The offseason and spring training are behind us, but there’s plenty of MLB news left to cover.
Here are the noteworthy transactions, injuries and more from the 2026 season.
May 8
iami Marlins call up No. 2 prospect
The Miami Marlins called up No. 2 pitching prospect, left-handed pitcher Robby Snelling, this week from Triple-A Jacksonville, and he will make his MLB debut on Friday night at home against the Washington Nationals.
“It’s pretty surreal,” Snelling said in Miami’s clubhouse on Thursday before walking over to the dugout where fans yelled for his signature. “Still trying to just kind of soak it in and get acclimated with all the guys again that I was around in spring and really take it all in and not let the moment get too big.”
The left-handed Snelling, selected 39th by the San Diego Padres in the 2022 amateur draft, was dealt to Miami in a 2024 package that sent left-hander Tanner Scott and righty Bryan Hoeing to San Diego. Snelling didn’t make the Marlins’ initial 40-man roster this year despite impressing coaches during spring training. He called that both frustrating and motivating.
“I was upset and not necessarily at anybody in general,” Snelling said. “Just being told that you’re not going to get to do what you really had wanted to do as early as you wanted to do is a tough pill to swallow. But then you kind of come back down to earth and realize, ‘Alright, what do I need to do to get to that point where I want to be?’”
Snelling worked on lowering his walks, in part by improving his first-pitch strike rate. In six starts with Triple-A Jacksonville this season, Snelling went 3-1 with the second-best ERA (1.86) among qualified pitchers. He walked more than three batters only twice in those six starts. A spot opened up in the Marlins’ starting rotation after struggling pitcher Chris Paddack was designated for assignment on Tuesday.
May 7
Bryce Miller set to return to Mariners rotation
The Seattle Mariners are battling for the top of the American League West, but reinforcements could soon be on the way. The rotation is expected to receive a major boost, with Bryce Miller saying he is set to rejoin the Mariners, per The Seattle Times.
Miller has yet to debut this season after suffering a left oblique strain early in spring training, landing him on the 15-day injured list to open the year. He has made rehab starts at High-A Everett and Triple-A Tacoma as he works back to full readiness.
Miller is coming off a difficult 2025 season with the Mariners, making 18 starts while posting a 5.68 ERA and 1.41 WHIP with 74 strikeouts over 90.1 innings pitched.
Dodgers’ Mookie Betts could be activated as soon as Monday
The Los Angeles Dodgers may be sitting atop the National League West, but reinforcements are on the way. Mookie Betts is set to begin a rehab assignment Friday night and could rejoin the Dodgers as soon as Monday night, per The Athletic.
The Dodgers’ Triple-A Oklahoma City affiliate announced that Betts will join the team for a rehab assignment on Friday and Saturday. He is expected to use the stint to get back into game rhythm and rebuild timing at the plate before returning to the major league roster.
If Betts returns Monday against the Atlanta Braves, it would mark his first game since April 4, when he suffered an oblique injury against the Washington Nationals.
Yankees expected to promote OF Spencer Jones
After Yankees outfielder Jasson Domínguez was carted off during Wednesday night’s game against the Cleveland Guardians, New York is expected to recall Spencer Jones, per the New York Post.
Domínguez was placed on the 10-day injured list with a low-grade AC joint sprain in his left shoulder and is expected to miss multiple weeks. In his absence, Jones is expected to join the Yankees’ active roster and see immediate playing time in the outfield.
Jones, the Yankees’ No. 6 overall prospect, has been productive at Triple-A this season, hitting 11 home runs with 41 RBIs and posting a .958 OPS across 33 games.
Reds’ Rhett Lowder exits early with right shoulder discomfort
The Cincinnati Reds took another hit to their pitching staff on Thursday, as starter Rhett Lowder exited in the fourth inning against the Chicago Cubs with right shoulder discomfort, the team announced.
Lowder pitched three innings, allowing three runs on one hit with four walks and one strikeout. His status is unclear as he joins a Reds pitching staff already dealing with injuries to Emilio Pagán, Brandon Williamson, Nick Lodolo and Caleb Ferguson.
Jasson Domínguez carted off
New York Yankees’ left fielder Jasson Domínguez left Thursday’s game against the Texas Rangers in a cart after crashing into the wall while catching Brandon Nimmo’s drive leading off the first inning.
Domínguez, playing outfield for the Yankees for the second time this season, ran 81 feet to catch Nimmo’s 101 mph shot. He gloved the ball 375 feet from the plate as his left shoulder hit hard against the video advertising board.
Domínguez’s sunglasses flew off as he fell to the warning track chest first, prompting center fielder Trent Grisham to come over as manager Aaron Boone jogged out to check on Domínguez along with head athletic trainer Tim Lentych, assistant athletic trainer Jimmy Downam and director of sports medicine and rehabilitation Michael Schuk.
Domínguez cupped his head in his glove and sat up after about a minute. He pointed to his shoulder and craned his neck as he was being examined, then walked to a cart under his own power and was seated as the cart drove away.
Matthew Boyd has surgery
Chicago Cubs left-hander Matthew Boyd had surgery Thursday to repair a partial meniscus tear that he suffered in his left knee while playing with his children.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell said he expected Boyd to miss about six weeks.
“It’s kind of the minor meniscus surgery, so we know he’s going to miss a month, six weeks,” Counsell said ahead of his team’s game against the Cincinnati Reds. “Probably closer to six weeks with getting it ramped back up. That’s what we’re hopeful for. Obviously, we’ll see how it all goes, and I think the important thing is how much time do we miss throwing? That’s probably the biggest thing right here. The knee is going to recover pretty quickly, but how much throwing down time do we have to take?”
Boyd, 35, injured the knee on Wednesday. The left-hander joins starters Cade Horton, Justin Steele and Jordan Wicks on the injured list. Horton (elbow) is out for the season while Steele (elbow) is not expected back until the second half.
May 6
Royals’ Cole Ragans exits start vs. Guardians with triceps and elbow soreness
Kansas City Royals left-hander Cole Ragans exited Wednesday night’s start against the Cleveland Guardians after three scoreless innings because of left triceps and elbow soreness, the team announced.
