MLB Baseball 3 Days

Last updated: June 21, 2026, 11:30 PM ET

NATIONAL LEAGUE STANDINGS & PLAYER NEWS

The Milwaukee Brewers secured a much-needed victory Sunday, with Robert Gasser earning his first win since May 15th in a 9-4 defeat of the Atlanta Braves. This win provided a glimmer of hope for the Brewers, who have struggled recently. Meanwhile, the Miami Marlins are making roster adjustments, designating infielder Christopher Morel for assignment. The team also placed slugger Liam Hicks on the injured list due to lower back strain, adding to their personnel challenges.

The Texas Rangers are contending with mounting injuries, placing pitcher Jack Leiter on the 15-day injured list with an ankle issue that has plagued him for much of the season. Star shortstop Corey Seager also remains sidelined and is not yet ready to return. In contrast, the New York Yankees activated outfielder Austin Wells from the 10-day injured list after a two-week absence stemming from cervical headaches.

Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani experienced a dual focus on Saturday, announcing on social media that he has become a father again. Hours later, Ohtani connected on a home run in the Dodgers' 3-2 loss to the Baltimore Orioles, a performance that underscored his remarkable ability to compartmentalize personal milestones with professional demands.

OFFENSIVE HIGHLIGHTS & INJURY BUG

The Philadelphia Phillies delivered a spectacular offensive performance Saturday night, with Kyle Schwarber launching three home runs and Bryce Harper achieving a rare feat by hitting for the cycle. Their combined power propelled the Phillies to a dominant 15-3 victory over the New York Mets. Not to be outdone, the Minnesota Twins rallied for an explosive 10-run fifth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks, highlighted by a grand slam from Byron Buxton, ultimately securing a convincing 16-8 win.

The injury bug continued to bite the Arizona Diamondbacks, who lost another starting pitcher, Michael Soroka, to the 15-day injured list on Saturday with a strained right glute. Soroka had exited Friday's game after just one inning with hip discomfort, signaling a troubling trend for the team's pitching staff. The Miami Marlins also dealt with a pre-game scratch, as Liam Hicks was removed from Saturday's lineup due to back tightness.

Brewers manager Pat Murphy revealed Saturday his plans for upcoming surgeries, including back surgery scheduled for Thursday and a hip procedure during the All-Star break, indicating a significant health focus for the team's leadership. The Boston Red Sox placed utility infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa on the injured list with left forearm inflammation, further thinning their roster depth.

PITCHING NEWS & ROSTER MOVES

The Texas Rangers scratched right-hander Nathan Eovaldi from his scheduled start against the Padres due to left knee soreness, adding another concern for their rotation. Meanwhile, the Chicago Cubs received difficult news regarding closer Daniel Palencia, who has been diagnosed with a mild flexor strain in his right arm.

The Los Angeles Dodgers opted to delay catcher Will Smith's return from a neck injury, indicating he would not be activated over the weekend and might not travel with the team on its upcoming road trip. In a notable pitching performance Friday, Brewers ace Jacob Misiorowski showcased his velocity, topping out at 104.2 mph in a loss to the Braves, though it wasn't enough to secure a victory.

Shohei Ohtani was absent from the Dodgers' lineup on Friday night as he was "away from the team on paternity," according to reports. The San Diego Padres and Texas Rangers began their game Friday night with an unusual situation, having only two umpires on the field for the initial inning. The Texas Rangers also optioned second baseman Josh Smith to Triple-A Round Rock on Friday, only days after his return to the majors following a prolonged absence due to injuries and viral meningitis.

Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. was out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Cardinals due to a mild MCL sprain, but avoided the injured list. Tigers veteran right-hander Justin Verlander is likely to miss "weeks" with a left hamstring strain, manager A.J. Hinch confirmed. Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. stated Friday that he does not plan to wear a protective cup, despite being hit in the groin by a foul ball the previous day.

Blue Jays righty Shane Bieber rejoined the team on Friday and could be activated from the injured list in the coming days, according to manager John Schneider. The Atlanta Braves acquired catcher Joey Bart from the Pittsburgh Pirates for right-handed pitcher Hunter Stratton on Thursday night, a move that reshapes both rosters. Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal has issued a clear message as the team falls further out of contention: "Play better baseball or else," ahead of the trade deadline.

DRAFT PROPOSAL & UNIQUE GAMES

Major League Baseball has presented a proposal that would introduce an international draft and significantly alter the existing domestic draft format. This proposal aims to reshape the amateur talent acquisition landscape for all teams. In a unique display of baseball's enduring appeal, Alaska's Midnight Sun Game in Fairbanks began at 10 p.m. during the summer solstice, a tradition that has been played for over a century.

The San Francisco Giants are navigating a challenging season, prompting discussions about their direction as the trade deadline approaches. The league's proposed draft changes could have significant implications for how teams like the Giants approach future roster construction and player development. The article also touches on the practice of "box breaking" in the collectibles industry, questioning whether it constitutes gambling.