MLB Baseball 3 Days

Last updated: April 24, 2026, 5:30 AM ET

MLB Transactions & Roster Moves

The Padres secured rotation depth by signing free agent right-hander Lucas Giolito to a one-year contract, following his decision to decline a $19 million player option with the Boston Red Sox. Roster turnover continued across the league as the Seattle Mariners designated right-hander Casey Legumina for assignment, recalling Alex Hoppe from Triple-A after acquiring him in a November trade with Boston. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Twins activated third baseman Royce Lewis from the injured list after he missed nine games due to a sprained left knee, aiming to solidify their infield early in the season.

Injuries continue to plague several contenders, forcing immediate rotation adjustments. The Atlanta Braves placed closer Raisel Iglesias on the 15-day injured list after he reported right shoulder discomfort stemming from sleeping awkwardly on Friday night, leading to Suarez assuming the save role. In Boston, starter Sonny Gray joined the IL on Tuesday, sidelined by a right hamstring strain in his first year with the team after being acquired from St. Louis, while the Phillies prepared for the return of ace Zack Wheeler, who is set for his first start since August against Atlanta on Saturday. The Chicago Cubs also received good news, as left-hander Matthew Boyd, sidelined for three weeks with a biceps strain, is slated to return Wednesday against Philadelphia.

Team Struggles & Injury Updates

The New York Mets face mounting pressure following a span of twelve straight losses, prompting serious questions about their viability for October baseball. Despite the team's offensive struggles, the Mets expect a boost Wednesday with the anticipated return of outfielder Juan Soto, who is being activated off the injured list. In stark contrast, Philadelphia management expressed concern over the Phillies’ 8-15 start, though President Dave Dombrowski confirmed manager Rob Thomson is not currently on the hot seat despite an ongoing seven-game skid. In the American League West, the Seattle Mariners find themselves fourth, ahead only of the Astros twenty-five games into the 2026 campaign, but catcher Cal Raleigh maintained optimism, stating, "I have faith in this group" despite the slow start.

Several players dealt with recent ailments, though some are returning to action. Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman was reinstated from the injured list prior to Tuesday's game in Kansas City following an ankle issue. Texas Rangers' rookie Wyatt Langford exited Tuesday's 5-1 victory over the Pirates early due to right forearm stiffness and is scheduled for an MRI on Wednesday to assess the extent of the tightness. On a positive note for Cleveland, rookie Chase DeLauter hopes a recent clutch hit will end his early-season struggles; DeLauter entered Tuesday batting a meager 7-for-47 slump before delivering a bases-clearing triple in an 8-5 victory.

Off-Field Developments & League Trends

Beyond on-field action, the Kansas City Royals and Hallmark Cards unveiled ambitious plans for a new $3 billion downtown ballpark, which is envisioned to anchor significant mixed-use development in the city center. Meanwhile, analysis of early-season metrics reveals some statistical anomalies that are difficult to trust this early, even as certain trends, such as the proliferation of 100 mph fastballs, become increasingly normalized across pitching staffs league-wide as a standard benchmark. In other news, the world of celebrity athletes saw a personal announcement as Freddie and Chelsea Freeman welcomed their fourth child, their first daughter.