Ragans was dominant before leaving, allowing just one hit and two walks while striking out four batters. He threw just 58 pitches prior to exiting, though his command on the mound has faced criticism at times this season.
The Royals have not yet provided a timeline for further evaluation or a potential return.
He’s off to a rough 1-4 start with a 4.84 ERA, a 1.45 WHIP and 98 strikeouts across 61.2 innings pitched this year. Despite the struggles, Ragans has continued to show swing-and-miss stuff when healthy, remaining one of the Royals’ most important arms in the rotation.
Tigers Place Gleyber Torres on 10-Day IL with Oblique Strain
The Detroit Tigers placed second baseman Gleyber Torres on the 10-day injured list Wednesday afternoon with a left oblique strain. Torres suffered the injury on Saturday during the Tigers 5-1 win over the Texas Rangers.
Torres was injured while trying to score from second base on a single from Riley Greene. He was thrown out at the plate and exited the game after just three innings for the Tigers.
This is not the first time Torres has dealt with an oblique injury. He missed 10 games last season because of a similar issue. Oblique injuries can often linger for hitters because of the strain placed on the core during swings and throwing motions.
Even if the absence is short, the Tigers are expected to feel the loss of Torres in the lineup. He has been one of Detroit’s more productive hitters this season, batting .259 with two home runs, 11 RBIs, 25 walks and a .716 OPS.
Matthew Boyd set to undergo meniscus surgery
The injuries continue to pile up for the Chicago Cubs, who have now lost another arm from their rotation. Matthew Boyd is set to undergo meniscus surgery and will be out for the foreseeable future, per ESPN.
Boyd suffered the injury on Wednesday morning while sitting down to play with his kids. The Cubs will not have a clear timeline for his recovery until after the procedure.
He joins a growing list of injured Cubs pitchers. Cade Horton recently underwent Tommy John surgery on his right elbow, while Justin Steele continues to recover from his own procedure last season.
Boyd was coming off a career year but struggled early this season. In five starts, he posted a 6.00 ERA and a 1.29 WHIP with 31 strikeouts across 24 innings.
Tyler Glasnow leaves start with back pain
Los Angeles Dodgers’ starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow left Wednesday’s game against the Houston Astros before the second inning because of low back pain. Glasnow allowed a home run to leadoff hitter Brice Matthews before retiring the next three batters with two strikeouts to end the first. He returned to the mound to warm up before the second inning but appeared to be in discomfort after throwing a pitch and signaled to the dugout.
Several Dodgers staff members, including manager Dave Roberts, came onto the field to talk to him, and Glasnow walked off the field with them after a couple of minutes. He was replaced by Jack Dreyer. Glasnow’s strikeout of Yordan Alvarez in the first inning was the 1,000th of his MLB career.
A 32-year-old right-hander, Glasnow was limited to 18 regular-season starts last year by right shoulder inflammation that sidelined him from April 27-July 9.
Houston Astros to lose Carlos Correa for season
Houston’s Carlos Correa has a torn tendon in his left ankle that will require season-ending surgery, the star infielder said Wednesday. Correa was injured Tuesday while taking swings in the batting cage before a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
“I was hitting in the cage, normal day, feeling great,” he said. “I went through my whole routine, took a swing and just felt a pop. It just completely snapped on me and then I fell to the ground and couldn’t put weight on it.”
Correa was on crutches and in a walking boot Wednesday morning at the ballpark after seeing a foot specialist. He said he would seek some other opinions before scheduling the surgery.
Correa, 31, said the injury was a “complete tear” and his recovery is expected to take six to eight months.
It’s yet another blow to an Astros team that has dealt with scores of injuries this season, including an oblique injury to Yainer Diaz that landed the catcher on the injured list Tuesday.
Correa, who is back with the Astros after last summer’s blockbuster trade from the Twins, played third base for Houston last season with Jeremy Pena at shortstop. But Correa has been playing shortstop recently with Peña out with a hamstring injury.
Correa is batting .279 with three home runs and 16 RBIs.
May 5
Roman Anthony day to day with wrist injury
The Boxton Red Sox may have avoided a major problem as outfielder Roman Anthony is reportedly day-to-day with a wrist injury, per Chris Cotillo. Anthony injured his wrist, while hitting a foul ball on Monday, and exited the game. After Tuesday’s report, he may not miss a long period of time.
Cal Raleigh returns to the lineup
Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh returned to the lineup on Tuesday. Raleigh had missed three games with right side soreness, but the injury was minor, and the slugger is now active again. He’s slashing .186/.272/.380 with seven home runs through 33 games.
Rays place LHP Steven Matz on injured list
The Tampa Bay Rays placed left-handed pitcher Steven Matz on the 15-day injured list with left elbow inflammation, per Ryan Bass. Over his first seven starts this season, Matz has a 4-1 record with a 3.86 ERA and 28 strikeouts.
May 4
How Realistic Is a Mike Trout Homecoming to Philadelphia?
With the Philadelphia Phillies off to a rocky start, trade speculation has begun as the club looks for ways to rebound from a 14–20 record. One name that has surfaced as a potential target is Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels.
The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal discussed the possibility during an appearance with Kevin Burkhardt on MLB on FOX on Monday afternoon, but he remains unsure whether a trade for Trout is realistic at this time.
“I still don’t see it,” Rosenthal said. “Keep in mind, Trout has never expressed any desire to move on from the Los Angeles Angels. He’s had opportunities to say, ‘hey, I’d like to get going somewhere else,’ but he hasn’t done that.”
That lack of urgency to leave has reinforced the Angels’ position as they continue to build around Trout, who has not shown any real interest in leaving the organization over the years.
“He has a full no-trade clause, so he has control over his situation,” Rosenthal said. “Also, his trade value right now is not necessarily what you might think it is, even though he’s off to a great start.”
Beyond the financial hurdles, there’s the simple reality that he seems genuinely content in Anaheim, regardless of the outside noise.
