MLB Baseball 24-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: March 22, 2026, 1:30 AM ET
Opening Day Roster Moves & Injuries
As Major League Baseball nears its official start, several teams finalized their active rosters while contending with late-spring setbacks. The Cubs confirmed that outfielder Seiya Suzuki will miss Thursday’s opener against Washington after sustaining a minor ligament strain in his right knee during the World Baseball Classic, a significant blow to Chicago's lineup right out of the gate. Meanwhile, the New York Yankees secured a veteran presence by officially placing 34-year-old Randal Grichuk onto the Opening Day roster, signaling confidence in his ability to contribute immediately.
Minor League Options & Player Releases
Teams across the league made final determinations regarding player placements, often sending high-potential talent or veterans seeking opportunities to the minor leagues or granting them immediate free agency. Baltimore optioned Dean Kremer to the minors despite the right-hander leading the Orioles in wins, innings pitched, and strikeouts last season, suggesting the club is prioritizing developmental time or rotation flexibility early on. Furthermore, the Pittsburgh Pirates reassigned their highly touted 19-year-old prospect, Konnor Griffin, to minor league camp Saturday. Veteran reliever Ryan Brasier was granted his release by the Texas Rangers, while the Nationals similarly released right-handed pitcher Drew Smith from his minor league contract following roster cuts.
Rotation Setups & Contract Decisions
Finalizing pitching alignments proved complex for several clubs, leading to unconventional rotation sequencing and contract buyouts. The New York Mets announced they will utilize a five-man rotation to commence the season, slotting veteran Sean Manaea into a piggyback role coming out of the bullpen, according to manager Carlos Mendoza. In related roster movement, outfielder Austin Slater exercised a release clause in his contract with the Detroit Tigers after failing to secure a spot on the Opening Day roster, allowing him to pursue opportunities elsewhere immediately.