MLB Baseball 3 Days

Last updated: April 23, 2026, 5:30 AM ET

NL Rotation Overhauls & Personnel Moves

The Padres acquired starting pitching by signing free agent right-hander Lucas Giolito to a one-year contract after he declined his $19 million mutual option with the Red Sox, providing immediate depth to their rotation. This move contrasts sharply with the injury woes facing other contenders, such as the Phillies, who are preparing for Zack Wheeler's return to the rotation on Saturday in Atlanta after an absence dating back to last August, hoping to halt their current slump. Meanwhile, the Twins also saw activation news, bringing third baseman Royce Lewis back onto the active roster following a nine-game absence due to a sprained left knee, even as they simultaneously dealt with pitching injuries, placing Mick Abel on the 15-day IL with elbow inflammation as reported.

NL East Struggles & Returns

The Mets' playoff aspirations dimmed following a disastrous 12-game losing streak, though they anticipate an offensive boost Wednesday with outfielder Juan Soto returning from the injured list. Philadelphia's National League East rival, the Phillies, are also navigating turbulence, currently reeling from an 8-15 start, though President Dave Dombrowski publicly affirmed that manager Rob Thomson is not facing immediate dismissal despite the team dropping eight of their last fifteen contests. Adding to the National League Central's immediate news, the Cubs expect left-hander Matthew Boyd, sidelined for three weeks with a biceps strain, to make his Wednesday start against the Phillies, hoping to provide stability.

AL West Woes & Transactional Adjustments

In the American League West, the Seattle Mariners are confronting early-season disappointment, sitting in fourth place in the division just 25 games into the 2026 campaign, though catcher Cal Raleigh expressed continued confidence in the club's makeup despite the slow start. The Mariners continued to adjust their roster Tuesday, designating right-hander Casey Legumina for assignment and recalling Alex Hoppe from Triple-A following a November trade with Boston to manage pitching needs. Concurrently, the team placed third baseman Brendan Donovan on the 10-day IL with a left groin strain retroactive to Saturday, and they subsequently added right-hander Wilson.

AL Injury Updates & Developmental Focus

The American League East saw mixed injury news across divisions, as the Red Sox placed starter Sonny Gray on the 15-day IL with a right hamstring strain in his first year with Boston after arriving via a November trade. In Texas, Rangers outfielder Wyatt Langford exited Tuesday's 5-1 victory over the Pirates due to right forearm stiffness and is scheduled for an MRI later this week to assess the tightness. Further south, the Orioles welcomed back their star catcher, reinstating Adley Rutschman from the IL before their game in Kansas City Tuesday after he dealt with a minor ankle issue reported earlier in the week.

Organizational Developments & Player Milestones

While teams contend with immediate roster adjustments, off-field developments signal long-term planning, with the Royals announcing a $3 billion ballpark plan in conjunction with Hallmark Cards, which incorporates surrounding mixed-use development in downtown Kansas City. Meanwhile, the Dodgers face a major blow as closer Edwin Diaz is scheduled for elbow surgery this Wednesday to remove loose bodies, a procedure that is expected to sideline him for several months of the season. On the field, Cleveland rookie Chase DeLauter managed to alleviate his early-season struggles, which had seen him hit just 7-for-47, by hitting a bases-clearing triple in an 8-5 victory Tuesday night.

Pitching Trends & League Commentary

The evolution of high-velocity pitching continues to reshape the game, with the number of pitchers regularly exceeding the 100 mph mark having 'exploded,' transforming what was once a novelty into a baseline measure of elite velocity. This trend exists amid broader league discussions, such as Cubs manager Craig Counsell labeling the current rule allowing the Dodgers to carry an extra pitcher due to Shohei Ohtani's unique status as "bizarre" during recent press availability. Fantasy managers are being advised to look toward the waiver wire pickups in Minnesota and Houston for immediate pitching help, as those clubs present some of the top available free agents.

Injury Replacements & Miscellaneous News

The Braves placed closer Raisel Iglesias on the 15-day injured list after he reported shoulder discomfort stemming from an awkward sleeping position Friday night, leading to the immediate assumption of the closing role by teammate Victor Suarez. Separately, Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler expressed that despite his family receiving threats ahead of his matchup against the Red Sox, he remains highly eager for his Fenway Park debut. In a non-game related update, the family of Freddie Freeman announced the birth of their fourth child, their first daughter.