“While it’s always fun to imagine going back to his roots,” Rosenthal said. “I just don’t see it happening.”
OF Roman Anthony exits with injury
Boston Red Sox outfielder Roman Anthony exited Monday’s game against the Detroit Tigers with a wrist injury, per Ian Browne. In the top of the first inning, Anthony fouled off a pitch and stepped out of the batter’s box grimacing. He ultimately left the game.
Anthony’s first full MLB season was off to a slow start as he was slashing .231/.357/.324 with one home run through 29 games.
Orioles Sign Veteran Reliever Lou Trivino
After opting out of his minor league deal with the Philadelphia Phillies, veteran reliever Lou Trivino signed a major league contract with the Baltimore Orioles on Monday afternoon, per The Athletic.
Travino, 34, is set to join his sixth team in the league after spending last season with the San Francisco Giants, Los Angeles Dodgers and Phillies. He put together 47.2 innings pitched out of the bullpen with a 3.97 ERA.
Since returning in 2025 after missing two seasons due to Tommy John surgery on his right elbow, he has reestablished himself as a bullpen option across multiple teams. The Orioles signed him to a major league deal for additional bullpen depth.
Baltimore has been hit hard by injuries, with several relievers, including Ryan Helsley, Yaramil Hiraldo, Keegan Akin, Andrew Kittredge and Félix Bautista, currently sidelined or dealing with health issues.
By adding Trivino, the Orioles gained a durable arm to help mitigate the workload of a strained pitching staff.
May 3
Ronald Acuña Catches Break with a Hamstring Injury, But Goes to IL
Ronald Acuña will be out for a little, but he and the Atlanta Braves are fortunate that he won’t be sidelined for a longer period of time. Acuña was placed on the 10-day injured list after an MRI found he suffered a Grade 1 hamstring strain.
“All things considered, it could have been a lot worse,” Walt Weiss told reporters on Sunday.
Acuña left Saturday night’s game against the Colorado Rockies in the second inning. He was attempting to run out a ground ball before he pulled up about halfway down the base path and grabbed at his hamstring.
The five-time All-Star and 2023 National League MVP is batting .252 with two home runs, nine RBIs, 17 runs and a team-high seven steals. He had played in all 34 games after a torn ACL he suffered in May 2024 limited him to a combined 144 games over the past two seasons.
The Braves activated right-hander Spencer Strider from the injured list prior to Sunday’s start. The 2023 All-Star was set to make his season debut after being sidelined with a strained oblique. The Braves optioned right-hander Hunter Stratton to Triple-A Gwinnett following Saturday’s game to make room for him. They also selected outfielder José Azócar’s contract from the minor league club on Sunday with Acuña going on the injured list.
May 2
New York Mets extend Luis Torrens
The New York Mets signed catcher Luis Torrens to a two-year, $11.5 million extension, according to The Athletic. Torrens, who’s in his third season with the Mets, has driven in four runs over 13 appearances this season, owning a .200/.200/.267 slash line.
Behind the plate, he has posted three defensive runs saved this season (11 appearances, eight of them being starts) and posted 11 defensive runs saved in 2025 (86 appearances, 72 of them being starts).
May 1
Milwaukee Brewers place Brandon Woodruff on IL
Brewers pitcher Brandon Woodruff has gone on the injured list one day after a reduction in his velocity caused him to leave a game in the second inning.
The Brewers announced Friday that the two-time All-Star was going on the 15-day injured list due to right shoulder inflammation. The Brewers recalled right-hander Easton McGee from Triple-A Nashville before beginning a three-game series with the Washington Nationals.
None of the 21 pitches Woodruff threw exceeded 86.9 mph in the Brewers’ 13-1 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Thursday. Woodruff’s average fastball velocity in that game was 85.4 mph, well below his season average of 92.5.
Woodruff had a 1-0 count on Nolan Arenado in the second inning when Brewers coaches and athletic training staff went to check on him. Woodruff left the game at that point.
“He doesn’t feel like he’s injured,” Murphy said after Thursday’s game. “He said, ‘My arm’s dead. Nothing’s coming out.’ I think we just have to be really cautious here.”
This represents the latest injury-related setback for the 33-year-old right-hander, whose fastball averaged about 96 mph as recently as 2023. Woodruff had a lat strain that prevented him from pitching in the postseason during Milwaukee’s run to the NL Championship Series last year. That injury didn’t prevent him from starting this season on time. He underwent shoulder surgery after the 2023 season and didn’t pitch at all in 2024, but he returned midway through last season and went 7-2 with a 3.20 ERA in 12 starts.
Nico Hoerner exits Chicago Cubs’ game with neck injury
Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner left Friday’s game against the Arizona Diamondbacks because of neck tightness.
Hoerner hit a leadoff double and scored on Michael Busch’s two-run single in the first inning. Matt Shaw batted for Hoerner in the second and remained in the game at second base.
The Cubs said Hoerner’s neck tightness was on his left side.
Hoerner has been one of the majors’ best players so far this season. The two-time Gold Glove Award winner is batting .297 with four homers, 26 RBIs and seven steals in 32 games.
Hoerner, who turns 29 on May 13, agreed to a $141 million, six-year contract in March. He was selected by the Cubs in the first round of the 2018 amateur draft.
April 30
Arizona Diamondbacks activate Gabriel Moreno
The Arizona Diamondbacks activated their Gold Glove catcher from the 10-day injured list. Moreno had been sidelined by a strained left oblique. He was in the starting lineup for the opener of a weekend series at the Chicago Cubs.
“Having Gabby healthy and in this lineup means we’re a different team,” Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said. “It’s the quality of at-bat, it’s how he controls the running game defensively, how he runs the game behind the plate. So nothing against the other catchers, he’s just very dynamic, has a lot of tools.”
The 26-year-old Moreno is batting .275 with five RBIs in 13 games this season. He got hurt in an April 10 matchup against the Philadelphia Phillies.
