MLB Baseball 8 Hours

Last updated: May 29, 2026, 8:53 PM ET

Injury Woes Rattle Multiple Teams

The Tigers placed Casey Mize on the IL with right adductor inflammation, further depleting their already thin rotation. The club's closer Kenley Jansen was also placed on the 15-day injured list with pelvic inflammation, compounding their pitching staff issues. Across the league, injuries continued to mount as the Marlins lost pitcher Eury Pérez for approximately two months with a leg injury sustained while stretching in the dugout. Meanwhile, the Red Sox activated Garrett Whitlock retroactive to May 25, though he'll miss time with left knee inflammation, and the Minnesota Twins placed Kendry Rojas on the 15-day IL due to elbow inflammation.

Return to Action

The Rays welcomed back Ben Williamson after he spent two weeks on the injured list with a lower back strain, providing a boost to their infield. In Texas, Rangers second baseman Josh Smith returned to uniform for the first time since being hospitalized with viral meningitis in mid-May, though he remains uncertain when he'll resume playing. The Cardinals recruited Jimmy Crooks from Triple-A to serve as Ivan Herrera's backup, with manager Oliver Marmol indicating he plans to utilize him regularly. However, the Pirates kept rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin out of the lineup due to soreness in his right forearm during Thursday's 7-2 loss to the Cubs.

Draft Landscape

As college baseball regionals commence, several programs stand out with multiple MLB draft prospects, though the 2026 draft class remains a topic of discussion among scouts. Early mock drafts project the top 40 picks, with certain names rising up team boards as the draft approaches. The balance between college and high school talent continues to shape team strategies as organizations prepare for June's amateur draft.

Labor Uncertainty

Baseball's collective bargaining agreement negotiations loom large as the league pushes for a salary cap while the MLBPA remains firmly opposed, setting the stage for potential labor strife in coming seasons. The divide between ownership and players represents one of baseball's most significant challenges as the sport navigates economic pressures and competitive balance concerns.

Historical Note

Twenty-five years after his infamous incognito stunt, former Mets manager Bobby Valentine recalls the night when he went undercover after being ejected from a game, revealing how his players helped hatch the plan that still defines his career in baseball lore.