MLB Baseball 3 Days

Last updated: June 12, 2026, 8:43 PM ET

Injury Updates & Recovery Progress

Shohei Ohtani's left knee inflammation forced him out of Thursday's game in Pittsburgh, keeping him out of the Dodgers' lineup for Friday's series opener against the White Sox. The two-way star's absence comes amid growing concerns about his workload, though manager Dave Roberts characterized the move as precautionary. Meanwhile, White Sox rookie Munetaka Murakami has resumed running as part of his rehabilitation from a right hamstring strain, offering optimism for his return timeline. Athletics shortstop Jacob Wilson was activated from the injured list Friday, providing immediate roster relief, while teammate Brent Rooker landed on the 10-day injured list retroactive to Tuesday with a bone bruise in his left knee.

Tigers closer Kenley Jansen returned from a 13-game absence caused by pelvic inflammation, rejoining the roster ahead of their crucial weekend series against Cleveland. Detroit also received positive news on Tarik Skubal, who will start Saturday against the Guardians less than six weeks after undergoing elbow surgery, marking a remarkably quick comeback for the ace left-hander. Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor has progressed to simulated game action in his recovery from a calf injury, with team president David Stearns targeting a late June return.

Phillies & Pirates Deal With Significant Losses

Philadelphia's outfield depth took a hit when both Adolis García and Johan Rojas suffered injuries within days of each other. García exited Wednesday's game with a pulled muscle in his right shoulder after making consecutive throws home on sacrifice flies, while Rojas tore his UCL in his right elbow and will require season-ending surgery despite nearing the conclusion of an 80-game suspension. The Phillies responded by acquiring Derek Hill from the White Sox for outfield reinforcement. Pirates outfielder Oneil Cruz landed on the injured list with non-displaced fractures in his left hand between the ring and pinky fingers, further depleting Pittsburgh's outfield options.

Scherzer Reaches Milestone as Trade Deadline Approaches

Blue Jays pitcher Max Scherzer recorded his 3,500th career strikeout Wednesday night when he caught Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber looking at an 86 mph changeup, becoming just the 18th pitcher in MLB history to reach the milestone. The veteran right-hander's achievement came during a critical juncture as teams evaluate their rosters ahead of the trade deadline. Red Sox ace Garrett Crochet, who has been on the injured list since April 29 with a lat strain, revealed Wednesday that the injury is significantly worse than initially diagnosed.

Braden Montgomery delivered a memorable major league debut Thursday, hitting a two-run homer in the 10th inning to rally the White Sox past the Braves 6-5. The rookie's walk-off blast provided a bright spot for Chicago during a challenging stretch. Red Sox president Sam Kennedy acknowledged the team's play has been "embarrassing and unacceptable" this season but confirmed that chief baseball officer Craig Breslow's position remains secure despite calls for organizational changes.

A's Vegas Preview & Brewers Extension

The Athletics' highly anticipated Las Vegas preview revealed organizational challenges beneath the glitz and spectacle, with observers noting the event felt more like "big league baseball in a minor league stadium." Despite the theatrical presentation, questions persist about the franchise's long-term viability in its new market. Milwaukee secured future stability by signing outfield prospect Luis Lara to a seven-year contract extension, locking up one of their top young talents through his arbitration years and early free agency eligibility.

Rotation Updates & Surgery News

Angels right-hander Jack Kochanowicz will undergo Tommy John surgery, sidelining him through the 2027 season, while Yoán Moncada needs surgery on his problematic right knee. These significant injuries compound Los Angeles' pitching concerns as they evaluate their roster construction. Chicago Cubs starter Jameson Taillon will remain out until after the All-Star break due to a strained left hamstring, leaving a hole in the rotation that the team will need to address internally or externally.

Pirates rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin's right forearm strain is improving, and the 20-year-old prospect could begin throwing activities as early as Wednesday, potentially accelerating his path back to game action. These developments come as teams continue monitoring their farm systems while managing major league roster constraints.

Power Rankings Shifts & Team Dynamics

MLB's power rankings reflect significant movement throughout the league as clubs rise and fall based on recent performance. The volatility underscores how quickly momentum can shift in both directions during the summer months. Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo defended Ketel Marte publicly, dismissing speculation about clubhouse friction and characterizing the star second baseman as a "great teammate" amid questions about team chemistry.