New York Mets place another position player on the IL
The depleted New York Mets took another hit Thursday when center fielder Luis Robert Jr. was placed on the 10-day injured list with lumbar spine disc herniation. Robert, 28, hasn’t played since the first game of Sunday’s doubleheader against the Colorado Rockies due to what the team said was lower back tightness. An MRI administered on Wednesday revealed the injury. The IL move was retroactive to April 27.
Manager Carlos Mendoza said Robert had an epidural and was instructed to rest for seven to 10 days. He said team doctors were hopeful Robert could return shortly thereafter.
“It’s just frustrating from both ends — for Luis, for us,” Mendoza said before the series finale against the Washington Nationals. “But we’ve got to get him back right.”
The IL stint is the 10th since 2021 for Robert, who has previously been sidelined by right hip, right knee, left wrist and left hamstring issues as well as blurred vision. He has played more than 110 games just once — in 2023, when he finished 12th in the AL MVP voting after hitting 38 homers for the Chicago White Sox.
The Mets acquired Robert from the Chicago White Sox in exchange for Luisangel Acuna in January in hopes the former Gold Glove Award winner could help improve their up-the-middle defense. He was limited to back-field duty for most of spring training in an attempt to keep him healthy for the regular season.
Robert had a homer and five RBIs in the first two games of the season but has just five hits in his last 38 at-bats dating back to April 13 to drop his season average to .224. Shortstop Francisco Lindor (left calf) and first baseman/designated hitter Jorge Polanco (left Achilles, right wrist) are also on the injured list for the Mets, who began Thursday with baseball’s worst record at 10-20.
Reds lose another starter to injury
The Cincinnati Reds placed left-handed starter Brandon Williamson on the 15-day injured list with left shoulder fatigue after undergoing an MRI on Thursday morning.
“Structurally it came back good,” Reds manager Terry Francona said. “He will go on a shoulder program (for) range of motion, strength, all that stuff.”
Williamson, 28, was pulled after three innings in Wednesday’s 13-2 loss to the Colorado Rockies after allowing four runs on four hits. He walked four and struck out four. He is 2-3 with a 6.11 ERA in six starts after missing all of last season following left elbow surgery in September 2024.
Williamson made the club out of spring training when fellow left-hander Nick Lodolo landed on the IL with a blister on his left index finger. A setback for Williamson was not unexpected.
“When he made the club, because he pitched so well in the spring, we were all concerned that, OK, it’s going to be every five or six days, there’s going to be some hiccups,” Francona said.
The Reds (19-11) are off to their best 30-game start since 2006 despite being without starters Hunter Greene and Lodolo, and with Andrew Abbott struggling with a 6.59 ERA in six starts.
April 29
Garrett Crochet to injured list
The Boston Red Sox put the star left-hander on the 15-day injured list because of left shoulder inflammation and recalled utilityman Nate Eaton from Triple-A Worcester.
Last year’s AL Cy Young Award runner-up, when he went 18-5 with a 2.59 ERA, Crochet has a 6.30 ERA through six starts in 2026. Crochet (3-3) struck out seven over six shutout innings in Saturday’s 17-1 win at the Baltimore Orioles, looking every bit like the ace Boston traded for in December 2024 and signed to a $170 million, six-year contract in March 2025.
The Red Sox fired manager Alex Cora and five coaches following Saturday’s game. Crochet’s win over the Orioles came two starts after the ugliest outing of his Red Sox career — an 11-run debacle over 1 2/3 innings at the Minnesota Twins on April 13. Crochet has been an All-Star in each of the past two seasons.
New York Yankees call up blue-chip pitching prospect
Veteran outfielder Randal Grichuk was designated for assignment Wednesday by the Yankees, clearing a spot on their roster to activate right-hander Elmer Rodriguez for his major-league debut.
Rodriguez, one of the Yankees’ top prospects, was set to start Wednesday, when AL-best New York looked to complete a three-game series sweep at the Texas Rangers. The 34-year-old Grichuk, who was with his seventh team over 13 big-league seasons, was hitting .194 with no homers and two RBIs in 16 games. He agreed to a minor-league contract with the Yankees in late February that included an invitation to spring training, and he broke camp with the team.
Switch-hitting outfielder Jasson Dominguez was called up by the Yankees on Monday, when Giancarlo Stanton missed his third consecutive game with a strained right calf before being placed on the 10-day injured list.
The 22-year-old Rodriguez, who pitched for Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic last month, is taking Luis Gil’s spot in the starting rotation after the right-hander was sent to Triple-A following a rough start in a 7-4 loss to the Houston Astros on Sunday.
Kikuchi exits start against White Sox early
Los Angeles Angels starter Yusei Kikuchi left Wednesday’s game against the White Sox in Chicago after two innings with left shoulder tightness.
The two-time All-Star left-hander was replaced by lefty Mitch Farris, who had been called up from Triple-A Salt Lake before the game after Joey Lucchesi was designated for assignment.
Kikuchi allowed no runs on two hits and a walk with one strikeout before exiting. The 34-year-old from Japan, an All-Star last season with Los Angeles, entered Wednesday at 0-3 with a 6.21 ERA in 29 innings in six games, all starts.
Kukuchi is in his eighth major league season and pitched for Seattle, Toronto and Houston before signing as a free agent with the Angels in November 2024. He has career mark of 48-61 with a 4.51 ERA.
Los Angeles entered Wednesday having lost five straight and nine of 10.
Angels recall Mitch Farris, DFA Lucchesi
The Los Angeles Angels recalled left-hander Mitch Farris from Triple-A Salt Lake and designated lefty Joey Lucchesi for assignment on Wednesday before their game in Chicago against the White Sox.
The 25-year-old Farris returns to the Angels for a second stint this season. He was 0-0 with a 2.08 ERA over 4 1/3 innings in three games earlier this month.
Farris was 1-3 with a 6.66 ERA in five appearances, all starts, with Los Angeles in 2025. The Atlanta Braves traded him to the Angels in December 2024.
