MLB Baseball 8 Hours

Last updated: April 7, 2026, 2:30 AM ET

Pitching Injuries & Tensions Flare Across MLB

Pitching health remains a major concern across the league following Monday's slate, as both a top starter and a Cy Young winner exited early with physical ailments. Texas Rangers ace Jacob de Grom admitted feeling discomfort in his right knee prior to facing the Mariners, ultimately limiting him to just five innings and 78 pitches in the victory. Compounding the injury news, Blue Jays veteran Max Scherzer was pulled from Toronto’s 14-2 rout by the Dodgers due to right forearm tendinitis. The drama extended beyond the mound, where Cardinals catcher Willson Contreras issued a stern warning after being plunked for the 24th time by a Milwaukee pitcher this season, threatening retaliation if he is hit again.

Milestone Moments & Home Field Return

While injuries plagued several teams, other players achieved significant personal benchmarks and franchises celebrated homecoming wins. Cleveland’s Jose Ramirez officially took sole possession of the franchise record for most games played, surpassing the previous mark with his 1,620th appearance. Meanwhile, Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh broke through his early-season slump, hitting his first home run of the year after enduring a 10-game drought, a span during which the slugger who led the majors with 60 homers last season was searching for power. Finally, the Tampa Bay Rays returned to a functional Tropicana Field, defeating the Cubs in their first home game in 561 days following the extensive roof damage sustained from Hurricane Milton.