MLB Baseball 3 Days

Last updated: June 21, 2026, 5:31 PM ET

MLB INJURIES MOUNT AMID POWER SURGES AND ODDITIES

The recent stretch of MLB action has been marked by a significant number of player injuries, impacting several key teams, while offensive fireworks and unusual events have also captured headlines. The Miami Marlins continued to grapple with roster issues, designating infielder Christopher Morel for assignment and placing slugger Liam Hicks on the injured list due to back tightness placed Hicks on IL. The Texas Rangers also saw their pitching depth tested, with right-hander Jack Leiter landing on the injured list with an ankle issue that has plagued him for much of the season, while star shortstop Corey Seager remains sidelined. Adding to the Marlins' woes, catcher Liam Hicks was scratched from a Saturday game with back tightness Marlins' Hicks scratched.

The injury bug also bit the Arizona Diamondbacks, who are now dealing with another starting pitcher's absence. Right-hander Michael Soroka was placed on the 15-day injured list with a strained right glute after exiting a game early with hip discomfort Soroka latest D-backs starter to IL. Meanwhile, the Boston Red Sox placed utility infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa on the injured list with left forearm inflammation Red Sox place Kiner-Falefa on IL. The Detroit Tigers veteran Justin Verlander is expected to miss "weeks" with a left hamstring strain Tigers' Verlander likely out weeks.

In other injury news, Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith's return from a neck injury has been delayed and he will not be activated this weekend, potentially missing the team's upcoming road trip Dodgers delay Smith's return. Chicago Cubs closer Daniel Palencia has been diagnosed with a mild flexor strain in his right arm Cubs' Palencia diagnosed with flexor strain. Angels center fielder Mike Trout, who has 17 home runs this season, has been placed on the injured list with a hamstring injury Angels' Trout suffers hamstring injury. The Philadelphia Phillies will be without outfielder Adolis García for the remainder of the season as he is set for latissimus dorsi repair surgery Phillies OF García set for season-ending surgery.

OFFENSIVE FIREWORKS AND UNUSUAL HAPPENINGS

Despite the injury concerns, several players delivered spectacular offensive performances. Kyle Schwarber of the Philadelphia Phillies had a monumental Saturday, hitting three home runs, while teammate Bryce Harper achieved a rare feat by hitting for the cycle in the Phillies' resounding 15-3 victory over the Mets Schwarber 3 HRs, Harper cycle propel Phillies. In Minnesota, Byron Buxton was instrumental in the Twins' massive 10-run rally in the fifth inning against the Diamondbacks, crushing a grand slam in an eventual 16-8 win Buxton grand slam keys Twins' 10-run rally.

Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani, who had announced on social media that he was a father again on Saturday, also managed to hit a home run in his team's 3-2 loss to the Baltimore Orioles, though he was not in the lineup on Friday due to paternity leave Ohtani announces he is a father. The New York Yankees saw the activation of catcher Austin Wells from the 10-day injured list after he missed two weeks with cervical headaches Yankees activate Wells.

In a peculiar incident, Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. exited a game Thursday after being hit in the groin by a foul ball, but stated Friday that he does not plan to wear a protective cup Chisholm won't wear cup after foul ball. The Chicago White Sox also placed center fielder Everson Pereira on the seven-day injured list with a concussion after he crashed into the outfield fence at Yankee Stadium Pereira on injured list after crashing into fence.

LEAGUE-WIDE DEVELOPMENTS AND PLAYER STATEMENTS

The Atlantic League Pro Baseball's York Revolution forfeited a game due to players refusing to wear a special Pride Night jersey, citing religious objections ALPB team forfeits Pride Night game. The league is also reportedly considering a proposal that would introduce an international draft and alter the domestic draft format MLB draft proposal details. Amid trade speculation, Minnesota center fielder Byron Buxton reiterated his commitment to the Twins, stating, "I'm a Twin" Buxton addresses trade speculation.

The San Francisco Giants are facing a challenging season, prompting discussions about their direction as the trade deadline approaches Giants' deadline direction uncertain. In a minor league game, pitcher Cam Schlittler's dominant performance, striking out 13 batters, even drew praise from NBA player Josh Hart Schlittler fans, earns praise. Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy announced his plans for upcoming back and hip surgeries during the team's off-days and the All-Star break Brewers' Murphy set for surgeries.

The Rangers optioned second baseman Josh Smith to Triple-A Round Rock just days after his return from a lengthy absence due to injuries and viral meningitis Rangers option 2B Smith. Kansas City shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. was out of the lineup with a mild MCL sprain, though he avoided the injured list for a Grade 1 knee injury Royals' Witt out with MCL sprain. The Atlanta Braves acquired catcher Joey Bart from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for pitcher Hunter Stratton Braves acquire Bart from Pirates. Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal expressed urgency for his team to improve before the trade deadline, stating, "Play better baseball or else" Skubal: Tigers must rise before deadline.

Major League Baseball has decided to eliminate the clock for the upcoming Home Run Derby, a change from previous years MLB nixes clock for Home Run Derby. In an unusual start to a game, only two umpires were on the field for the initial innings of a Padres-Rangers matchup Only 2 umps on field. The Blue Jays are optimistic about pitcher Shane Bieber's return, with manager John Schneider indicating he could be activated from the injured list soon Bieber rejoins Jays, 'feeling good'.