Lucchesi, in his eighth major league season, was 0-1 with 13.50 ERA in 3 1/3 innings over five games with the Angels in 2026 after signing with them as a free agent on April. 9. He previously pitched for the Padres, Mets and Giants, and is 23-28 with a 4.15 ERA in 124 games, including 77 starts, for his career.
The 6-foot-5, 32-year-old Lucchesi’s best season was his second in the majors in 2019 with San Diego, when he was 10-10 with a 4.18 ERA while making 30 starts.
April 28
Jackson Chourio to begin rehab assignment
Milwaukee Brewers star outfielder Jackson Chourio will begin a rehab assignment this week with the intention of returning to the big leagues by Monday, May 4, the team announced. The 22-year-old sustained a fracture in his left hand while representing Venezuela during the World Baseball Classic before the season. He played through pain at first, before being sidelined. After nearly a two-month recovery, he will make his 2026 season debut next week.
Spencer Strider to return to Braves’ rotation
Atlanta Braves RHP Spencer Strider will officially make his 2026 season debut this weekend against the Colorado Rockies. Strider was placed on the 15-day injured list with an oblique injury prior to the season. After a month-long absence, he made three rehab starts, and now will return to the big-league squad. Despite injuries to Strider and fellow starting pitcher, Spencer Schwellenbach, the Braves have been one of the best teams in baseball to start the season.
Ohtani to pitch without DH duties on Tuesday Night
Shohei Ohtani is set to make his fifth start on the mound this season on Tuesday night against the Miami Marlins, but he is not expected to be in the lineup.
It marks the second time this season that manager Dave Roberts has kept Ohtani out of the lineup while he pitches, and just the second time that this has occurred at all. He will also take the mound on five days’ rest, the first time this season he has worked on fewer than six days between starts.
The decision is part of the Dodgers’ ongoing effort to manage his workload as both a pitcher and designated hitter early in the season.
Without Ohtani in the lineup, the Dodgers will be without one of their most productive hitters. He is batting .278 with six home runs, 13 RBIs and a .898 OPS, providing steady middle-of-the-order production even in a down – for him – season so far. However, the Dodgers have bench options to fill in like catcher, DH and first baseman Dalton Rushing, who has hit seven home runs in 13 games in 2026.
On the mound, Ohtani’s has been shown dominance. The righty has a 0.38 ERA through his first four starts, going 2-0 while allowing just one earned run across 24 innings.
Padres say Manny Machado’s leg injury exit was precautionary
The San Diego Padres are off to a strong start this season, but they had a brief concern Monday night against the Chicago Cubs when third baseman Manny Machado exited the game with a leg injury.
Machado grounded out to end the previous inning before being tended to by trainers in the dugout and eventually removed from the contest. Ty France shifted from first to third base, while Gavin Sheets entered the game at first.
Manager Craig Stammen later told reporters after the game that Machado’s removal was for precautionary reasons.
“He’s fine,” Stammen said. “We took him out as a precaution. It looked like he was running down the line a little slow. Came out of the box awkwardly. He had a couple of slides to second that weren’t great on his lower half, so we’ll talk to him tomorrow and see how he’s feeling and evaluate him going forward.”
Machado has been a steady presence in the lineup this season, hitting .232 with four home runs and 16 RBIs. Even with the early exit, the Padres remain confident that his status is day-to-day as they continue their strong start.
For now, the Padres will hope the scare amounts to nothing more than a short-term pause for one of their key bats in the lineup.
April 27
Giancarlo Stanton to injured list
The New York Yankees slugger will go on the injured list with a low-grade strain of his right calf. Stanton exited Friday’s series opener at the Houston Astros after experiencing calf stiffness while running the bases and missed the following three games, including Monday’s series-opening 4-2 win over the Texas Rangers.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone revealed the results of an MRI after the game.
“It doesn’t look too serious, but enough to not want to wait a couple of more days,” Boone said.
Asked if Stanton could return as soon as he’s eligible to come off the 10-day IL, Boone said that’s possible, but he didn’t want to put a timetable on it.
The Yankees recalled outfielder Jasson Dominguez from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre before Monday’s game, and the switch-hitter went 1 for 4 with a strikeout as the designated hitter in his 2026 big-league debut. New York had an open spot on its 26-man roster after right-hander Luis Gil dropped to 1-2 with a 6.05 ERA in four starts and was optioned to Triple-A after Sunday’s loss to the Astros.
Stanton, a five-time All-Star, is hitting .256 this season with three home runs and 14 RBIs in 24 games this season. He has been plagued by injuries and hasn’t played a full season since 2018, his first with the Yankees. Stanton has been out of the lineup due to injuries to his elbows (2025), left hamstring (2020, 2023 and 2024), left quadriceps (2021), and right ankle and left Achilles (2022).
Toronto puts Scherzer on IL with forearm, ankle injuries
Three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer was put on the 15-day injured list by the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday because of right forearm tendinitis and left ankle inflammation.
A 41-year-old right-hander, Scherzer is 1-3 with a 9.64 ERA in five starts.
Toronto made the IL move retroactive to Saturday and recalled right-hander Chase Lee from Triple-A Buffalo.
Scherzer, who started Game 7 of last year’s World Series, remained with the Blue Jays by agreeing to a $3 million, one-year contract that allows him to earn $10 million in performance bonuses for innings starting with 65.
He allowed seven runs and six hits, including three home runs, in 2 1/3 innings during an 8-6 loss to Cleveland on Friday. It was the third time this season Scherzer failed to complete three innings.
He left an April 6 start against the Los Angeles Dodgers because of forearm pain, then allowed eight runs and five hits in 2 1/3 innings in an April 12 defeat to Minnesota.
An eight-time All-Star, Scherzer went 5-5 with a 5.19 ERA in 17 starts and 85 innings for the Blue Jays last season. He made three starts in the postseason, beating Seattle 8-2 in Game 4 of the AL Championship Series and making two starts in the World Series against the Dodgers.
Scherzer won titles with Washington in 2019 and Texas in 2023. He ranks 11th on the strikeouts list with 3,499, 10 behind Hall of Famer Walter Johnson.
