MLB Baseball 3 Days

Last updated: June 24, 2026, 2:31 AM ET

Injury Bug Continues to Bite MLB Teams

The injury bug continued its sweep across Major League Baseball over the past three days, with several key players leaving games and others facing extended absences. Athletics infielder Zack Gelof exited Tuesday's game in the second inning after his hand was spiked by a cleat during an awkward tag play. In New York, Cubs pitcher Edward Cabrera was carted off the field Tuesday night with a leg injury sustained while stretching for a throw at first base. Mets outfielder Juan Soto departed after four innings against the Rockies due to back tightness, adding to the team's already challenging season. Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams was a late scratch with left side tightness, and Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber was also sidelined with lower back tightness before Tuesday's game against Washington. Dodgers outfielder Kyle Tucker was removed from Monday's game with low back spasms, and the Rangers placed pitcher Jack Leiter on the 15-day injured list with an ankle issue that has hampered him for much of the season while Corey Seager remains out.

Key Players Return, Others Face Surgery

Amidst the wave of injuries, some teams received positive news with the return of key players from the injured list. The Reds activated Elly De La Cruz ahead of Tuesday night's game after he missed just over three weeks with a strained right hamstring, with the expectation that he would be reinstated after 19 games. Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor is expected to play at least one more rehab game before a potential activation following a two-month absence. The Yankees activated Austin Wells from the 10-day IL after a two-week stint due to cervical headaches. On the pitching front, Royals manager Matt Quatraro indicated that Cole Ragans is likely to undergo surgery for a left elbow impingement that has sidelined him since early May. Pirates rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin, meanwhile, began a rehab assignment with Double-A Altoona on Tuesday night.

Managerial Frustrations and Trade Deadline Outlook

Managerial frustrations surfaced as rainouts impacted schedules and trade deadline decisions loom. Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell expressed his bewilderment after his team endured two consecutive rainouts in New York. In San Francisco, first baseman Rafael Devers offered an apology to manager Tony Vitello, characterizing an incident in Sunday's game as a "misunderstanding." For the struggling Mets, president of baseball operations David Stearns views the Aug. 3 trade deadline as the pivotal point to decide on contending. The Minnesota Twins, however, have stated they have "no plans" to trade veteran All-Star outfielder Byron Buxton, according to the team's general manager on Tuesday.

Transactions and Roster Moves

Several clubs made roster adjustments, including player releases and recalls. The Milwaukee Brewers released infielder Luis Rengifo, who had opened the season as their primary third baseman. The Phillies recalled right-hander Alan Rangel from Triple-A Lehigh Valley and reinstated left-hander Kyle Backhus from the 15-day injured list on Monday. White Sox catcher Kyle Teel is set to make his season debut versus Cleveland after recovering from thigh and knee injuries, while Edgar Quero was optioned. The Marlins designated infielder Christopher Morel for assignment and placed Liam Hicks on the injured list with a lower back strain as the team struggles.

Individual Performances and League Notables

Despite the prevailing injury concerns, some individual performances stood out, and league discussions continued on various fronts. Brewers pitcher Brandon Woodruff recorded his 900th career strikeout and flirted with perfection in his first start since April 30. His teammate, Robert Gasser, earned his first win since May 15 in the Brewers' victory over the Braves on Sunday as the team looks to build momentum. MLB commissioner Rob Manfred commented on the Giants' rainbow cap controversy, stating that the guidance provided to players was "not clear" regarding their ability to opt out of wearing the themed caps during Pride Month events. Meanwhile, Yankees manager Aaron Boone was reportedly bothered by second baseman Jazz Chisholm's decision to play while eating a lollipop during a game on Monday. Fantasy baseball analysts continue to offer insights, with waiver wire additions and relief pitcher evaluations highlighting potential pickups and analyzing team strengths driving postseason pushes.