MLB Baseball 3 Days

Last updated: May 13, 2026, 8:30 PM ET

Injury Woes & Roster Moves Plague Contenders

The injury crisis deepened for several clubs, most acutely for the Mets, who lost catcher Alvarez to a significant right knee issue; manager Carlos Mendoza estimates Alvarez needs six to eight weeks following meniscus surgery, compounding the franchise's struggles with recent free-agent acquisitions landing on the injured list. The Braves also sustained a major blow as Sean Murphy fractured his left middle finger, potentially sidelining the catcher for eight weeks, while the Athletics placed shortstop Jacob Wilson on the 10-day IL with a dislocated left shoulder. Further south, the Blue Jays sidelined Addison Barger due to right elbow inflammation, forcing them to designate veteran lefty Eric Lauer for assignment as roster churn continues across the league.

The mid-season roster adjustments extended beyond injuries, with the Cubs signing veteran reliever Liam Hendriks to a minor league contract, offering the former All-Star a route back to the majors after a lengthy absence. In surprising mid-May action, the Guardians finalized a trade acquiring an elite defensive catcher from the Giants, prompting analysis on which side secured the better value in the swap. Meanwhile, the Dodgers bolstered their outfield corps by bringing in Alek Thomas from the Diamondbacks in exchange for a minor league outfield prospect.

Pitching Showcases & Bullpen Uncertainty

Pirates rookie sensation Paul Skenes saw his no-hit bid vanish in the seventh inning Tuesday night when Mickey Moniak delivered a clean single against the Rockies, though Skenes ultimately secured the victory. A similar fate befell the Padres' Ryan Weathers, who lost his no-hitter in the seventh before the Yankees ultimately won, falling 3-2 to the Orioles in New York’s fourth consecutive loss. The volatility of the closer position remains a league-wide concern, prompting fantasy analysis on which relief arms are currently ascending and which established arms can still be trusted.

Several established pitchers offered encouraging signs despite ongoing health concerns; Rangers starter Nathan Eovaldi threw a successful bullpen session Wednesday, expressing optimism after being scratched from his previous start due to left side tightness. Conversely, the Yankees faced a scare when ace Max Fried departed his Wednesday start after only three innings due to elbow soreness, necessitating further testing. Adding to the Marlins' woes, pitching prospect Robby Snelling suffered a UCL sprain in his left elbow immediately following his major league debut, landing him on the 15-day IL.

Offensive Slumps & Star Power Returns

While the Braves continue to dominate the NL East, powered by the left-handed hitting of Matt Olson and reigning Rookie of the Year Drake Baldwin, other offensive stars are battling through prolonged slumps. Shohei Ohtani snapped an 11-game homerless drought for the Dodgers, hitting a long ball in a loss, though the team is still hoping extra rest will help the superstar "reset" his overall performance. Meanwhile, the Yankees are grappling with urgency as team captain Aaron Judge maintains his typically high expectations at the plate, even as the team navigates a challenging stretch.

The return of key position players offered mixed immediate results for their respective clubs; Mookie Betts rejoined the Dodgers after a five-week absence, immediately bolstering the lineup, while the Brewers activated Christian Yelich, who returned to action after missing a full month with an adductor strain. Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh ended a tough drought by recording his first hit since April 27, breaking the longest active hitless streak in the majors. The Mets, reeling from injuries, called up their No. 2 prospect, A.J. Ewing, hoping the outfielder can inject life into their struggling offense.

Front Office Strategy & CBA Negotiations

As the season moves forward, front office strategy is under scrutiny, particularly in Queens where Mets leadership acknowledged a need to re-evaluate player evaluation given the high number of recent signings currently sidelined. On the transactional front, the league saw its first formal discussions regarding the next collective bargaining agreement, as top officials from MLB and the MLBPA met Tuesday to commence talks roughly six months before the current CBA expires. Industry speculation surrounds potential flashpoints in these negotiations, including the possibility of a salary cap structure or the threat of a lockout, issues that will shape the sport's future labor relations. The current state of the American League standings is described as "weird" by analysts, suggesting underlying structural oddities or parity heading into the summer months.