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Last updated: April 4, 2026, 2:30 AM ET

NLB Injury Woes Mount Across Leagues

The National League slate was marred by multiple key injuries, starting with the New York Mets watching slugger Juan Soto depart early in the first inning of their victory over the Giants due to tightness in his right calf. Compounding the grim outlook for NL outfielders, the Arizona Diamondbacks placed Jordan Lawlar on the 10-day injured list after the rookie sustained a fractured right wrist from being struck by a pitch against Atlanta. In the American League, the Minnesota Twins also lost a star outfielder when Byron Buxton exited Friday’s 10-4 home opener against the Rays nursing a right forearm contusion, adding pressure to an already thin lineup.

Catcher & Pitcher Updates Plague Contenders

The injury bug continued to bite high-leverage players late Friday, as Toronto Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk underwent X-rays following the 10th inning after being drilled on the thumb of his glove hand by a foul tip off Austin Hays' bat. Meanwhile, the Chicago Cubs suffered a setback on the mound when starter Cade Horton left after only two innings of the loss to the Guardians due to right forearm discomfort, forcing the team to prepare to place him on the IL for further evaluation. To manage pitching depth, the Kansas City Royals recalled Luinder Avila from Triple-A Omaha to make the series opener start against Milwaukee, as original starter Michael Wacha was sidelined due to illness.

Rookies Shine & Veterans Set Tone

Despite the concerning injury reports, several players delivered memorable performances, most notably Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Konnor Griffin dazzling in his debut by hitting an RBI double to help the Pirates edge the Orioles 5-4 in their PNC Park home opener. On the East Coast, the New York Yankees celebrated their home opener with an emphatic 8-2 victory over the Marlins, fueled by Captain Aaron Judge whose pregame text message and subsequent home run established the assertive tone for the reigning AL champions.