MLB Baseball 8 Hours

Last updated: June 20, 2026, 2:30 AM ET

Injury Updates and Roster Moves

Tigers veteran pitcher Justin Verlander is sidelined for multiple weeks due to a left hamstring strain, dealing a blow to the Detroit rotation, while the Royals are managing a mild MCL sprain for shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. Although the injury is classified as a Grade 1 strain, the team opted against placing him on the injured list for now. In Texas, the Rangers optioned second baseman Josh Smith to Triple-A Round Rock, a move coming only days after he returned from a 37-game absence caused by a combination of physical injuries and a bout with viral meningitis.

Team Lineup Adjustments

The Dodgers are dealing with significant personnel hurdles as Shohei Ohtani remains away from the club on paternity leave, forcing him out of Friday's lineup against Baltimore. The team also confirmed that catcher Will Smith will delay his return from a neck injury, with management indicating he will not be activated this weekend and likely will miss the upcoming road trip starting Monday. Meanwhile, Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. rejected suggestions that he should begin wearing a protective cup, despite suffering a painful groin injury from a foul ball during Thursday’s contest.

Pitching Performances and Game Disruptions

Braves batters faced a high-velocity threat Friday as Brewers ace Jacob Misiorowski topped out at 104.2 mph during a strong outing, though the display was not enough to secure a victory for Milwaukee. In Arizona, starter Michael Soroka exited after just one inning against Minnesota due to posterior left hip discomfort, creating immediate concern for the Diamondbacks bullpen. The American League pitching landscape continues to draw attention, as Cam Schlittler earned high-level praise after fanning 13 batters, with NBA champion Josh Hart labeling the right-hander the top arm in the league.

Operational Oddities

Umpires faced an unusual situation in the top of the first inning during the Padres-Rangers matchup, as only two officials took the field to start the game. The shortage of personnel on the diamond marked a rare administrative hiccup in an otherwise standard night of league action.