Braves shuffle rotation in anticipation of Strider’s return
Right-hander Reynaldo López, who opened the season as Atlanta’s No. 2 starter, is moving to the bullpen as Braves manager Walt Weiss shuffles his rotation for a series against Detroit.
More changes could be coming, with right-hander Spencer Strider possibly making his season debut in this weekend’s series at Colorado after opening the season on the injured list because of a strained oblique.
Left-hander Martin Perez (1-1, 2.70 ERA) is scheduled to start Tuesday night’s series opener against Detroit. Rookie JR Ritchie, who won in his major league debut on Thursday at Washington, is scheduled to start Wednesday. Right-hander Bryce Elder (3-1, 1.95) is set for Thursday’s start.
Weiss said he expects López (1-1, 3.74) to return to the rotation after he works out some mechanical flaws in his delivery. Weiss said López is a reliever “for now.”
“We see him as a starter,” the skipper said. ‘He’s working through some things, delivery-wise, that type of thing, and he’s getting right there. And when he’s right, he’s one of our best starters. He was our No. 2 coming out of camp, even with some of the issues at the end of spring training.
“So we see him as a starter long term, but right now, trying to iron some things out. He’s going to help us out of the ‘pen in the short term.”
Right-hander Spencer Schwellenbach, who was expected to be one of the team’s top starters, and Hurston Waldrep, who was a candidate for the rotation, could return in June following elbow surgeries.
April 25
Nathan Lukes lands on IL
The Toronto Blue Jays put the outfielder on the 10-day injured list Saturday because of a strained left hamstring and selected outfielder Yohendrick Piñango from Triple-A Buffalo.
Lukes exited Friday’s game against the Cleveland Guardians in the bottom of the first inning. He led off with a double but walked off following a brief discussion with the trainer and manager John Schneider. Lukes’ double was his 11th hit in 21 at-bats. He previously had been struggling with dizziness and vision problems caused by vertigo. Lukes started the season 2-for-31 and was hitless in 23 at-bats in April before his recent surge.
Lukes becomes the 12th player on Toronto’s injured list, a group that also includes designated hitter George Springer (fractured left big toe), outfielder Addison Barger (sprained left ankle), catcher Alejandro Kirk (fractured left thumb) and outfielder Anthony Santander (left shoulder). Piñango hit .288 with three homers and 13 RBIs in 22 games at Buffalo this season. He has yet to play in the majors. To make room for Piñango on the 40-man roster, Toronto moved right-hander Yimi Garcia (elbow) to the 60-day injured list.
April 24
Jeff Hoffman out of closer role
The Toronto Blue Jays are moving Hoffman out of the closer’s role, general manager Ross Atkins said before Friday’s game against the Cleveland Guardians.
“In the short term, we are going to share that responsibility,” Atkins said.
Hoffman is 1-2 with three saves in six chances and a 7.59 ERA in 12 games this season, his second with Toronto. The right-hander came on for the save in the ninth inning of Tuesday’s game against the Los Angeles Angels. He struck out Zach Neto to begin the inning, but the next four batters reached safely, with two of them hit by pitches. Louis Varland replaced Hoffman and got Nolan Schanuel to ground into a game-ending double play.
Varland and sidearming right-hander Tyler Rogers are among the candidates to close games for the Blue Jays. Hoffman signed a $33 million, three-year contract with Toronto in January 2025. He was a first-time All-Star with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2024.
April 23
Mets receive negative news on Francisco Lindor
Hours after shortstop Francisco Lindor was placed on the 10-day injured list with a calf strain, New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza offered another update, saying Lindor will be out “quite a bit.” His stint on the injured list will likely last longer than the 10-day minimum. It puts a damper on an exciting Wednesday night for New York, who had got Juan Soto back from injury and broke its 12-game losing streak.
The Mets called up Ronny Muricio to increase their depth in the middle of the infield.
Phillies release RHP Walker in last year of deal
The slumping Philadelphia Phillies released veteran right-hander Taijuan Walker before Thursday’s game against the Chicago Cubs and recalled righty Nolan Hoffman from Triple-A Lehigh Valley.
Walker, in his 14th major league season, exited the Phillies clubhouse a couple of hours before Thursday’s contest. He’s in the final year of a four-year, $72 million contract.
The 33-year-old Walker was an All-Star with the New York Mets in 2021 and peaked with a 15-6 record and 4.38 ERA with Philadelphia in 2023. But he’s slid ever since, starting 2026 at 1-4 with a 9.13 ERA in five games, and has a combined 9-19 record with a 5.67 ERA over the past three seasons.
Walker gave up five runs (four earned) on eight hits in four innings in starting and taking the loss at Wrigley Field on Wednesday. With ace Zack Wheeler set to return on Saturday, Walker was bumped out of the Phillies rotation.
Dave Dombrowski, the Phillies’ president of baseball operations, said the team tried to trade Walker’s contract “various times,” but found no takers.
“We know and he knows that he gave every effort that he possibly could to try to get people out and it just wasn’t working,” Dombrowski added. “Maybe a change of scenery will help him.’
“He’s one of the best teammates and one of the best people I’ve been around,’ manager Rob Thomson said. “This guy’s a pro, performance aside.
April 22
Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson safe for now
Dave Dombrowski says he’s looking at “everything that’s taking place” with Philadelphia’s poor start to the season, and he has no immediate concerns about Rob Thomson being the manager to get the Phillies back to the World Series.
Speaking to reporters ahead of a 7-4 loss to the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday night — Philadelphia’s seventh loss in a row — the Phillies’ president of baseball operations stood behind Thomson’s work and said he’s been a good manager since replacing Joe Girardi in 2022.
“Generally, I’ve said about 40 games of the season is when you start to say, ‘OK, where are we shaping up? Guys have had enough time,’” Dombrowski said. “But there’s no magic in that number. Sometimes it’s a little bit more, sometimes it’s a little bit less. They’re not happy with their performances.
“I’m responsible for putting the club on the field, so I’m not happy with the way it’s going.”
