MLB Baseball 3 Days

Last updated: June 26, 2026, 11:31 AM ET

Major League Baseball

Managerial Moves & Roster Shuffles

The New York Mets have fired manager Carlos Mendoza, citing a 34-47 start to the season. This move comes as the organization navigates a challenging period, with president of baseball operations David Stearns indicating that the Aug. 3 trade deadline will be the ultimate decision point on whether to pursue contention or pivot towards 2027. Adding to their pitching woes, the Mets also demoted right-hander Kodai Senga to the bullpen and are considering placing outfielder Juan Soto on the injured list due to back tightness. In another significant trade, the Chicago Cubs acquired left-handed pitcher David Peterson from the Mets, a move driven by the Cubs' urgent need for healthy starting pitchers amid their own injury concerns.

Several clubs are grappling with significant injuries, forcing roster adjustments. The Pittsburgh Pirates placed first baseman Spencer Horwitz on the 10-day injured list with a left hamstring strain, a condition he experienced during Wednesday night's game against Seattle. The Toronto Blue Jays' Single-A affiliate, the Dunedin Blue Jays, faced an unusually high number of weather-related disruptions in 2025, with 24 delays, 10 postponements, and six cancellations. Meanwhile, Rangers shortstop Corey Seager was activated from the concussion list, but the team subsequently placed Cody Freeman on the 10-day injured list due to a herniated disk. The Oakland Athletics saw infielder Zack Gelof leave his game after a severe hand injury from a cleat.

Player Suspensions & Comebacks

Outfielder Max Kepler has been activated by the Arizona Diamondbacks following his 80-game suspension for a positive PED test. In other player news, Brewers reliever Abner Uribe will serve his one-game suspension, nearly a month after it was originally handed down by Major League Baseball.

Contract Talks & Future Events

As part of ongoing Collective Bargaining Agreement talks, the MLB Players Association has proposed a ban on player prop betting to mitigate harassment from disgruntled gamblers, according to a union source. In related discussions, Major League Baseball is pushing for a maximum contract length of 5 years for free agents who switch teams. Philadelphia is set to host the 2026 MLB All-Star Weekend on July 14.

Player Performances & League Trends

Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani secured a win on the mound Wednesday, rebounding from a difficult second inning where a pitch got past the catcher. The Tampa Bay Rays' combined no-hitter against the Kansas City Royals was broken up in the ninth inning when Carter Jensen hit a two-run homer off Craig Kimbrel. Cubs infielder Dansby Swanson's RBI total reached 15 in the series against the Mets, setting a new franchise record. The league is also observing a trend of left-handed hitters performing exceptionally well in 2026, with the automated ball-strike system potentially contributing to this surge in offensive production.

Fantasy Baseball & Underrated Talent

Fantasy baseball managers are looking for future production, with Eric Karabell examining potential milestones like Eric Caglianone hitting 40 homers. Cockcroft has identified a quartet of underrated players who could be valuable additions to fantasy rosters.

Team-Specific News

Louis Cardinals announced the promotion of Bill DeWitt III to chief executive officer, moving up from his previous role as team president. The Minnesota Twins' general manager stated that there are "no plans" to trade veteran All-Star outfielder Byron Buxton. The New York Yankees placed infielder Ryan McMahon on the injured list with a throat infection and recalled utility player Oswaldo Cabrera. The Milwaukee Brewers released Luis Rengifo, who had begun the season as their primary third baseman. The Cincinnati Reds activated Elly De La Cruz after he spent just over three weeks on the injured list.

Injury Updates

The Cubs placed pitchers Ben Brown and Edward Cabrera on the 15-day injured list. Cubs manager Craig Counsell expressed frustration with consecutive rainouts in New York. The Mets saw Juan Soto exit their game with back tightness, and Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber was scratched due to similar lower back issues. Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams was also a late scratch with left side tightness. The Pirates announced that rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin has begun a rehab assignment with Double-A Altoona. The Twins' Mick Abel has been recommended for arthroscopic elbow surgery following a setback in his recovery. Royals pitcher Cole Ragans is expected to undergo surgery for an elbow impingement. Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm's decision to play with a lollipop during a game drew a negative reaction from manager Aaron Boone.