MLB Baseball 3 Days

Last updated: June 24, 2026, 11:31 PM ET

INJURY BUG CONTINUES TO BITE BASEBALL

The injury bug continued its relentless sweep across Major League Baseball this week, forcing several teams to shuffle their rosters and alter pitching plans. The Chicago Cubs were hit particularly hard, placing right-handers Ben Brown and Edward Cabrera on the 15-day injured list Cubs lose two starters. Cabrera's ailment was severe, as he was carted off the field after injuring his left leg while stretching for a throw Cubs' Cabrera injures leg. In Minnesota, Twins right-hander Mick Abel is slated for arthroscopic elbow surgery after a setback in his recovery, with no definitive timetable for his return Twins' Abel set for surgery.

The injury woes extended to other clubs as well. The New York Mets saw outfielder Juan Soto exit Tuesday's game with back tightness after just four innings Mets watch Soto depart, adding to a season already marred by inconsistency. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza also demoted pitcher Kodai Senga to the bullpen, a significant move for a player who was an All-Star last season Mets move scuffling Senga. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Phillies scratched lead home run hitter Kyle Schwarber due to lower back tightness Phillies scratch Schwarber, and Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams was a late scratch with left side tightness Nats' Abrams late scratch.

Several infielders also found themselves on the injured list. Oakland Athletics infielder Zack Gelof left Tuesday's game with a hand injury after being spiked by a cleat during an awkward tag play Athletics' Gelof exits. In Pittsburgh, first baseman Spencer Horwitz exited Wednesday's contest with left hamstring discomfort Pirates' Horwitz exits. The New York Yankees added infielder Ryan McMahon to the 10-day injured list due to a throat infection Yankees put McMahon on IL.

Pitching staffs continued to be depleted. Kansas City Royals manager Matt Quatraro indicated that left-handed pitcher Cole Ragans is expected to undergo surgery for an elbow impingement that has kept him sidelined since early May Royals' Ragans likely to have surgery. Elly De La Cruz, however, is expected to return to the Cincinnati Reds lineup after missing 19 games with a strained right hamstring Reds expect De La Cruz to return, and the team officially activated him Tuesday Reds activate De La Cruz. Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor is also nearing a return, with plans to play at least one more rehab game before a potential activation Mets' Lindor to play rehab game.

FRONT OFFICE MOVES AND CONTRACT NEWS

The St. Louis Cardinals announced a significant leadership change, naming Bill DeWitt III as chief executive officer after he served as team president since 2008 Cardinals elevate DeWitt. In Minnesota, the Twins' general manager stated there are "no plans" to trade veteran All-Star outfielder Byron Buxton Twins GM: 'No plans' to deal Buxton, a move that signals stability for the team's outfield. The Milwaukee Brewers, meanwhile, released former starting third baseman Luis Rengifo Brewers release ex-starting 3rd baseman.

PLAYER SUSPENSIONS AND CONTROVERSIES

Brewers reliever Abner Uribe is set to serve his one-game suspension, nearly a month after the penalty was handed down by Major League Baseball for his actions on the field Brewers' Uribe to serve ban. In a separate league matter, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred addressed the San Francisco Giants' decision regarding rainbow-themed Pride caps, stating that guidance on players' ability to opt out of wearing them was "not clear" Manfred: Giants' Pride cap guidance. Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm drew criticism from manager Aaron Boone for playing while consuming a lollipop during a game Sweet Jazz? 2B's lollipop bothers Boone.

STRATEGY AND PERFORMANCE TRENDS

As the season progresses, discussions around player performance and strategic advantages continue. One analysis suggests that left-handed hitters are performing exceptionally well in 2026, with MLB's new automated ball-strike system potentially contributing to this trend Olney: How ABS has helped propel. Elsewhere, Tristan H. Cockcroft identified a quartet of "criminally underrated" players who should be considered for roster additions based on their performance Where's the love?. For teams currently leading their divisions, consistent rotation depth and clutch hitting are identified as the primary drivers of their success Rotation depth? Clutch hitting?. Fantasy baseball managers are also assessing waiver wire options, with AL Central rookies headlining potential free agent pickups Free agent pickups: AL Central rookies, and a look at first-half relief pitcher MVPs and busts offers insights for fantasy owners First-half relief pitcher MVPs.

OTHER NOTABLE HAPPENINGS

Cubs manager Craig Counsell expressed his perplexity over consecutive rainouts in New York Cubs' Counsell perplexed by rainout. In a positive note for the Brewers, pitcher Brandon Woodruff recorded his 900th career strikeout and took a perfect game into the sixth inning during his return from the injured list Brewers' Woodruff gets 900th K. The Pittsburgh Pirates have begun a rehab assignment for rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin at Double-A Altoona Pirates' Griffin begins rehab. White Sox catcher Kyle Teel is set to make his season debut after overcoming injuries that landed him on the 60-day injured list White Sox's Teel off IL.