MLB Baseball 3 Days

Last updated: June 12, 2026, 5:47 PM ET

Injuries & Disabled List Moves

A wave of injuries swept through MLB as several key players landed on the injured list. Dodgers catcher Will Smith was placed on the 10-day IL due to neck inflammation, while Pirates outfielder Oneil Cruz went on the shelf with a broken left hand after non-displaced fractures were discovered between his ring finger and pinky. Red Sox ace Garrett Crochet revealed his lat strain is worse than initially believed, remaining sidelined since April 29. Phillies outfielder Adolis Garcia exited Wednesday's game with a pulled shoulder muscle, prompting the team to acquire outfield depth in Derek Hill from the White Sox. Phillies prospect Johan Rojas suffered a season-ending UCL tear in his right elbow just as he was nearing the end of an 80-game suspension. Angels pitcher Jack Kochanowicz will undergo Tommy John surgery and miss the 2027 season, while teammate Yoan Moncada needs knee surgery as well. Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr. left Tuesday's game with left hamstring tightness and is day-to-day pending an MRI. Cubs starter Jameson Taillon will be out until after the All-Star break with a strained left hamstring. Pirates rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin's right forearm strain is improving, with throwing activities potentially resuming as early as Wednesday.

Pitching Updates & Trades

Tarik Skubal will rejoin the Tigers' rotation Saturday against Cleveland less than six weeks after undergoing elbow surgery, representing a significant boost to Detroit's pitching staff. Meanwhile, Mason Miller continues dominating as MLB's most unhittable closer, with even advanced technology unable to replicate his effectiveness. In trade news, the Phillies acquired outfielder Derek Hill from the White Sox to address outfield depth concerns following Garcia's injury. The Brewers locked up outfield prospect Luis Lara to a seven-year contract extension, securing their future while closer Andres Munoz remains a focal point for fantasy managers. Red Sox president Sam Kennedy called his team's performance embarrassing and unacceptable but indicated Craig Breslow's job as chief baseball officer is safe despite the disappointing season.

Historical Milestones & Debut Performances

Blue Jays pitcher Max Scherzer reached the 3,500-career strikeout milestone when he caught Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber looking at an 86 mph changeup to begin Wednesday night's game. White Sox prospect Braden Montgomery hit a walk-off two-run homer in his major league debut to rally past the Braves 6-5 in a dramatic extra-inning finish. These achievements came as MLB examined potential salary cap implementations amid ongoing CBA negotiations, with discussions focusing on how other professional sports leagues structure their spending limitations.

Team Lineup Returns & Roster Moves

The Mets activated catcher Francisco Alvarez off the injured list before Tuesday's game against St. Louis, bolstering their catching corps. Kansas City got significant reinforcements as Bobby Witt Jr., Salvador Perez and Jac Caglianone all returned to the Royals lineup for Tuesday's series opener against Texas. Pirates ace Paul Skenes visited local Little League players in Pittsburgh, describing the experience as a meaningful reminder of his baseball origins. Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo defended Ketel Marte as a great teammate, pushing back against speculation about clubhouse discord involving the star second baseman.

Power Rankings & Playoff Outlook

Several clubs continue rising and falling in the latest MLB power rankings as unexpected playoff contenders emerge. The Athletics' Las Vegas debut featured glitzy entrances but felt more like minor league theater, raising questions about the franchise's future viability in its new market. As the trade deadline approaches, teams face critical decisions about whether to buy, sell, or stand pat in determining their midsummer strategy over the next few weeks.