MLB Baseball 3 Days

Last updated: May 21, 2026, 2:48 PM ET

Injury Updates

Tigers ace Tarik Skubal remains on track for a return after throwing his third bullpen session post-elbow surgery, with manager A.J. Hinch calling it a "great step," though no timeline is set. The timeline for his return grew more complex as Dodgers left-hander Blake Snell is scheduled for the same Nano Scope procedure Skubal underwent, while Tyler Glasnow suffered a setback in his throwing program. The Blue Jays' rotation took a major hit when José Berríos underwent successful Tommy John surgery, sidelining him well into the 2027 season. The Cubs lost starter Edward Cabrera in the fourth inning Wednesday with a finger blister, compounding their pitching woes. Rangers shortstop Corey Seager was placed on the IL with back inflammation, and Mac Kenzie Gore exited his start after one inning with back tightness. Braves catcher Drake Baldwin, the reigning NL Rookie of the Year, landed on the 10-day IL with a strained oblique.

Prospect Movement & Roster Shakes

The Mariners promoted top infield prospect Colt Emerson, prompting incumbent shortstop J.P. Crawford to volunteer for a position change to third base. Emerson’s arrival is already making waves in fantasy circles as a potential league-winner. The Nationals recalled outfielder Dylan Crews from the minors, less than two months after a surprise demotion. The Pirates bolstered their outfield by calling up Jhostynxon Garcia from Triple-A. The Cubs received a bullpen boost with the activation of Caleb Thielbar from the 15-day IL. The Orioles reinstated infielder Jackson Holliday from the IL but did not activate him for game action.

Standout Performances

Shohei Ohtani delivered a "superstar" night, hitting a leadoff home run and pitching five scoreless innings in the Dodgers' win over the Padres. Chase Burns struck out nine over six innings for the Reds, lowering his ERA to 1.83 and surviving a 108.8 mph liner off Bryce Harper's bat. James Wood hit the majors' first inside-the-park grand slam since 2022, powering the Nationals past the Mets. Freddie Freeman praised Andy Pages' game-winning at-bat against Padres closer Mason Miller as "one of the greatest I've ever seen in person". Trey Yesavage outdueled Cam Schlittler in a marquee young aces matchup, leading the Blue Jays to a 2-1 win over the Yankees.

Team Trends & Strategic Moves

The Mets erupted for a historic 10-run 12th inning to defeat the Nationals 16-7, becoming the first NL team to score 10 runs in extra innings since 1901. The A's J.T. Ginn took a no-hitter into the ninth inning before yielding a leadoff single, only for Adam Frazier to hit a two-run walk-off homer for the Angels. The Marlins are gaining attention for their unconventional tactics, from in-dugout pitch-calling to rethinking batting practice, positioning themselves as potential pioneers. The Yankees are considering skipping Gerrit Cole's final rehab start to activate him early for a home game against the Blue Jays. The struggling Twins sent former No. 1 pick Royce Lewis to the minors after a brutal stretch of 25 strikeouts in 68 plate appearances.

Power Rankings & Season Surprises

Week 8 of MLB Power Rankings saw a top-3 debut and an AL team soaring to its highest ranking in years, reflecting the shifting playoff landscape. An early postseason verdict on baseball's most surprising teams suggests several clubs are exceeding expectations two months into the 2026 season. The Phillies' Kyle Schwarber is on a historic homer pace, sparking debate about his potential to reach 60 home runs. The updated top 50 prospect rankings feature a new No. 1, signaling a changing of the guard in baseball's next wave. The college baseball tournament week is influencing draft boards, with several prospects soaring in the updated top 150 rankings.

Off-Field & Other Notes

Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong called his two-error performance "genuinely laughable" and later apologized for a heated exchange with a fan over the weekend. Jazz Chisholm Jr. snapped out of a slump by wearing the pants of teammate Giancarlo Stanton, who is 7 inches taller and 61 pounds heavier. Nationals outfielder James Wood’s inside-the-park slam was the first since 2022, a rare feat in the modern game. A white nationalist banner was unfurled at a Nationals game, leading to a spectator ban. Plate umpire Alfonso Márquez exited a game after being struck by a foul ball. Veteran infielder Gio Urshela, 34, retired after 10 seasons with eight teams.