MLB Baseball 3 Days

Last updated: April 22, 2026, 5:30 PM ET

Rotation Shuffles & Roster Moves

The San Diego Padres bolstered their starting pitching by securing free agent right-hander Lucas Giolito on a one-year contract, following his decision to decline a $19 million player option with the Boston Red Sox. This move comes as other clubs manage significant pitching attrition; the Atlanta Braves placed closer Raisel Iglesias on the 15-day injured list due to right shoulder discomfort, prompting the immediate assumption of save opportunities by Suarez. While the Phillies await the return of ace Zack Wheeler, who is slated for his first start since last August against Atlanta on Saturday, their front office maintains confidence in struggling manager Rob Thomson, despite an alarming 8-15 start to the season, according to President Dave Dombrowski who expressed concern but kept Thomson employed.

Several teams are actively recycling players through the injured list this week, including the Mariners, who designated right-hander Casey Legumina for assignment and recalled Alex Hoppe from Triple-A after placing third baseman Brendan Donovan on the 10-day IL with a left groin strain suffered retroactively to Saturday. In contrast, the Minnesota Twins managed corresponding activations, bringing back third baseman Royce Lewis after a nine-game absence due to a sprained left knee, though they simultaneously placed right-hander Mick Abel on the 15-day IL with elbow inflammation. Furthermore, Boston lost starter Sonny Gray, who landed on the 15-day injured list Tuesday with a right hamstring strain in his first season since being acquired from St. Louis.

Slumps, Returns, and Injury Updates

The New York Mets, reeling from a devastating 12-game skid that has severely damaged their October aspirations, are anticipating an offensive injection with outfielder Juan Soto scheduled to return to the lineup Wednesday after being activated from the IL. On the mound, the Chicago Cubs are preparing for the return of left-hander Matthew Boyd, whose three-week absence due to a biceps strain concludes with his Wednesday start against Philadelphia. While Cleveland rookie Chase DeLauter successfully snapped a prolonged 7-for-47 slump by hitting a crucial bases-clearing triple in an 8-5 victory, the Texas Rangers face uncertainty after outfielder Wyatt Langford exited Tuesday’s win against Pittsburgh with right forearm stiffness, necessitating an MRI.

The Orioles welcomed back catcher Adley Rutschman, who was reinstated from the injured list prior to Tuesday's game in Kansas City following an ankle issue. Meanwhile, the Mariners are struggling early in the 2026 campaign, sitting fourth in the AL West, but catcher Cal Raleigh expressed steadfast belief in the clubhouse, stating, "I have faith in this group." On the prospect front, fantasy managers are advised to monitor several additions, including potential new catching options in Cleveland, and available free agents from the Twins and Astros rosters who could provide immediate pitching help.

Off-Field Developments & League Observations

Outside of immediate roster concerns, the Kansas City Royals announced an ambitious joint venture with Hallmark Cards to construct a new downtown ballpark, an undertaking valued at an estimated $3 billion that would integrate surrounding mixed-use commercial real estate. In league governance matters, Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell publicly labeled the current Major League Baseball rule allowing the Dodgers to carry an expanded 14-pitcher roster due to Shohei Ohtani’s unique contract status as "bizarre". Adding to the league’s physical toll, Dodgers closer Edwin Diaz is scheduled for right elbow surgery this week to remove loose bodies, a procedure expected to sideline him for several months.

The league continues to see an acceleration in high velocity, where throwing 100 mph has transformed from a novelty to a standard benchmark for many pitchers. Separately, Blue Jays personnel experienced travel disruption when a mechanical failure with their charter plane forced the team to endure a bus ride from Phoenix to Orange County late Sunday night. Personal news filtered through as Freddie and Chelsea Freeman shared the happy announcement of the birth of their fourth child and first daughter, while Guardians infielder Austin Hedges celebrated an engagement on the field following a victory.