MLB Baseball 3 Days

Last updated: April 22, 2026, 2:30 PM ET

MLB Struggles & Roster Shuffles

The New York Mets continued their freefall, extending their losing streak to 12 games, raising serious questions about their viability as a playoff threat just weeks into the season. Elsewhere in the National League East, the Phillies are enduring a tough stretch, currently sitting at an 8-15 record, though President Dave Dombrowski confirmed manager Rob Thomson is not facing immediate termination despite a recent seven-game skid. Adding to the injury woes plaguing contenders, Braves closer Raisel Iglesias landed on the IL with right shoulder discomfort, forcing the team to immediately install Suarez as the new closer, while Boston starter Sonny Gray was also sidelined with a right hamstring strain in his first year with the club.

The injury bug also bit the American League West, as the Mariners currently trail the Astros for third place in the division standings, prompting catcher Cal Raleigh to publicly state his "faith in this group" despite the early struggles, which were compounded by placing third baseman Brendan Donovan on the 10-day IL with a groin strain. On the pitching side, the Rangers faced a scare when outfielder Wyatt Langford exited Tuesday's game favoring his right forearm and was scheduled for an MRI, while the Twins placed young right-hander Mick Abel on the 15-day IL due to elbow inflammation just after activating Royce Lewis. Seattle continued its roster adjustments by designating right-hander Casey Legumina for assignment and recalling Alex Hoppe acquired in a November deal.

Positive Returns & Injury Updates

Several teams are preparing for much-needed infusions of talent as key players prepare for Wednesday returns; Cubs left-hander Matthew Boyd is slated to start against the Phillies after missing three weeks with a biceps strain, and the Mets expect an offensive boost with outfielder Juan Soto coming off the IL. Baltimore also received good news as catcher Adley Rutschman was reinstated following an ankle issue, and the Twins brought back third baseman Royce Lewis after a nine-game absence due to a sprained left knee despite placing Abel on the IL. Furthermore, Phillies ace Zack Wheeler is scheduled to make his first start since August on Saturday against Atlanta, offering a major potential lift to their rotation.

In a moment of personal celebration, Guardians rookie Chase DeLauter managed to break out of a 7-for-47 slump Tuesday by delivering a crucial bases-clearing triple in an 8-5 victory, hoping the hit will right his season trajectory, while his teammate Austin Hedges marked his big night with an on-field engagement after the game concluded. Meanwhile, Dodgers closer Edwin Diaz is set for elbow surgery to remove loose bodies, an operation that will sideline him for several months, though Los Angeles managed to place first baseman Freddie Freeman on the paternity list before recalling prospect Ryan Ward.

Off-Field Developments & League Observations

The future of downtown Kansas City received a major announcement as the Royals partnered with Hallmark Cards to unveil plans for a new ballpark integrated within a broader mixed-use development project. The league's increasing velocity trend was examined, noting that the number of pitchers hitting 100 mph has exploded, now extending even to some high school arms. Meanwhile, Cubs manager Craig Counsell publicly voiced his opinion that the current MLB rule allowing the Dodgers to carry an expanded 14-man pitching staff specifically because of Shohei Ohtani is "bizarre." The Blue Jays experienced travel difficulties when a mechanical failure forced their charter plane to be abandoned, requiring the team to take a bus from Phoenix to Orange County.

Fantasy managers are advised to monitor waiver wires closely, as the Twins and Astros are noted as prime sources for available free agent pitching pickups, while Cleveland potentially has a new catcher prospect ready for promotion according to ongoing prospect watch evaluations. Even amid high-pressure situations, such as an upcoming start against the rival Red Sox, Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler stated he remains "excited" to pitch at Fenway Park despite his family reportedly receiving threats ahead of the matchup. Elsewhere, Atlanta's Ronald Acuna Jr. was hit twice by the Nationals, though subsequent X-rays thankfully came back negative, leaving him day-to-day.