign, sitting fourth in the AL West ahead of only the Astros, though catcher Cal Raleigh expressed faith in the clubhouse despite the early struggles. The Mariners made a corresponding move Tuesday, designating right-hander Casey Legumina for assignment and recalling Alex Hoppe from Triple-A, who had been acquired from the Red Sox in November during the offseason. The Texas Rangers are awaiting imaging results for outfielder Wyatt Langford, who exited Tuesday's 5-1 victory over Pittsburgh due to right forearm stiffness and is scheduled for an MRI on Wednesday. Elsewhere in the AL West, the Houston Astros placed outfielder Joey Loperfido on the 10-day IL Sunday due to a right quad strain suffered over the weekend.

Offensive Bright Spots & Personal Milestones

Cleveland Guardians rookie Chase DeLauter, who had been battling a 7-for-47 slump, managed to break out of his slump Tuesday by driving in three runs with a crucial bases-clearing triple in an 8-5 victory, a moment he hopes will right his season trajectory. Adding to the positive atmosphere in Cleveland, Austin Hedges celebrated his engagement on the field following the final out of the game, after he had contributed the first run of the contest earlier in the matchup. On the personal front, Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman welcomed his fourth child, and first daughter, London Rosemary Joy, with his wife on Tuesday, resulting in Freeman being placed on the paternity list Sunday, prompting the recall of Ryan Ward from the minors.

Controversy, Travel Issues, and Recovery

Cubs Manager Craig Counsell weighed in on roster construction rules, describing the current Major League Baseball regulation that permits the Dodgers to carry 14 pitchers due to the presence of Shohei Ohtani as "bizarre" in recent comments. On the injury front, Dodgers closer Edwin Diaz is facing a lengthy absence, scheduled for surgery Wednesday to remove loose bodies in his right elbow, with the expectation being he will miss several months following the procedure. Meanwhile, the Toronto Blue Jays experienced unusual travel difficulties Sunday when a mechanical failure with their charter plane forced the entire team to take a bus from Phoenix to Orange County to reach their next destination.

Quick Notes: Recoveries and Fantasy Advice

Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman was reinstated from the injured list before Tuesday's game in Kansas City following an issue with his ankle. The Kansas City Royals also saw internal drama quiet down after catcher Salvador Perez and manager Matt Quatraro clarified their positions following a social media post by Perez on Saturday that suggested the need for a "mental breather" between the two. For fantasy managers waiver wire attention is being directed toward available pitching talent, specifically arms on the Twins and Astros rosters who could be claimed. On the injury front for Arizona, outfielder Corbin Carroll exited Sunday's game with low back tightness, though management remains unconcerned about seriousness according to reports.