MLB Baseball 3 Days

Last updated: June 23, 2026, 8:31 PM ET

NATIONAL LEAGUE EAST BATTLES & INJURIES

The Philadelphia Phillies saw a dramatic offensive outburst Saturday night, with Kyle Schwarber launching three home runs and Bryce Harper hitting for the cycle in a commanding 15-3 victory over the Mets. However, Schwarber was later scratched from Tuesday's game against the Nationals due to back tightness as reported Tuesday. In Washington, shortstop CJ Abrams was also a late scratch Tuesday with left side tightness according to reports. Meanwhile, Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns indicated that the Aug. 3 trade deadline is the "cut off" for the team to decide whether to pursue a playoff spot or pivot towards future seasons Stearns stated. Francisco Lindor is expected to play at least one more rehab game Tuesday for Triple-A Syracuse, with the Mets to assess his readiness for activation after a two-month absence Lindor's status.

AMERICAN LEAGUE CENTRAL SHUFFLE

The Milwaukee Brewers had a mixed few days. Brandon Woodruff made his return from the injured list on Sunday, recording his 900th career strikeout and carrying a perfect game into the sixth inning against the Braves. Teammate Robert Gasser also secured a win Sunday, his first since May 15, in a 9-4 victory over Atlanta Gasser's performance. Manager Pat Murphy announced Saturday that he plans to undergo hip and back surgeries during the upcoming breaks Murphy's surgeries. On the player front, the Brewers released former starting third baseman Luis Rengifo the club announced. The Cincinnati Reds activated Elly De La Cruz on Tuesday following his return, who had been sidelined for just over three weeks with a strained right hamstring De La Cruz's injury.

CENTRAL DIVISION MOVES & MARKS

The Kansas City Royals are facing a significant blow as left-handed pitcher Cole Ragans is likely to undergo surgery for an elbow impingement, which has kept him sidelined since early May Ragans' surgery. In Chicago, catcher Kyle Teel is set to make his season debut against Cleveland after being on the 60-day injured list for a thigh strain followed by a knee injury Teel's debut. The Minnesota Twins saw a massive offensive explosion on Saturday night, with Byron Buxton hitting a grand slam as part of a 10-run fifth inning in a 16-8 win over the Diamondbacks Buxton's slam.

WEST COAST UPDATES & PERSONAL NEWS

Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Kyle Tucker was removed from Monday's game against the Twins due to low back spasms Tucker's exit. Superstar Shohei Ohtani announced Saturday he is a father again, and later that day hit a home run in the Dodgers' 3-2 loss Ohtani's family news. In the American League West, the Texas Rangers placed pitcher Jack Leiter on the 15-day injured list with an ankle issue that has plagued him for most of the season, while Corey Seager remains out Leiter to IL. The Oakland Athletics saw second baseman Jazz Chisholm's in-game lollipop habit draw the ire of manager Aaron Boone on Monday Chisholm's habit.

INJURY BUG CONTINUES TO BITE

The injury bug continued to spread across MLB this past week. The Arizona Diamondbacks lost another starting pitcher, Michael Soroka, to the 15-day injured list with a strained right glute Soroka's injury. The Boston Red Sox placed utility infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa on the injured list Saturday with left forearm inflammation Kiner-Falefa's IL stint. The Miami Marlins designated infielder Christopher Morel for assignment and placed Liam Hicks on the injured list with a lower back strain Marlins' moves, with Hicks having been scratched from Saturday's game due to back tightness Hicks scratched. The New York Yankees activated catcher Austin Wells from the 10-day injured list after a two-week absence due to cervical headaches Wells returns.

PIRATES ROOKIE BEGINS REHAB

Pittsburgh Pirates rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin began his rehab assignment with Double-A Altoona on Tuesday night.

COMMISSIONER WEIGHS IN ON TEAM POLICY

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred stated in a letter to Sen. Josh Hawley that the San Francisco Giants failed to adequately inform players about their right to opt out of wearing rainbow-themed caps Manfred's statement.

FANTASY BASEBALL TALK

As the season progresses, fantasy baseball managers are evaluating waiver wire pickups, with AL Central rookies headlining potential additions waiver wire targets. First-half relief pitcher performances are also being dissected, with advice on closers to add or drop relief pitcher analysis. The league has also seen unexpected award recipients and notable moments through the first half of the season early season awards.