MLB Baseball 3 Days

Last updated: April 23, 2026, 2:30 AM ET

MLB Transactions & Roster Moves

The free agent market saw activity as the Padres secured rotation help by signing right-hander Lucas Giolito to a one-year contract, following his decision to decline a $19 million mutual option with the Red Sox. Roster shuffles continued across the league as the Mariners designated veteran reliever Casey Legumina for assignment, recalling Alex Hoppe from Triple-A in a corresponding move. Elsewhere, the Twins activated third baseman Royce Lewis from the injured list after he missed nine games nursing a sprained left knee, signaling a boost to their infield depth immediately following the placement of starter Mick Abel on the 15-day IL due to elbow inflammation.

Injuries continued to plague contenders, most notably in the National League East, where the Braves placed closer Raisel Iglesias on the 15-day IL after he experienced right shoulder discomfort stemming from an awkward sleep position last Friday; Jose Suarez is expected to assume the primary closing duties. The Phillies, reeling from an 8-15 start, received positive news as ace Zack Wheeler is slated for his first start since last August on Saturday in Atlanta, even as General Manager Dave Dombrowski confirmed manager Rob Thomson is not on the hot seat despite the team’s current seven-game skid. Meanwhile, the Mets anticipate an offensive lift as outfielder Juan Soto is scheduled to return Wednesday from the injured list, attempting to halt a slide that has seen the team lose twelve consecutive contests, raising serious questions about their October viability.

Injury Updates and Player Returns

Several teams prepared for key personnel returns while managing new setbacks. The Cubs are expecting left-hander Matthew Boyd, a former All-Star, to rejoin the starting rotation Wednesday against Philadelphia after a three-week absence due to a biceps strain. In Baltimore, catcher Adley Rutschman was reinstated from the injured list before Tuesday’s game in Kansas City following an ankle issue that sidelined him briefly. However, the Rangers face uncertainty after outfielder Wyatt Langford exited Tuesday's 5-1 victory over the Pirates with stiffness in his right forearm and was immediately scheduled for an MRI.

Franchise Stability and Infrastructure

Beyond the on-field action, ownership groups made significant infrastructure announcements, with the Kansas City Royals unveiling a $3 billion ballpark plan in partnership with Hallmark Cards, which involves surrounding the new stadium with extensive mixed-use development downtown. This commitment to long-term stability contrasts with the immediate struggles of teams like the Mariners, who, despite holding a respectable 25 games into the 2026 season, find themselves fourth in the AL West, ahead only of the Astros; however, catcher Cal Raleigh maintained optimism, stating, "I have faith in this group". The Mariners followed up by moving Brendan Donovan to the 10-day IL with a left groin strain, recalling right-hander Alex Hoppe in a related roster adjustment.

Player Performance and League Trends

While some players fight through slumps, others are beginning to find their footing, offering fantasy managers crucial waiver wire targets. Cleveland rookie Chase DeLauter, who had struggled mightily, going just 7-for-47 recently, managed to break out of his slump Tuesday with a bases-clearing triple in an 8-5 victory, hopefully resetting his season trajectory. On a broader league note, the increasing prevalence of pitchers consistently throwing 100 mph is changing the dynamic of velocity, moving from an anomaly to a near-standard expectation across the sport. Furthermore, Cubs manager Craig Counsell publicly criticized a current Major League Baseball rule that grants the Dodgers an extra roster spot—effectively carrying 14 pitchers—specifically because of the unique roster construction required by Shohei Ohtani, labeling the situation "bizarre".