MLB Baseball 3 Days

Last updated: June 22, 2026, 5:30 AM ET

MLB Player Movement and Injuries

The injury bug continued to bite MLB teams over the weekend, forcing several roster moves. The Texas Rangers placed right-hander Jack Leiter on the 15-day injured list with an ankle issue that has plagued him for much of the season, and star shortstop Corey Seager remains sidelined. In Miami, the Marlins designated infielder Christopher Morel for assignment and placed slugger Liam Hicks on the IL due to a lower back strain after he was scratched from Saturday's game. The Arizona Diamondbacks also lost a starting pitcher, with Michael Soroka landing on the 15-day injured list with a glute strain after exiting Friday's start with hip discomfort after just one inning. The Boston Red Sox added Isiah Kiner-Falefa to the IL with forearm inflammation on Saturday, while the Chicago Cubs diagnosed closer Daniel Palencia with a mild flexor strain in his right arm. The Tigers' Justin Verlander is also facing a multi-week absence with a hamstring strain according to manager A.J. Hinch.

The Yankees activated outfielder Austin Wells from the 10-day IL following a two-week absence due to cervical headaches. Meanwhile, the Dodgers are delaying catcher Will Smith's return from a neck injury, with him not expected to be activated this weekend and potentially not traveling with the team on its upcoming road trip that begins Monday. In a surprising move, the Rangers opted to send second baseman Josh Smith to Triple-A Round Rock just days after his return from a 37-game absence due to injuries and viral meningitis. Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. was out of the lineup Friday with a mild MCL sprain but avoided the injured list according to reports.

Notable Player Performances and Milestones

Despite the injury woes, several players delivered standout performances. The Philadelphia Phillies saw a historic offensive outburst from Kyle Schwarber, who hit three home runs, and Bryce Harper, who became the 11th player in franchise history to hit for the cycle, in a dominant 15-3 victory over the Mets on Saturday. The Minnesota Twins also exploded offensively, with Byron Buxton launching a grand slam as part of a 10-run fifth inning en route to a 16-8 win against the Diamondbacks.

Robert Gasser earned his first win since May 15, 2024, as the Milwaukee Brewers defeated the Atlanta Braves 9-4 on Sunday according to ESPN MLB. Pitcher Cam Schlittler's performance on Friday night was so impressive that even an NBA player took notice, with one observer calling him the top pitcher in the American League. Brewers ace Jacob Misiorowski was clocked at 104.2 mph during a strong outing against the Braves on Friday, though it wasn't enough to secure a victory.

Off-Field News and League Developments

Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani announced on social media Saturday that he has become a father again. Hours after the announcement, Ohtani hit a home run in the Dodgers' 3-2 loss to the Baltimore Orioles. Ohtani was not in the lineup on Friday night as he was away from the team on paternity leave.

In other league news, MLB has proposed a plan that would introduce an international draft and alter the existing domestic draft structure. The league is also reportedly considering a player-activated pitch clock for extra innings, as well as exploring a universal sticky substance ban. A long-standing practice in the collectibles industry, known as box breaking, is currently under scrutiny and could be considered gambling. The historic Midnight Sun Game in Fairbanks, Alaska, which begins at 10 p.m. during the summer solstice and has been played for over 100 years, was also highlighted as a unique baseball tradition.