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4 articles summarized · Last updated: LATEST

Last updated: June 19, 2026, 8:30 PM ET

Injury Updates and Roster Moves

The Texas Rangers optioned second baseman Josh Smith to Triple-A Round Rock on Friday, a surprising move coming just days after the infielder returned from a 37-game absence caused by various injuries and a serious bout of viral meningitis. Meanwhile, the Detroit Tigers face a significant rotation setback as Justin Verlander sustained a left hamstring strain that manager A.J. Hinch expects will keep the veteran right-hander sidelined for multiple weeks.

Player Availability and Equipment Decisions

Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. missed Friday’s matchup against the St. Louis Cardinals due to a Grade 1 MCL sprain, though the club avoided placing their star player on the injured list, hoping for a swift recovery. In the Bronx, New York Yankees infielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. rejected the use of a protective cup despite sustaining a painful injury one day earlier when a foul ball struck him directly in the groin area. The decision leaves the second baseman exposed as he maintains his current defensive approach.