The Phillies were 8-15 entering Wednesday night’s game against the Cubs, the second-worst record in the National League behind the New York Mets. Philadelphia has lost eight of its last 10 games.
“We just haven’t played very well,” Dombrowski said, adding that some individual players have played fine, but “as a group, I don’t think any part of our team has excelled.”
Lucas Giolito signs
The 31-year-old starting pitcher has signed a one-year deal with the San Diego Padres, the team announced. Giolito’s contract includes a mutual option for 2027.
Giolito, a 2019 All-Star, spent the 2025 season with the Boston Red Sox, posting a 3.41 ERA, a 1.29 WHIP, 2.1 wins above replacement and a 118 ERA+ over 26 regular-season starts. The Padres, who are tied with the Los Angeles Dodgers for the best record in MLB at 16-7, are 11th in MLB with a 3.53 ERA starting rotation ERA.
Giolito has also played parts of nine seasons in the majors for Washington, the Chicago White Sox, the Los Angeles Angels and Cleveland, going 71-66, with a 4.30 ERA and a 1.26 WHIP.
He has been durable and dependable for most of his career while earning an All-Star selection in 2019 and throwing a no-hitter in 2020. Despite missing a season because of injury, he ranks in the top five among AL pitchers from 2018-25 in innings pitched (1,092), strikeouts (1,153), wins (68) and complete games (5).
But Giolito remained on the free agent market nearly one month into the regular season before landing with the Padres, who are pitching superbly this season despite major upheaval and injury problems in their rotation.
Opening day starter Nick Pivetta went on the injured list last week with a right elbow flexor strain that could keep him out for months, while Joe Musgrove has yet to make his season debut after a slower-than-expected return from Tommy John surgery. Yu Darvish already is out for the season with an elbow injury, and Dylan Cease left last fall for a $210 million free-agent deal with Toronto.
Giolito will slot immediately into a rotation that currently includes Michael King, Randy Vasquez, German Marquez and former Dodgers star Walker Buehler.
April 21
Adley Rutschman activated
The Baltimore Orioles reinstated their star catcher from the injured list before their Tuesday night road game against the Kansas City Royals. Rutschman hasn’t played since April 10 because of left ankle inflammation. He hit .294 with six doubles in his first 10 games of the season. The Orioles designated catcher Sam Huff for assignment.
Rutschman, a two-time All-Star, is coming off his worst season at the plate. He hit .220 with nine home runs and 29 RBIs last year and played only 90 games.
Red Sox place Gray on IL
The Boston Red Sox placed right-hander Sonny Gray on the 15-day injured list on Tuesday with a right hamstring strain and recalled lefty Tyler Samaniego from Triple-A Worcester to replace him on the roster.
Gray lasted just 2 2/3 innings against the Detroit Tigers on Monday, giving up one run on three hits before experiencing discomfort in his right leg. He said after the game he had similar problems in 2022 and ’24.
“I kind of knew what it was,” he said. “It just happens every now and then. It’s just something that I’m always having to monitor since the first time it happened.”
Gray, 36, is 2-1 with a 4.30 ERA in five starts this season. He is 127-103 with a 3.59 ERA in a 14-year career with six teams.
Samaniego, 27, made his major league debut on April 8 against the Milwaukee Brewers and appeared in three games for the Red Sox, throwing 3 2/3 hitless, scoreless innings. He is 10-8 with a 3.89 ERA over six minor league seasons.
April 20
Dodgers’ Díaz set to undergo right elbow surgery, three-month absence expected
The Los Angeles Dodgers are off to a strong start to the season at 15-6, but they are set to lose one of their biggest offseason additions. All-Star reliever Edwin Díaz will undergo right elbow surgery that is expected to sideline him for around three months, according to ESPN. The procedure will be to remove loose bodies from his right elbow.
After signing a three-year, $69 million deal this offseason, Díaz seemingly struggled to find his footing in just six innings out of the bullpen this season. He recorded just four saves and 10 strikeouts while posting a 10.50 ERA prior to the injury.
April 16
Gerrit Cole beginning rehab assignment
The New York Yankees’ superstar right-hander, who won the 2023 American League Cy Young Award, will make a rehab start for the team’s Double-A affiliate on Apr. 17, manager Aaron Boone announced on Apr. 15. Cole, who’s recovering from Tommy John surgery, hasn’t pitched in an MLB game — excluding spring training — since the 2024 World Series due to the aforementioned elbow injury.
New York’s starting rotation entered Apr. 16 fourth in MLB in ERA (3.12) and WHIP (1.04), tied for fifth in strikeouts (105) and tied for seventh in opponent batting average (.214). The Yankees, who are in second place in the AL East at 10-8, are also without left-hander Carlos Rodon (elbow and hamstring) and right-hander Clarke Schmidt (elbow). Cole, a six-time All-Star, will turn 36 in September.
April 15
Kevin McGonigle inks huge deal
The Tigers announced Wednesday they have agreed to an eight-year, $150 million contract extension with rookie infield McGonigle. The 21-year-old made the Tigers’ Opening Day roster and is ranked the No. 2 prospect in the sport by MLB Pipeline. The deal begins next season and carries through 2034, covering his final five seasons of club control and his first three years that he would have been eligible for free agency. The $150 million is guaranteed and the deal includes contract escalators for the final three seasons that could raise the value to a maximum of $160 million.
McGonigle will earn guaranteed salaries of $1 million in 2027, $7 million in 2028, $16 million in 2029, $21 million in 2030, $22 million in 2031 and $23 million in the 2032, 2033 and 2034 seasons. The contract escalators could increase his 2032 maximum base salary to $25 million, his 2033 maximum to $26 million and his 2034 maximum to $28 million. The deal includes a $14 million signing bonus and a $5 million bonus each time the contract is assigned to another major league team. Through 17 games, McGonigle has totaled one home run and eight RBIs, while boasting a .311/.417/.492 slash line. He has made nine starts at third base and seven at shortstop. Last season (2025), across three levels of minor-league ball (A, A+ and Double-A), McGonigle totaled 19 home runs and 80 RBIs across 88 games, while recording a combined .305/.408/.583 slash line. McGonigle never appeared in Triple-A ball.
