MLB Baseball 3 Days

Last updated: June 21, 2026, 5:30 AM ET

Injury and Roster Turmoil

The Diamondbacks lost another starter on Saturday when right-hander Michael Soroka was placed on the 15-day injured list with a strained right glute, just one day after he exited a game early due to posterior left hip discomfort. The injury-plagued season continues for other clubs as well, with the Red Sox placing Isiah Kiner-Falefa on the IL for left forearm inflammation and the Cubs diagnosing Daniel Palencia with a mild flexor strain. Meanwhile, the Rangers scratched Nathan Eovaldi from his start due to knee soreness, and the Marlins scratched Liam Hicks because of back tightness, adding to a mounting list of ailments across the league.

Further compounding the injury woes, the Tigers expect Justin Verlander to miss weeks after confirming a left hamstring strain, while the Brewers announced that Quinn Priester will undergo season-ending thoracic outlet surgery, sidelining him for up to 10 months. In Philadelphia, the organization confirmed Adolis García will undergo surgery for a latissimus dorsi repair, effectively ending his campaign. The White Sox placed Everson Pereira on the seven-day IL after he suffered a concussion while crashing into the wall at Yankee Stadium, and the Angels placed Mike Trout on the injured list following his own hamstring injury.

Front Office and Managerial Challenges

The Brewers are facing a leadership hurdle, as manager Pat Murphy plans surgery on his back this Thursday to be followed by a hip procedure during the All-Star break. In Texas, the Rangers optioned Josh Smith to Triple-A Round Rock only days after the second baseman returned from a 37-game absence caused by various injuries and viral meningitis. Meanwhile, the Braves acquired Joey Bart from the Pirates in exchange for right-hander Hunter Stratton, a move intended to bolster their depth as the trade deadline approaches.

Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal has issued a stern warning to his teammates, insisting they must improve their performance as the team falls further out of contention. Speculation regarding roster movement remains high for others, though center fielder Byron Buxton reiterated his commitment to Minnesota despite ongoing trade rumors. Over in San Francisco, the Giants continue to navigate a difficult season as the front office evaluates its direction ahead of the August deadline, while the Blue Jays hope to activate Shane Bieber soon following his recent return to the team.

Standout Performances and League Developments

The Phillies dominated the Mets 15-3 behind a historic performance from Kyle Schwarber, who blasted three home runs, and Bryce Harper, who became the 11th player in club history to hit for the cycle. Minnesota also enjoyed a massive offensive surge, scoring 10 runs in the fifth inning against the Diamondbacks, capped by a grand slam from Byron Buxton in a 16-8 victory. Elsewhere, Brewers prospect Jacob Misiorowski topped out at 104.2 mph during a strong outing against the Braves, while minor league pitcher Cam Schlittler earned high praise from NBA champion Josh Hart after a dominant 13-strikeout performance.

Off the field, MLB is eliminating the clock for the upcoming Home Run Derby at Citizens Bank Park, moving to remove the pressure of a timer for the event. The league has also proposed an amateur-entry overhaul that would cut signing bonuses by over $150M and institute an international draft, a concept currently under negotiation as part of broader collective bargaining discussions. Meanwhile, the sport continues to grapple with unusual circumstances, including a forfeited game in the Atlantic League over jersey disputes and a long-standing tradition in Alaska where the Midnight Sun Game begins at 10 p.m. to accommodate the summer solstice.

Dodgers Updates and Player Notes

Shohei Ohtani announced he is a father again on Saturday, just hours before he hit a home run in the Dodgers' 3-2 loss to the Orioles. This development followed his absence from the lineup on Friday when he was away from the team for paternity leave. The Dodgers are also managing Will Smith’s return from a neck injury, delaying his activation and potentially leaving him off the roster for the upcoming road trip as the team holds the top spot in the latest league power rankings.

Other notable player news includes Jazz Chisholm Jr., who confirmed he will not wear a cup despite taking a foul ball to the groin on Thursday, an incident that forced his early exit from the game against the White Sox. Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. avoided a trip to the IL after being diagnosed with a Grade 1 MCL sprain, though he was sidelined Friday after exiting Thursday's game with knee discomfort. Meanwhile, the league continues to address the ethics of box breaking in the collectibles industry, while analysts examine the effectiveness of defensive shifts and project future talent through mock draft simulations for the 2026 class. In a rare officiating oversight, the Padres and Rangers started their game with only two umpires on the field during the first inning on Friday.