MLB Baseball 3 Days

Last updated: June 23, 2026, 2:30 PM ET

MLB Injury Report & Player Updates

Several teams are contending with significant injury news and player absences. The Dodgers, already managing Shohei Ohtani's pitching absence, saw outfielder Kyle Tucker removed from Monday's game with low back spasms. Meanwhile, the Reds expect shortstop Elly De La Cruz to return from the injured list Tuesday after a 19-game layoff due to a strained right hamstring. Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor is slated for a third rehab game Tuesday with Triple-A Syracuse, with a decision on his activation pending after a two-month absence for a calf issue. The Phillies recalled right-hander Alan Rangel and reinstated left-hander Kyle Backhus, while the White Sox catcher Kyle Teel is set to make his season debut after recovering from thigh and knee injuries. The Rangers placed pitcher Jack Leiter on the 15-day injured list with an ankle issue, and star shortstop Corey Seager remains sidelined. The Marlins designated infielder Christopher Morel for assignment and placed Liam Hicks on the IL with a lower back strain, with Hicks also being scratched from Saturday's game due to back tightness. The Diamondbacks added right-hander Michael Soroka to the 15-day IL with a strained right glute, marking another blow to their rotation depth. The Red Sox placed utility infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa on the IL with left forearm inflammation, and the Yankees activated Austin Wells from the 10-day IL after a two-week absence due to cervical headaches.

Pitching Performances & Milestones

Despite a wave of injuries, some pitchers achieved notable milestones. Brewers pitcher Brandon Woodruff recorded his 900th career strikeout and held a perfect game into the sixth inning in his first start since April 30. In Milwaukee's 9-4 victory over the Braves on Sunday, Robert Gasser earned his first win since May 15, expressing confidence in his performance. On the offensive side, the Phillies saw a monumental performance from Kyle Schwarber, who hit three home runs, while Bryce Harper achieved the rare feat of hitting for the cycle in the team's 15-3 rout of the Mets. The Twins mounted a remarkable 10-run rally in the fifth inning against the Diamondbacks, powered by a grand slam from Byron Buxton, en route to a 16-8 victory.

League Administration & Player Conduct

Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred addressed a controversy regarding the San Francisco Giants' rainbow-themed caps. In a letter to Senator Josh Hawley, Manfred stated that the team failed to adequately explain to players that they had the option to opt out of wearing the caps. This clarification comes after player pushback and public discussion surrounding team uniform policies.

Fantasy Baseball & Emerging Talent

As the season progresses, fantasy baseball managers are evaluating waiver wire options and identifying standout performers. Several AL Central rookies are highlighted as top pickup candidates, offering potential boosts to fantasy rosters. For teams leading their divisions, rotation depth and clutch hitting have been identified as primary drivers of their success, suggesting these factors are paramount in maintaining a competitive edge. Relief pitchers are also under scrutiny, with analyses identifying both MVPs and busts among closers, providing managers with guidance on roster adjustments. Some unexpected players have also caught attention for their remarkable—or at times, embarrassing—moments throughout the season, as recognized by pre-season awards.

Managerial & Personal News

Brewers manager Pat Murphy is scheduled to undergo hip and back surgeries. He plans to have back surgery during the team's upcoming off-day and a hip procedure during the All-Star break. In personal news, Los Angeles superstar Shohei Ohtani announced on social media that he has become a father for the second time. Hours after the announcement, Ohtani hit a home run in the Dodgers' 3-2 loss to the Orioles.