MLB Baseball 3 Days

Last updated: May 23, 2026, 2:47 AM ET

Challenge System & Rankings Early data on baseball’s new ABS challenge system showed mixed results, prompting clubs to adjust strategies as the league seeks to curb excessive pacing. Meanwhile the latest MLB Power Rankings placed the Dodgers and Astros in the top three after a week of decisive victories, while the struggling Brewers slipped to the league’s lower tier reflecting recent win‑loss swings.

Offensive Highlights Jackson Holliday smacked a 337‑foot homer that slipped under the left‑field foul pole, providing the Tigers with two crucial runs in a 7‑4 win. Shohei Ohtani delivered a leadoff blast and five shutout innings, leading the Dodgers past the Padres and reinforcing his dual‑threat status. Kyle Schwarber returned from a gastrointestinal illness to bat second in the Phillies’ lineup, immediately contributing with a go‑ahead single that helped secure a 4‑2 victory over Cleveland boosting the club’s offense. In Cleveland, Kyle Manzardo hit a pinch‑hit homer in the ninth to preserve Gavin Williams’ 11‑strikeout gem, delivering the Guardians a 1‑0 win.

Pitching Returns & Injuries Gerrit Cole tossed six scoreless innings in his first start after a 569‑day elbow reconstruction, signaling a possible return to elite form for the Yankees. Conversely, Max Muncy exited the Dodgers‑Brewers game after a pitch struck his right wrist, raising concerns about his durability heading into the postseason stretch the injury occurred in the eighth inning. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. left the Diamondbacks‑Rockies matchup with a tight left hamstring following a sliding catch, limiting Arizona’s outfield depth the injury was reported Friday night.

Roster Moves & IL Transactions The Cubs placed Matt Shaw on the injured list with back tightness and promoted Pedro Ramirez, who entered Triple‑A with a .312 average and nine homers, adding depth to Chicago’s bench the move was announced Thursday. The Angels optioned Josh Lowe to Triple‑A and placed Yoán Moncada on a 10‑day IL due to right‑knee inflammation, prompting Los Angeles to rely more heavily on veteran outfielders the decisions came Friday. New York activated shortstop José Caballero after a broken finger, while Anthony Volpe is slated for additional reps at second base to bolster infield flexibility the activation occurred Friday.

Reliever Shuffle & Minor‑League Discipline The Mets designated veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel for assignment after 14 appearances, clearing a roster spot for emerging arms as the club battles for a playoff berth the move was executed Friday. Seattle’s minor‑league system saw pitcher Jose Zerpa receive an 80‑game suspension for testing positive for Stanozolol, underscoring the league’s strict drug enforcement the suspension was announced Friday. Meanwhile, the Blue Jays’ José Berríos underwent Tommy John surgery, sidelining the veteran starter well into the 2027 season and forcing Toronto to adjust its rotation depth the surgery was reported Friday.

Injury Updates on Star Players Ronald Acuña Jr. left Thursday’s Braves game with thumb pain, prompting a precautionary IL placement that could affect Atlanta’s offensive output the exit was confirmed Thursday. Denzel Clarke of the Athletics suffered a significant left‑hamstring strain, ruling him out until at least the All‑Star break and weakening Oakland’s outfield options the injury was disclosed Friday. Yankees center fielder Trent Grisham avoided structural knee damage after scans came back clean, allowing him to remain in the lineup despite earlier concerns the clearance was announced Thursday.

Long‑Term Developments Construction of the Oakland Athletics’ $2 billion Las Vegas domed stadium remains on schedule, with the lower bowl taking shape and the venue slated to open before the 2028 season, signaling a major market expansion for MLB the update was provided Friday. The league’s ongoing experimentation with the challenge system and aggressive roster management reflects a broader shift toward data‑driven decision‑making as teams vie for postseason positioning.