MLB Baseball 3 Days

Last updated: April 22, 2026, 11:30 PM ET

NL Pitching Carousel & Roster Moves

The National League saw significant movement on the pitching front, highlighted by the Padres securing Giolito on a one-year contract after the right-hander declined his $19 million mutual option with the Red Sox. This move aims to bolster a rotation that has struggled early in the campaign. Elsewhere, the Philadelphia Phillies received a massive boost as ace Zack Wheeler prepared for his first start since August, scheduled for Saturday against Atlanta, though the team remains under scrutiny following an 8-15 start that has not yet cost manager Rob Thomson his job, according to President Dave Dombrowski who expressed concern but kept his skipper safe. The injury bug continues to bite, as Atlanta Braves closer Raisel Iglesias landed on the 15-day IL after experiencing right shoulder discomfort from sleeping awkwardly on Friday night, resulting in the club immediately installing Suarez in the closer role until Iglesias returns.

Roster adjustments continued across the league as teams sought immediate help or managed long-term setbacks; the Chicago Cubs expect the return of left-hander Matthew Boyd to the mound Wednesday against the Phillies after a three-week absence due to a biceps strain. Meanwhile, the New York Mets, mired in a deep slump, anticipate an offensive lift with outfielder Juan Soto scheduled to rejoin the lineup Wednesday after being activated from the IL to try and halt the slide; the Mets currently face significant doubt regarding their October aspirations after dropping 12 straight contests analyzing what has gone wrong. In Minnesota, the Twins activated third baseman Royce Lewis following a nine-game absence due to a sprained left knee, while the Orioles welcomed back catcher Adley Rutschman after he cleared ankle issues ahead of Tuesday's contest in Kansas City.

AL Standings & Player Health Updates

American League clubs managed several key injuries over the last 48 hours, including the Boston Red Sox placing starter Sonny Gray on the 15-day injured list Tuesday with a right hamstring strain; Gray is in his first season with Boston after being acquired via a November trade from St. Louis forcing the team to reshuffle. In Texas, Rangers rookie Wyatt Langford exited Tuesday's 5-1 victory over Pittsburgh due to right forearm stiffness and is slated for an MRI on Wednesday to assess the tightness. The Seattle Mariners attempted to address their early-season struggles—sitting fourth in the AL West ahead of only the Astros 25 games into the season—by designating right-hander Casey Legumina for assignment and recalling Alex Hoppe from Triple-A following a trade acquisition, though catcher Cal Raleigh maintained optimism, stating, "I have faith in this group" despite the slow start.

Injury Management & Prospect Focus

The Los Angeles Dodgers confirmed that closer Edwin Diaz will undergo surgery Wednesday to remove loose bodies in his right elbow, a procedure that is expected to sideline him for months requiring immediate intervention. This roster disruption prompts Cubs manager Craig Counsell to label the current MLB rule allowing the Dodgers to carry 14 pitchers due to Shohei Ohtani's unique status as "bizarre" drawing attention to roster construction loopholes. In Cleveland, rookie Chase DeLauter, who had been struggling through a 7-for-47 slump, managed to right his performance by delivering a crucial bases-clearing triple in Tuesday's 8-5 victory, a hit he hopes will successfully jumpstart his season ending the slump officially. Furthermore, the Mariners placed third baseman Brendan Donovan on the 10-day IL retroactively to Saturday due to a left groin muscle strain, prompting the corresponding addition of Wilson to the active roster to cover the infield gap, while the Twins also placed right-hander Mick Abel on the 15-day IL with right elbow inflammation complicating their pitching depth.

Off-Field Developments & League Trends

Away from the field action, the Kansas City Royals announced a major civic development, partnering with Hallmark Cards on a proposed $3 billion downtown ballpark project that includes significant mixed-use development surrounding the stadium marking a major commitment. On the analytical front, observers noted the continued evolution of elite velocity, where the number of pitchers reaching 100 mph has exploded, moving what was once a novelty to a statistical norm becoming a badge of honor for pitchers. Meanwhile, fantasy managers are keeping tabs on waiver wire prospects, with the Twins and Astros suggested as prime sources for immediate pitching pickups for immediate roster needs, while the Guardians' farm system is reportedly nearing a point where they might be ready to promote a new catcher according to prospect analysis.