MLB Baseball 3 Days

Last updated: June 25, 2026, 2:31 AM ET

National League Shake-Up & Injury Concerns

The Chicago Cubs saw a record-setting performance from Dansby Swanson, who drove in 11 runs during a doubleheader sweep of the New York Mets, surpassing Ron Santo's 1970 mark. However, the team's pitching depth took a hit as both Ben Brown and Edward Cabrera were placed on the 15-day injured list. Cabrera's injury, a left leg issue sustained while stretching for a throw, saw him carted off the field. Amidst these roster moves, the Cubs are also acquiring left-hander David Peterson from the Mets, signaling a strategic shift for the pitching staff. Despite consecutive rainouts in New York, manager Craig Counsell expressed a degree of frustration with the scheduling.

Meanwhile, the struggling Mets are facing further adversity. Juan Soto exited Tuesday's game against the Rockies with back tightness, raising concerns about his availability and potentially leading to a stint on the injured list. Manager Carlos Mendoza also confirmed that Kodai Senga has been demoted to the bullpen, a move that underscores the team's difficulties. President of Baseball Operations David Stearns indicated that the Aug. 3 trade deadline will be the critical juncture for deciding whether to pursue a playoff push or pivot towards future seasons. Francisco Lindor is slated for at least one more rehab game, with the team to assess his activation afterward.

American League Powerhouses & Player Health

In the American League, the Los Angeles Dodgers saw Shohei Ohtani secure a win on the mound Wednesday, though he admitted to being "out of sync" with catcher Dalton Rushing in a rough second inning. Teammate Kyle Tucker was removed from Monday's game with low back spasms. The Minnesota Twins, despite speculation, have "no plans" to trade All-Star outfielder Byron Buxton, according to their general manager on Tuesday. However, pitcher Mick Abel has been recommended for arthroscopic elbow surgery following a recent setback in his recovery.

The Pittsburgh Pirates are dealing with their own injury woes, as first baseman Spencer Horwitz left Wednesday's game with a hamstring issue. Rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin, however, has begun a rehab assignment with Double-A Altoona on Tuesday night. The Kansas City Royals' Cole Ragans is also expected to undergo surgery for a left elbow impingement that has sidelined him since early May, as confirmed by manager Matt Quatraro on Tuesday.

Player Milestones, Suspensions & Roster Moves

The St. Louis Cardinals announced a significant front-office change, naming Bill DeWitt III as the new chief executive officer on Wednesday. In Milwaukee, reliever Abner Uribe began serving his one-game suspension on Wednesday night, nearly a month after it was issued. The New York Yankees placed infielder Ryan McMahon on the 10-day injured list due to a throat infection, recalling utility player Oswaldo Cabrera from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in a corresponding move. Manager Aaron Boone also expressed displeasure with Jazz Chisholm's decision to play while eating a lollipop during a Monday night game.

The Philadelphia Phillies scratched home run leader Kyle Schwarber with lower back tightness before Tuesday night's game. Shortstop CJ Abrams was also a late scratch with left side tightness. The team did recall right-hander Alan Rangel and reinstate left-hander Kyle Backhus on Monday. The Oakland Athletics saw infielder Zack Gelof exit Tuesday's game after his hand was spiked by a cleat during an awkward tag play. The Milwaukee Brewers released Luis Rengifo, who had opened the season as their primary third baseman on Tuesday.

Fantasy & Systemic Notes

Left-handed hitters are demonstrating increased power in 2026, and the league's new automated ball-strike challenge system may be a contributing factor, according to reporter Dan Olney in a recent analysis. Several players are being highlighted as potentially "criminally underrated" and deserving of a spot on more rosters, as identified by Tristan H. Cockcroft in a review. Fantasy managers are advised to consider waiver wire pickups, with AL Central rookies leading the charge in this week's recommendations. Analysis of first-half relief pitcher performances includes MVPs, busts, and waiver wire targets for fantasy owners.

The Cincinnati Reds activated Elly De La Cruz from the injured list ahead of Tuesday night's game, after he missed 19 games with a strained right hamstring. He is expected to return Tuesday after three rehab starts. The San Francisco Giants' Rafael Devers apologized to manager Tony Vitello regarding an incident at first base on Sunday, describing it as "a misunderstanding" that is being amplified. MLB commissioner Rob Manfred stated that the Giants failed to clearly communicate that players could opt out of wearing rainbow-themed caps, with guidance on the matter described as "not clear enough". Brandon Woodruff recorded his 900th career strikeout and held a perfect game into the sixth inning in his return from the injured list. The Chicago White Sox's Kyle Teel is set to make his season debut after dealing with thigh and knee injuries, while Edgar Quero was optioned on Tuesday.