MLB Baseball 3 Days

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

MLB Rotation Moves & Injury Updates

The Padres addressed a need in their starting rotation 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. This acquisition comes as other teams manage significant pitching setbacks; the Phillies are preparing for the return of ace Zack Wheeler, who is slated for his first start since August on Saturday against Atlanta, hoping to reverse their early-season woes. Meanwhile, the Cubs expect left-hander Matthew Boyd, sidelined for three weeks with a biceps strain, to rejoin the rotation on Wednesday against Philadelphia after a lengthy absence. On the injury front for Texas, Rangers outfielder Wyatt Langford exited Tuesday’s 5-1 victory over Pittsburgh due to right forearm stiffness and will undergo an MRI to assess the severity of the issue.

Team Struggles & Management Confidence

Several contenders are grappling with pronounced slumps early in the season, though management appears to be holding steady. Despite the Philadelphia Phillies stumbling out to an 8-15 record and enduring a seven-game losing streak, President Dave Dombrowski confirmed that manager Rob Thomson is not currently on the hot seat. In stark contrast, the New York Mets face a more dire situation after dropping their twelfth consecutive contest, leading to widespread speculation regarding whether their playoff aspirations are already extinguished so early in the schedule. Even in the American League West, the Seattle Mariners find themselves fourth in the standings 25 games into the 2026 campaign, though catcher Cal Raleigh expressed continued belief in the clubhouse, stating, "I have faith in this group" despite the underwhelming start ahead of only Houston.

Roster Adjustments & Player Performance

Teams continued to shuffle personnel as they sought consistency, with the Mariners designating right-hander Casey Legumina for assignment on Tuesday and subsequently recalling Alex Hoppe from the minor leagues, a player acquired in a November trade with Boston. On the offensive side, Cleveland rookie Chase DeLauter managed to break out of a significant slump where he had managed only seven hits in his first 47 at-bats; his bases-clearing triple in Tuesday’s 8-5 victory over the Tigers is viewed as a potential turning point for his season. Furthermore, the Minnesota Twins bolstered their infield by activating third baseman Royce Lewis from the injured list following a nine-game absence due to a sprained left knee allowing him to rejoin the active roster.

Off-Field Developments & League Business

Away from the diamond action, the Kansas City Royals announced a major downtown revitalization effort, partnering with Hallmark Cards on a proposed new $3 billion ballpark project that incorporates surrounding mixed-use development. While general league statistics are being dissected to gauge early trends—with some numbers proving more reliable than others after the season's opening weeks—personal news also surfaced as Freddie and Chelsea Freeman welcomed their fourth child, their first daughter.