MLB Baseball 3 Days

Last updated: June 26, 2026, 8:31 AM ET

PLAYER TRANSACTIONS AND INJURIES

The Chicago Cubs are actively addressing their pitching needs, acquiring left-hander David Peterson from the New York Mets. This move comes as the Cubs are grappling with multiple injuries to their starting rotation, with Ben Brown and Edward Cabrera placed on the 15-day injured list. Cubs manager Craig Counsell expressed frustration over recent weather-related postponements, including a rainout in New York that impacted his team's schedule. Meanwhile, the Mets are making adjustments as well, moving struggling right-hander Kodai Senga to the bullpen and monitoring the status of Juan Soto, who exited a game with back tightness.

Several teams are contending with significant roster changes due to injuries. The Texas Rangers have activated shortstop Corey Seager from the concussion list, but placed infielder Cody Freeman on the 10-day injured list with a herniated disk as Seager rejoins the Rangers. In Pittsburgh, first baseman Spencer Horwitz has been placed on the 10-day injured list with a left hamstring strain after exiting a game on Wednesday with discomfort. The Yankees have also made a roster move, placing infielder Ryan McMahon on the injured list due to a throat infection.

The Atlanta Braves are seeing the return of an outfielder following a lengthy suspension, as Max Kepler was activated after completing an 80-game ban for a PED violation. In contrast, the Minnesota Twins are preparing for a significant pitching setback, as right-hander Mick Abel has been recommended for arthroscopic elbow surgery following a recovery complication. The Kansas City Royals are also facing a potential season-ending procedure, with Cole Ragans likely to undergo surgery on his elbow for an impingement that has sidelined him since May.

ROSTER MOVES AND CONTRACT TALKS

The landscape of player contracts and league policies is a subject of ongoing discussion. The MLB Players Association has proposed a ban on prop betting involving individual players, a measure aimed at curbing harassment from disgruntled gamblers. In related labor talks, Major League Baseball is seeking to implement a maximum contract length of 5 years for free agents switching teams. Meanwhile, the St. Louis Cardinals have seen a significant front-office change, with Bill DeWitt III elevated to chief executive officer.

Several teams are activating players from the injured list, bringing reinforcements to their rosters. The Cincinnati Reds have activated Elly De La Cruz after he spent just over three weeks on the IL. The Milwaukee Brewers have also seen a return, as reliever Abner Uribe plans to serve his one-game suspension nearly a month after it was issued. In a roster move, the Brewers have released Luis Rengifo, who had opened the season as their primary third baseman Brewers release Rengifo.

TEAM PERFORMANCE AND PLAYER HIGHLIGHTS

The midway point of the season is bringing shifts in team standings and individual performances. In a notable pitching effort, three Tampa Bay Rays pitchers lost their combined no-hitter in the ninth inning against the Kansas City Royals when Carter Jensen hit a two-run homer. The Los Angeles Dodgers saw their star Shohei Ohtani rebound for a win on the mound after a rough second inning. Fantasy baseball managers are with Eric Karabell offering predictions on potential future performances, such as Caglianone hitting 40 homers.

Amidst the regular season action, some players are delivering unexpected performances. The Chicago Cubs' Dansby Swanson has significantly increased his RBI total in recent games, breaking a franchise record. In an interesting development, the Yankees' Jazz Chisholm's habit of playing while enjoying a lollipop has drawn the attention of manager Aaron Boone. Meanwhile, the MLB Power Rankings have seen a shake-up as the season reaches its official midpoint, with a No. 2 debut and a powerhouse emerging.

PLAYER HEALTH AND REHABILITATION

Player health remains a significant factor impacting team performance. The Oakland Athletics have seen infielder Zack Gelof exit a game with a hand injury after a cleat spike incident. The Philadelphia Phillies scratched Kyle Schwarber due to lower back tightness, while Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams was a late scratch with left side tightness. The New York Mets are concerned about Juan Soto, who departed a game early with back tightness.

The road to recovery continues for several players. Pirates rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin has begun a rehab assignment at Double-A Altoona. The Toronto Blue Jays' Single-A affiliate has experienced an unusual season, facing numerous weather delays and postponements that have impacted their schedule. The Boston Red Sox have seen Rafael Devers apologize for his actions at first base, attributing the incident to a misunderstanding.