MLB Baseball 3 Days

Last updated: June 23, 2026, 5:31 AM ET

Player Health & Returns

Major League Baseball is seeing a flurry of injury updates and player returns, with several key figures nearing or making their comeback. Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz is expected to be reinstated from the injured list Tuesday after missing 19 games due to a strained right hamstring, having completed three rehab starts for Triple-A Louisville expected to return Tuesday. Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor will play at least one more rehab game on Tuesday for Triple-A Syracuse, with the team set to assess his activation from a two-month absence following that outing Lindor to play another rehab game. White Sox catcher Kyle Teel will make his season debut against Cleveland after being on the 60-day injured list for a thigh strain and subsequent knee injury Teel to make season debut. Meanwhile, Dodgers outfielder Kyle Tucker was removed from Monday's game against the Twins in the second inning due to low back spasms Tucker exits with back spasms.

Several pitchers are also navigating injury situations. Brewers pitcher Brandon Woodruff, returning from the injured list for his first start since April 30, recorded his 900th career strikeout and flirted with a perfect game into the sixth inning Woodruff gets 900th K. In Milwaukee, manager Pat Murphy plans to undergo back surgery on Thursday and a hip procedure during the All-Star break Murphy to have surgeries. The Diamondbacks are continuing to face pitching attrition, placing right-hander Michael Soroka on the 15-day injured list with a strained right glute, marking another starter to hit the IL Soroka latest starter on IL. Cubs closer Daniel Palencia has been diagnosed with a mild flexor strain in his right arm Palencia diagnosed with flexor strain. The Rangers have placed right-hander Jack Leiter on the 15-day injured list with an ankle issue he has battled most of the season, while star shortstop Corey Seager remains sidelined Leiter to IL, Seager out. Red Sox utility infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa was placed on the injured list Saturday with left forearm inflammation Kiner-Falefa to IL. Rangers right-hander Nathan Eovaldi was scratched from his scheduled start due to left knee soreness Eovaldi scratched for knee soreness.

The Phillies made roster moves, recalling right-hander Alan Rangel from Triple-A Lehigh Valley and reinstating left-hander Kyle Backhus from the 15-day injured list Phillies recall Rangel, reinstate Backhus. The Yankees activated Austin Wells from the 10-day IL after he missed two weeks with cervical headaches Yankees activate Wells.

Offensive Fireworks & Team Success

The past few days have been marked by explosive offensive performances and strong team play, with several clubs demonstrating their championship caliber. Kyle Schwarber ignited the Phillies offense with three home runs, while teammate Bryce Harper achieved a rare feat by hitting for the cycle, propelling Philadelphia to a dominant 15-3 victory over the Mets Schwarber hits 3 HRs, Harper cycles. In another high-scoring affair, Byron Buxton delivered a grand slam as part of the Twins' ten-run fifth inning, leading Minnesota to a resounding 16-8 win over the Diamondbacks Buxton grand slam keys Twins rally. Milwaukee's Robert Gasser earned his first win since May 15, 2024, in the Brewers' 9-4 defeat of the Braves on Sunday Gasser confident after first win.

Looking at team strengths, clubs currently leading their respective postseason races are being driven by specific factors. For some, it's the depth of their pitching rotations, while for others, clutch hitting in crucial moments is proving to be the differentiator Rotation depth and clutch hitting drive success.

League Issues & Player Milestones

Beyond the on-field action, league matters and individual achievements have also been in focus. MLB commissioner Rob Manfred addressed the controversy surrounding rainbow-themed caps, stating in a letter to Senator Josh Hawley that the Giants did not adequately clarify to players that they had the option to opt out of wearing them Manfred: Giants' Pride cap guidance unclear. Los Angeles superstar Shohei Ohtani not only announced on social media that he had become a father again, but also contributed with a home run in the Dodgers' 3-2 loss to the Orioles hours later Ohtani announces he is a father again. The Marlins have designated infielder Christopher Morel for assignment, while also placing slugger Liam Hicks on the injured list due to a lower back strain Marlins cut ties with Morel. Hicks was also scratched from Saturday's game against the Giants due to back tightness Hicks scratched due to back tightness. The practice of "box breaking" within the sports collectibles industry is currently under scrutiny, raising questions about whether it constitutes gambling Could box breaking be gambling.