MLB Baseball 3 Days

Last updated: June 22, 2026, 2:30 AM ET

MLB Injury Report & Roster Moves

A wave of injuries and roster adjustments continued across Major League Baseball over the weekend, with several key players landing on the injured list. The Texas Rangers placed right-hander Jack Leiter on the 15-day IL due to an ankle issue he has been managing for most of the season, and veteran starter Nathan Eovaldi was scratched from his start with knee soreness. In Arizona, the Diamondbacks lost another starting pitcher, Michael Soroka, to the IL with a strained right glute, after he exited Friday's game with hip discomfort after just one inning. The Boston Red Sox also added utility infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa to the IL with left forearm inflammation.

The New York Yankees activated outfielder Austin Wells from the 10-day injured list after a two-week absence stemming from cervical headaches, while the Miami Marlins designated infielder Christopher Morel for assignment and placed slugger Liam Hicks on the injured list due to lower back strain, after Hicks was scratched from Saturday's game with similar back tightness. Cubs closer Daniel Palencia was diagnosed with a mild flexor strain in his right arm manager Craig Counsell announced.

Player Milestones & Notable Performances

The weekend saw several offensive fireworks and individual achievements. In a lopsided 15-3 victory over the Mets, Philadelphia’s Kyle Schwarber launched three home runs, and teammate Bryce Harper achieved a rare feat by hitting for the cycle, becoming the 11th player in franchise history to do so. The Minnesota Twins also exploded for a massive 10-run rally in the fifth inning against the Diamondbacks, highlighted by a grand slam from Byron Buxton, en route to a commanding 16-8 win.

In Milwaukee, Robert Gasser earned his first win since May 15 in the Brewers' 9-4 defeat of the Braves. Meanwhile, Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, who announced on social media Saturday that he is a father again and was absent from Friday's lineup for paternity reasons, later hit a home run in the Dodgers' 3-2 loss to the Orioles. Cam Schlittler, a tall right-hander, was so dominant in his Friday night outing that he earned praise from Knicks' Josh Hart, with some suggesting he is the top pitcher in the American League.

Team News & League Developments

Brewers manager Pat Murphy revealed Saturday that he is planning to undergo back surgery this Thursday and a hip procedure during the All-Star break. The San Francisco Giants have faced a challenging start to their season, prompting discussions about their trade deadline strategy manager Bob Melvin acknowledged. A long-standing practice in the collectibles industry, involving the opening of sealed boxes of trading cards, is under scrutiny for potential gambling implications.

The league has also put forth a proposal that would implement an international draft and significantly alter the existing domestic draft structure details remain to be seen. In an unusual occurrence, only two umpires were present on the field at the start of the Friday night game between the Padres and Rangers due to unspecified circumstances. The historic Midnight Sun Game in Fairbanks, Alaska, is set to commence at 10 p.m. local time on the summer solstice, continuing a tradition that has lasted for over a century under the continuous daylight.

Injuries & Roster Decisions Continue

The rash of injuries continued to impact teams across the league. Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. was held out of Friday's game against the Cardinals due to a mild MCL sprain, though he avoided placement on the injured list. Tigers veteran right-hander Justin Verlander is expected to miss "weeks" with a left hamstring strain manager A.J. Hinch stated. Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. indicated Friday that he does not plan to wear a protective cup, despite being hit in the groin by a foul ball the previous day he remains defiant.

The Rangers continued to shuffle their roster, optioning second baseman Josh Smith to Triple-A Round Rock on Friday, just days after his return to the majors following a 37-game absence due to injuries and viral meningitis the move signals roster flexibility. Dodgers catcher Will Smith’s return from a neck injury has been delayed and he will not be activated this weekend, with his availability for the upcoming road trip uncertain the team is cautious with his recovery. Finally, Blue Jays righty Shane Bieber rejoined the team on Friday and could be activated from the injured list in the coming days manager John Schneider confirmed.