MLB Baseball 3 Days

Last updated: May 31, 2026, 8:48 PM ET

Injuries Mount Across MLB

A wave of injuries sidelined key players across both leagues Sunday, with Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto exiting against the Dodgers with a left wrist contusion after being hit by a pitch. The Blue Jays lost outfielder Jesus Sánchez in the same game after a ball thrown from the stands struck his wrist, adding to the injury concerns that have plagued multiple clubs. Minnesota's pitching staff took another hit when Bailey Ober was placed on the 15-day injured list with right elbow inflammation, ending the right-hander's season that featured a 6-3 record and 4.59 ERA over 66⅔ innings. Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz departed with right hamstring tightness following his fifth-inning single, while Marlins right-hander Janson Junk joined the injured list due to right shin inflammation, further depleting Miami's already thin pitching ranks.

Rotation Shakeup and Roster Moves

The Cardinals recalled Hunter Dobbins from Triple-A Memphis and designated Matt Pushard for assignment, part of several roster adjustments Sunday. Pittsburgh's pitching situation grew more complicated when Carmen Mlodzinski was placed on the restricted list, with the team stating the right-hander was not ready to pitch this weekend. The Mets demoted All-Star David Peterson to the bullpen and promoted Sean Manaea to the rotation, while the Twins designated struggling starter Simeon Woods Richardson for assignment and recalled rookie John Klein. These moves came as the Dodgers reshaped their bench after injuries to Teoscar Hernández and Kiké Hernández created roster flexibility needs.

Historic Yankees Inning Overshadowed by Controversy

New York's 13-run third inning marked a historic offensive explosion Sunday, representing the franchise's first such inning in nearly 21 years as all 12 batters reached safely against Oakland's overwhelmed pitching staff. However, the Athletics contended with an ABS system malfunction when a pitch to Tyler Soderstrom was confirmed as a strike despite replay showing it missed the zone by less than an inch, highlighting ongoing technology issues in baseball's automated strike zone implementation. The controversy emerged as Oakland's Luis Severino exited after one inning due to right arm soreness, compounding the day's frustrations for the Athletics.

Salary Cap Tensions Rise

Phillies star Bryce Harper expressed concern about potential momentum loss if the 2027 season faces lockout complications, reflecting growing anxiety around collective bargaining talks as the league pushes for a salary cap structure that the MLBPA strongly opposes. The labor tensions come amid discussions about implementing spending limits that would fundamentally alter baseball's economic structure, with both sides digging in on philosophical differences about competitive balance and revenue distribution.

More Arms Land on Injured Lists

Detroit's pitching woes worsened significantly as Casey Mize was placed on the 15-day injured list with right adductor inflammation, joining closer Kenley Jansen who went on the IL with pelvic inflammation just days earlier. Boston's Garrett Whitlock was placed on the injured list retroactive to May 25 with left knee inflammation, while Texas second baseman Josh Smith remained uncertain about his return timeline after being hospitalized with viral meningitis, marking his first appearance in uniform since mid-May. Marlins pitcher Eury Pérez faces a two-month absence after sustaining a leg injury while stretching in the dugout, adding to Miami's mounting injury concerns.

Power Rankings and Fantasy Outlook

Two months into the 2026 season, MLB power rankings show increasing consistency at the top of the standings, though Week 9 delivered a top-10 debut for one AL club while another reached its highest ranking of the year. Meanwhile, fantasy managers prepare for Week 10 with our comprehensive forecaster featuring pitcher rankings, hitter ratings and schedule observations as they navigate the injury landscape and lineup adjustments across both leagues.

Veterans Honored in New York

Lee Mazzilli and Bobby Valentine were enshrined together in the Mets Hall of Fame on Sunday, representing different eras of franchise history. Valentine's induction included his famous disguise appearance as he wore sunglasses and fake mustache for the ceremonial first pitch, recreating the iconic 1999 moment when he went incognito after being ejected. The celebration recalled Valentine's legendary stunt from June 9, 1999, when his players helped hatch the plan that has defined his managerial legacy in Flushing.

Prospects and Draft Coverage

As college baseball regionals begin, programs with the most draft prospects are being ranked based on their current rosters loaded with future MLB talent. The updated 2026 MLB mock draft examines rising prospects through the first 40 picks, with several players climbing draft boards ahead of next month's selection process.

Rehab Updates and Returns

Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh took initial swings off a tee in his rehabilitation process, marking his first batting practice since aggravating a right oblique strain that landed him on the injured list May 14. Tampa Bay's Ben Williamson was reinstated from the injured list after missing two weeks with a lower back strain, providing immediate help at second base for the Rays.

Tatis Ends Homeless Drought

Fernando Tatis Jr. ended his MLB-worst homerless drought with a 451-foot solo shot to left field against Washington, providing a moment of celebration for Padres fans after weeks of frustration. Despite the towering blast, Shohei Ohtani remained dissatisfied with his performance even after hitting a leadoff home run and positioning the Dodgers for a combined no-hitter bid, reflecting his perfectionist approach to the game.

Social Media Stunt and Historical Photo

The Pirates trolled the Twins on social media Sunday by posting Minnesota's logo with the "W" edited out in a playful jab following their series sweep. Meanwhile, photographer Linda Kaye's iconic image of Nolan Ryan's bloody jersey from 1990 continues to resonate, creating what many consider a "Texas demigod" mythology that has endured for decades through their lasting professional relationship.