MLB Baseball 3 Days

Last updated: June 26, 2026, 5:31 AM ET

Major League Baseball News Briefing

Player Transactions & Rosters

The Chicago Cubs are actively addressing their pitching depth, acquiring left-hander David Peterson from the New York Mets to bolster their rotation amid a spate of injuries. This move comes as the Cubs have placed two starters, Ben Brown and Edward Cabrera, on the 15-day injured list, with Cabrera being carted off the field Tuesday with a leg injury. The Mets, meanwhile, are considering significant roster adjustments for struggling pitcher Kodai Senga, moving him to the bullpen and leaving the door open for outfielder Juan Soto to potentially land on the injured list after exiting a game with back tightness.

Several teams have been active in managing their injured list. Shortstop Corey Seager rejoined the Texas Rangers on Thursday following a stint on the concussion list, though the team subsequently placed infielder Cody Freeman on the 10-day injured list with a herniated disk. The Pittsburgh Pirates have added first baseman Spencer Horwitz to the 10-day injured list due to a left hamstring strain, following his early exit from Wednesday's game. In New York, the Yankees placed infielder Ryan McMahon on the injured list with a throat infection, recalling Oswaldo Cabrera. The San Francisco Giants saw infielder Zack Gelof depart Tuesday's game after his hand was spiked by a cleat during an awkward tag play.

In other roster news, the Arizona Diamondbacks activated outfielder Max Kepler on Thursday, concluding his 80-game suspension for a PED violation. The Cincinnati Reds activated Elly De La Cruz from the injured list after he missed over three weeks. The Brewers released Luis Rengifo, who had opened the season as their primary third baseman.

League Operations & Player Conduct

MLB and the MLB Players Association are reportedly engaged in discussions regarding player conduct and betting. The MLBPA has proposed a ban on prop bets involving individual players as a measure to combat harassment from disgruntled gamblers, according to a union source. In separate league matters, MLB is seeking to implement a maximum contract length of 5 years for free agents who switch teams in the next Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Team Performance & Standings

The Tampa Bay Rays were on the verge of a combined no-hitter against the Kansas City Royals, but the bid was broken up in the ninth inning when Carter Jensen hit a two-run homer off Craig Kimbrel. The league is approaching the official midway point of the 2026 season, with the latest power rankings showing a shake-up at the top, including a new debut at number two. Fantasy baseball managers are being advised on potential future developments, with Eric Karabell looking into speculative scenarios such as a 40-homer season for Caglianone.

Player Milestones & Individual Performances

Dansby Swanson continues to drive in runs for the Cubs, increasing his RBI total to 15 in a series against the Mets, which included a doubleheader sweep where he recorded 11 RBIs, surpassing the franchise record previously held by Ron Santo. Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani secured a win on the mound Wednesday, rebounding after a difficult second inning.

Injury Updates & Player Health

The Minnesota Twins are preparing for right-hander Mick Abel to undergo arthroscopic elbow surgery after a recent setback in his recovery, leaving his return timetable uncertain. Royals pitcher Cole Ragans is also expected to undergo surgery for an elbow impingement, sidelining him since early May. Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams was a late scratch Tuesday due to left side tightness.

Front Office & League Trends

Bill DeWitt III has been elevated to chief executive officer of the St. Louis Cardinals, a role he assumes after serving as team president since 2008. Amidst a challenging season, Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns indicated that the Aug. 3 trade deadline will serve as the definitive point to assess whether the team will pursue a playoff push or pivot towards future seasons. Left-handed hitters are reportedly experiencing a surge in performance in 2026, with suggestions that MLB's new automated ball-strike challenge system may be a contributing factor.