MLB Baseball 3 Days

Last updated: April 23, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

MLB Transaction & Roster Moves

The Padres secured pitching depth by signing free agent right-hander Lucas Giolito to a one-year contract, following his decision to decline a $19 million mutual option with the Red Sox. Roster shuffling continues across the league as the Mariners designated veteran reliever Casey Legumina for assignment Tuesday, recalling Alex Hoppe from Triple-A in the corresponding move. Meanwhile, the injury woes persist, with the Rangers' top prospect Wyatt Langford scheduled for an MRI on his right forearm after exiting Tuesday’s 5-1 victory over Pittsburgh with tightness, creating immediate concern for their offense.

Several clubs received boosts from returning players as the Twins activated third baseman Royce Lewis from the injured list after a nine-game absence due to a sprained left knee, hoping to stabilize their infield. The Orioles also welcomed back their star catcher, reinstating Adley Rutschman prior to Tuesday's game in Kansas City following an ankle issue. However, the Braves were forced to place closer Raisel Iglesias on the 15-day IL after he reported right shoulder discomfort stemming from an awkward sleep on Friday night, leading to Suarez temporarily assuming the role.

Pitching injuries continue to plague rotations, exemplified by the Red Sox placing starter Sonny Gray on the 15-day IL Tuesday due to a right hamstring strain in his first season with Boston after the November trade from St. Louis forcing immediate roster adjustments. The Twins also added to their own IL tally, sidelining right-hander Mick Abel with right elbow inflammation sending him to the 15-day list. Contrastingly, the Cubs prepared for a key return, with All-Star Matthew Boyd tabbed to start Wednesday against the Phillies following a three-week layoff caused by a biceps strain.

Struggling Teams & Managerial Concerns

The New York Mets face severe playoff jeopardy after extending their losing streak to 12 games, prompting serious questions about the viability of their October hopes just weeks into the season. Despite the team's overall poor performance, Phillies President Dave Dombrowski stated that manager Rob Thomson is not currently facing dismissal even as the club languishes with an 8-15 record and endured a seven-game skid. Looking to spark offense, the Mets anticipate receiving a significant lift as outfielder Juan Soto is slated to rejoin the lineup Wednesday returning from the injured list.

The Seattle Mariners find themselves mired in fourth place in the AL West, trailing all but the Astros twenty-five games into the 2026 campaign, though catcher Cal Raleigh expressed strong conviction, stating, "I have faith in this group." Further roster adjustments were needed in Seattle, as the team placed third baseman Brendan Donovan on the 10-day IL, retroactive to Saturday, due to a left groin muscle strain leading to the addition of Wilson. Meanwhile, Guardians rookie Chase DeLauter, who had been struggling significantly at the plate with a 7-for-47 slump, managed to right his season trajectory after hitting a crucial bases-clearing triple in Tuesday's 8-5 victory.

League Developments & Off-Field News

In a major market development, the Kansas City Royals and Hallmark Cards announced a joint proposal for a new $3 billion ballpark situated downtown, which would be integrated with surrounding mixed-use real estate projects. On the medical front, Dodgers closer Edwin Diaz is scheduled for elbow surgery Wednesday to remove loose bodies, an operation that is expected to sideline the high-leverage reliever for several months necessitating the long recovery timeline. Cubs manager Craig Counsell voiced his disapproval of the current roster construction rules, calling the MLB allowance for the Dodgers to carry 14 pitchers due to Shohei Ohtani "bizarre."

The culture of high velocity continues to define modern pitching, where throwing 100 mph has become normalized rather than an anomaly, reflecting an explosion in the number of pitchers routinely achieving that benchmark. Elsewhere, Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler admitted that he and his family have received threats ahead of his scheduled appearance against the Red Sox, yet he remains enthusiastic about making his Fenway Park debut. In unusual travel news, the Toronto Blue Jays were compelled to bus from Phoenix to Orange County Sunday night after encountering a mechanical failure with their team charter plane.