MLB Baseball 3 Days

Last updated: June 23, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

MLB Player Notes & Awards

While the unofficial halfway point of the season approaches, some players are already staking claims for unexpected hardware. Jeff Passan handed out awards with a twist, recognizing standout performances and notable blunders. In the realm of relief pitchers, fantasy managers are closely watching which arms are emerging as first-half MVPs and which have become busts, with several waiver wire targets highlighted for potential acquisition based on early season performance.

Pitcher Performances & Injuries

Brandon Woodruff made a strong return from the injured list for the Milwaukee Brewers, recording his 900th career strikeout and holding a perfect game into the sixth inning of his first start since April 30. However, pitching depth remains a concern across the league. The Arizona Diamondbacks lost another starter as Michael Soroka was placed on the 15-day injured list with a strained right glute. Similarly, the Texas Rangers scratched Nathan Eovaldi due to knee soreness, while right-hander Jack Leiter was also placed on the IL with an ankle issue battled most of the season. The Chicago Cubs diagnosed closer Daniel Palencia with a mild flexor strain in his right arm according to manager Craig Counsell. Meanwhile, the Red Sox placed utility infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa on the injured list with left forearm inflammation on Saturday.

Infield & Outfield Updates

Elly De La Cruz is expected back for the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday, having completed three rehab starts after a 19-game absence due to a strained right hamstring. For the New York Mets, Francisco Lindor will play a third rehab game on Tuesday for Triple-A Syracuse, with the team set to reassess his activation following a two-month layoff. In Los Angeles, Dodgers outfielder Kyle Tucker exited Monday's game with low back spasms. The Marlins designated infielder Christopher Morel for assignment and placed Liam Hicks on the injured list due to a lower back strain on Saturday, with Hicks having been scratched from a game prior due to back tightness earlier that day. The Philadelphia Phillies made roster moves, recalling right-hander Alan Rangel and reinstating left-hander Kyle Backhus from the 15-day injured list on Monday.

Catcher & Designated Hitter News

Kyle Teel is set to make his season debut for the Chicago White Sox against Cleveland, having been on the 60-day injured list following thigh and knee injuries. The New York Yankees activated Austin Wells from the 10-day IL after a two-week absence due to cervical headaches on Saturday.

Managerial & League Matters

Brewers manager Pat Murphy is planning hip and back surgeries, with the back procedure scheduled for Thursday and the hip surgery during the All-Star break. MLB commissioner Rob Manfred addressed the controversy surrounding rainbow-themed caps, stating in a letter to Senator Josh Hawley that the San Francisco Giants failed to clearly explain to players that they could opt out of wearing them.

Offensive Highlights

In a dominant offensive display, Bryce Harper hit for the cycle and Kyle Schwarber launched three home runs as the Philadelphia Phillies routed the New York Mets 15-3 on Saturday night. Earlier that night, Byron Buxton contributed a grand slam in a 10-run fifth inning for the Minnesota Twins, who went on to defeat the Arizona Diamondbacks 16-8 following the explosive frame. Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani announced his family had expanded with another child on Saturday and later hit a home run in the team's 3-2 loss to the Orioles that same evening.

Fantasy Baseball Considerations

Fantasy managers are advised to consider adding several AL Central rookies who are currently headlining the waiver wire pool for the upcoming week. For teams leading their respective divisions, their success is being driven by specific strengths, whether it be rotation depth or clutch hitting as the postseason hunt intensifies. Meanwhile, fantasy managers should also be aware of which closers are poised for first-half MVP consideration and which are trending towards bust status, with several waiver wire options presented for those needing bullpen help immediately.