MLB Baseball 3 Days

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

MLB Transactions & Roster Shuffles

Major League Baseball rosters saw significant movement as teams addressed pitching depth and positional needs. The Padres secured rotation help by signing free agent right-hander Lucas Giolito to a one-year contract, following his decision to decline the $19 million mutual option with the Red Sox. In a contrasting move on the West Coast, the Mariners designated right-hander Casey Legumina for assignment while recalling Alex Hoppe from Triple-A after acquiring him from Boston in November. Further injury news emerged as the Braves placed closer Raisel Iglesias on the 15-day injured list after he felt discomfort in his right shoulder from sleeping awkwardly on it Friday night, prompting Suarez to assume closing duties.

Injury woes continued to plague several contenders, prompting IL placements across the league. The Red Sox placed starter Sonny Gray on the 15-day injured list due to a right hamstring strain in his first season with Boston after arriving from St. Louis via a November trade. In Los Angeles, Dodgers closer Edwin Diaz is scheduled for surgery on Wednesday to remove loose bodies in his right elbow, meaning he is expected to miss several months. Conversely, several teams received reinforcements; the Orioles reinstated catcher Adley Rutschman following his ankle issue, and the Twins activated third baseman Royce Lewis after he sat out nine games with a sprained left knee, allowing Lewis to return to the lineup.

Struggling Teams & Managerial Status

Several high-profile franchises are battling significant early-season turbulence, though front offices are publicly backing their leadership. Philadelphia's President Dave Dombrowski expressed concern over the Phillies' dismal 8-15 start, though he confirmed that manager Rob Thomson is not currently on the hot seat despite the club enduring a seven-game losing streak. Meanwhile, the Mets' October aspirations appear increasingly dim following a brutal stretch, leading to questions over what has gone wrong over their recent 12-game skid. The Seattle Mariners, sitting fourth in the AL West 25 games into the 2026 campaign, remain behind three teams, but Catcher Cal Raleigh voiced confidence, stating, "I have faith in this group," as they try to climb out of their early hole.

Player Returns & Slump Breakers

Rosters moves were also aimed at sparking offense, with key players returning from the sidelines. The Mets expect an offensive boost Wednesday when outfielder Juan Soto is set to return to the lineup after coming off the injured list. The Cubs are also set to welcome back a key arm when left-hander Matthew Boyd, sidelined for three weeks with a biceps strain, makes his start Wednesday against the Phillies. On the field, Cleveland rookie Chase DeLauter managed to break through a difficult patch, delivering a bases-clearing triple in Tuesday's 8-5 victory that he hopes will reverse his current 7-for-47 slump, marking a potentially critical swing for his confidence.

Injury Updates & Medical Procedures

Further injury reports indicate potential lost time for key contributors. Texas Rangers outfielder Wyatt Langford exited Tuesday's 5-1 win over the Pirates early due to right forearm stiffness and is scheduled for an MRI on Wednesday. In Atlanta, the Braves reported that superstar Ronald Acuna Jr. was day-to-day after being hit twice by pitches from the Nationals, though subsequent X-rays came back negative, providing positive news. Seattle also adjusted its infield depth, placing third baseman Brendan Donovan on the 10-day IL retroactive to Saturday due to a left groin muscle strain, leading to the corresponding move of adding utility man Wilson.

League Dynamics & Off-Field Developments

Off-the-field developments included a major civic announcement in the Midwest, where the Royals & Hallmark Cards unveiled plans for a sophisticated new $3 billion ballpark project intended to anchor mixed-use development in downtown Kansas City. Separately, discussions around roster construction rules continue, with Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell labeling the current Major League Baseball rule that permits the Dodgers to maintain a 14-pitcher roster due to the presence of Shohei Ohtani as "bizarre," commenting on the unique roster allowance. Meanwhile, commentary surrounding pitching velocity noted that throwing 100 mph has transitioned from a rare occurrence to a common benchmark, reflecting an explosion in high-velocity arms. The Blue Jays experienced logistical issues when a mechanical fault with their charter plane forced the team to travel by bus from Phoenix to Orange County Sunday evening.