MLB Baseball 3 Days

Last updated: June 13, 2026, 5:51 AM ET

Injury Updates

Braves right-hander Spencer Strider exited Friday's start against the Mets in the fourth inning due to right shoulder and elbow soreness, with imaging scheduled to determine the extent of the injury. Meanwhile, Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor began playing simulated games as he works toward a potential return by the end of June from his calf injury. Seattle outfielder Randy Arozarena left Friday's game with an apparent leg injury, adding to the Mariners' offensive concerns. Tigers pitcher Jack Flaherty departed after three innings against Cleveland due to left leg discomfort, marking another setback for Detroit's rotation. Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani was held out of Friday's lineup one day after exiting Thursday's game in Pittsburgh with left knee inflammation, though manager Dave Roberts indicated the move was precautionary. Pirates outfielder Oneil Cruz landed on the 10-day IL with a non-displaced fracture in his left hand between the ring and pinky fingers. Phillies outfielder Adolis Garcia exited Wednesday's game with a pulled muscle in his shoulder, while teammate Johan Rojas suffered a UCL tear that will require surgery and end his season. Red Sox ace Garrett Crochet described his lat strain as "a lot worse than we thought," casting doubt on his return timeline. Cubs starter Jameson Taillon will be out until after the All-Star break due to a strained left hamstring. Braves right fielder Ronald Acuña Jr. left Tuesday's game with left hamstring tightness and underwent an MRI on Wednesday.

Standout Performances

Brewers prospect Jacob Misiorowski struck out 15 batters in a complete-game one-hitter to lead Milwaukee to a 6-0 victory over Philadelphia on Friday night, marking a career-high performance. Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez hit a grand slam and two-run homer in the first inning against Kansas City, providing early fireworks in Houston's matchup. Blue Jays pitcher Max Scherzer reached 3,500 career strikeouts when he caught Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber looking at an 86 mph changeup to begin Wednesday's game. White Sox rookie Braden Montgomery delivered a walk-off two-run homer in the 10th inning of his major league debut, rallying Chicago past Atlanta 6-5. Royals reliever Seth Lugo was struck in the head by a 106.6 mph line drive from Brandon Nimmo on Wednesday, though he avoided serious injury.

Trade Deadline Moves

Tigers closer Kenley Jansen was activated from the injured list ahead of their weekend series against Cleveland after missing 13 games with pelvic inflammation. Athletics shortstop Jacob Wilson was activated off the IL while designated hitter Brent Rooker was placed on the 10-day list retroactive to Tuesday due to a bone bruise in his left knee. Phillies acquired outfielder Derek Hill from the White Sox for additional outfield depth following Garcia's shoulder injury. The Dodgers placed catcher Will Smith on the IL due to neck inflammation, adding to their injury concerns. Red Sox president Sam Kennedy defended Craig Breslow's job security despite calling the team's performance "embarrassing and unacceptable."

Salary Cap Analysis

MLB's ongoing collective bargaining negotiations have intensified discussions around salary cap implementation, with analysts examining how such systems function in other professional sports leagues. The debate comes as teams navigate luxury tax thresholds and competitive balance questions ahead of the August trade deadline.

Power Rankings & Standings

ESPN's latest MLB Power Rankings show five teams holding steady in the top five for the fourth consecutive week, though movement continues throughout the remainder of the league hierarchy as the playoff picture evolves. The rankings reflect shifting dynamics in both leagues as teams position themselves for the stretch run.

All-Star Game Predictions

Early projections for the 2026 MLB All-Star Game in Philadelphia feature Bryce Harper and Freddie Freeman among the leading vote-getters, with emerging talents like Ben Rice and Nick Kurtz also generating consideration for roster spots. The selections will likely reflect both current performance and fan appeal.

Vegas Athletics Debut

The Athletics' Vegas preview event showcased a mix of big-league amenities and minor-league feel, with players entering through glitzy introductions despite the temporary nature of their Las Vegas Ballpark setup. The relocation preview provided insight into Oakland's future home while highlighting ongoing stadium negotiations.

Celebration Debate

ESPN's analysis questions whether pitchers should adopt more elaborate celebrations on the mound, suggesting that hitters have monopolized the fun while pitchers remain restricted to traditional fist pumps and glove slams.

Brewers Extension

Milwaukee signed outfield prospect Luis Lara to a seven-year contract extension, securing one of their top young talents through what could be his arbitration years and early free agency period.

Diamondbacks Defense

Arizona manager Torey Lovullo publicly supported Ketel Marte against speculation about clubhouse tension, calling the All-Star second baseman a "great teammate" and dismissing rumors of discord within the organization.

Padres Closer Dominance

San Diego's Mason Miller continues to defy even advanced analytics with his dominant closer performances, becoming a rare case where technology cannot fully explain or replicate his effectiveness on the mound.