MLB Baseball 8 Hours

Last updated: April 1, 2026, 8:30 PM ET

AL CENTRAL & EASTERN DIVISION SHIFTS

The Astros continued their strong start by sweeping the Boston Red Sox in Houston, clinching a 6-4 victory Thursday that followed some pre-game tension after an earlier hit-by-pitch incident targeting Yordan Alvarez. Meanwhile, the Baltimore Orioles made history when catcher Samuel Basallo successfully challenged a call using the Automated Ball-Strike System, officially ending the game on the successful appeal. In contrast to Boston's struggles, the Atlanta Braves secured a decisive win as veteran starter Chris Sale overcame a severe illness to allow only one baserunner across six dominant innings against the Athletics.

PITCHING PERFORMANCES & INJURY UPDATES

Pitching headlined Thursday's slate, with Sandy Alcantara delivering the season’s first complete game shutout for the Marlins, needing only 93 pitches to dismantle the White Sox in a 10-0 rout. On the opposite side of the spectrum, Paul Skenes earned his first victory of the year, as the reigning NL Cy Young winner limited the Reds to just one run while striking out five over five innings in Pittsburgh's 8-3 decision. However, not all teams found success, as the Kansas City Royals placed All-Star closer Carlos Estevez on the injured list due to a left foot contusion, a significant blow considering Estevez saved a major-league-leading 42 games last season.

TEAM ROSTER MOVES & PROSPECT WATCH

Roster shuffling continues across the league as manager Aaron Boon confirmed that Yankees right-hander Luis Gil is slated to join the major league club around mid-April following his next scheduled start at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. In other personnel news, the Cincinnati Reds expect left-hander Nick Lodolo to take a significant step in his recovery Thursday, targeting 60-65 pitches in his upcoming rehab assignment. Further strengthening their future core, the Pittsburgh Pirates are reportedly deep in contract talks with their consensus No. 1 overall prospect, shortstop Konnor Griffin, aiming to secure him long-term.

AL SPOTLIGHT & GAME INCIDENTS

The Red Sox made several lineup adjustments for their finale against Houston, including scratching catcher Carlos Narváez as manager Alex Cora sought to recalibrate the batting order. Separately, Wednesday's Rays-Brewers contest featured an unusual moment when plate umpire C.B. Bucknor took a foul tip directly off his face mask in the second inning following a swing by Nick Fortes, requiring a brief stoppage in play.