April 14
Giolito drawing interest from Cubs, Padres
Former All-Star starting pitcher Lucas Giolito remains a free agent midway through April, but multiple teams – like the Cubs, Padres and others – are eyeing him as an addition to their staff, per The Athletic.
The Cubs have two rotation members on the IL already, in Matthew Boyd and Cade Horton, and while Boyd should return from his strained biceps soon, Horton’s season might be over thanks to potential elbow surgery. The Padres, meanwhile, removed Nick Pivetta from Sunday’s start against the Rockies with right elbow stiffness, which will likely result in, at least, a stint on the IL.
Giolito missed the 2024 season recovering from a partial Tommy John surgery with an internal brace procedure, but returned in 2025 to produce a 3.41 ERA across 26 starts with the Red Sox. The veteran right-hander struggled early, but as he shook off the rust posted a 2.51 over his last 19 starts and 111.1 innings, with 7.6 strikeouts per nine innings. He rejected a $19 million option for 2026 with Boston, making him a free agent, but has been unable to secure a deal since.
White Sox prospect Schultz to debut
Chicago White Sox pitching prospect Noah Schultz is scheduled to make his major league debut in a start against the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday night following his recall from Triple-A Charlotte.
Schultz, a 6-foot-10, 22-year-old left-hander, was 3-0 with a 1.29 ERA in three games and 14 innings in with Charlotte. He permitted only six baserunners while striking out 19 of 47 batters. Schultz is rated by Baseball America as the No. 1 prospect in the White Sox organization and No. 21 overall.
The White Sox selected Schultz in the first round, 26th overall, in the 2022 MLB Draft. The Chicago-area native is a graduate of Oswego (Illinois) East High School, about 40 miles west of Rate Field.
At 22 years and 252 days old, Schultz will be the youngest starting pitcher to debut with the White Sox since Michael Kopech (22 years, 113 days) on Aug. 21, 2018, against Minnesota.
The White Sox also brought back outfielder Everson Pereira from a rehab assignment at Charlotte on Tuesday and reinstated him from the 10-day injured list. Chicago placed right-hander Jonathan Cannon on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to April 13) with right hip inflammation.
Pereira, 24, went on the injured list on April 5 (retroactive to April 3) with a left ankle sprain. He’s batting .250 with a home run, RBI and three runs scored in five games. Pereira was acquired from Tampa Bay on Nov. 18, 2025.
Christian Yelich to IL
The Milwaukee Brewers have reportedly placed Yelich on the 10-day injured list with a left groin strain. Yelich was removed from Milwaukee’s Sunday afternoon matchup against the Washington Nationals due to the aforementioned injury.
Through 15 games this season, Yelich has totaled one home run, 10 RBIs and three stolen bases, while owning a .314/.375/.451 slash line as Milwaukee’s primary designated hitter. Last season, the three-time Silver Slugger totaled 29 home runs and 103 RBIs.
April 13
Astros place Pena, Imai on IL
The Astros placed All-Star shortstop Jeremy Pena on the 10-day injured list with a hamstring strain and rookie right-hander Tatsuya Imai on the 15-day IL with right arm fatigue Monday. The pair of moves were the latest blows to last-place Houston’s roster, which has endured an abundance of injuries early in the season.
“We’ll get through this,” manager Joe Espada said. “But, I’m doing well. I just don’t like when our players are injured. They work really hard in the offseason to come back in shape, and expectations are for us to go out there and perform and get back to the postseason, and this makes it tough to have our guys getting banged up. But, we’ll fight through this.”
Espada said he hopes it’s not a long IL stint for Peña, and that Imai will undergo more testing after returning to Houston.
In corresponding moves, the Astros recalled right-hander J.P. France, left-hander Colton Gordon and infielder Shay Whitcomb from Triple-A Sugar Land. Right-hander Jayden Murray was optioned to Sugar Land after pitching two innings and allowing two earned runs in Sunday’s game.
Yankees return Winquest to Cardinals
Cade Winquest’s New York Yankees career ended without him throwing a pitch that counted.
New York returned the 25-year-old right-hander to the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday, three days after he was designated for assignment.
Winquest was selected from St. Louis during the Rule 5 draft at December’s winter meetings and became the Yankees’ first Rule 5 player to make the opening day roster since infielder Josh Phelps in 2007. He didn’t get into any regular-season games.
St. Louis paid $50,000 for Winquest after the Yankees paid $100,000 to select him at the draft.
He went 0-1 with a 7.20 ERA over nine spring training appearances. An eighth-round pick by the Cardinals in the 2022 amateur draft out of the University of Texas at Arlington, he was in the St. Louis farm system from 2023-25.
April 12
Blue Jays OF George Springer heads to IL
The Toronto Blue Jays will be without outfielder George Springer for an extended period of time after he suffered a big toe fracture. He sustained the injury on Saturday afternoon in the third inning of a 7-4 loss to the Minnesota Twins.
Manager John Schneider said after the game that Springer underwent X-rays at the stadium and is also scheduled for a CT scan. Springer will head to the 10-day injured list.
“It will look a little bit different if George is not in there, obviously,” Schneider told reporters after the game. “We’ll kind of figure it out day by day if he’s not there.”
The injury adds to an already difficult stretch for Toronto on the health front. The team is dealing with multiple starters missing time, including outfielder Anthony Santander, infielder Addison Barger and catcher Alejandro Kirk.
Springer has also struggled at the plate early this season. He’s putting together a .185 batting average with two home runs and six RBIs across 14 games and 54 plate appearances.
With one of the team’s most experienced players sidelined, Toronto will need to adjust its lineup as it looks to find more consistency early in the season.
White Sox call up one of their top prospects
The Chicago White Sox have spent the past few seasons retooling their farm system and now one of the organization’s top young arms is finally getting the call to the big leagues.
Left-hander Noah Schultz is expected to be promoted to the majors. He is the No. 2 prospect in the organization and No. 46 overall in baseball, according to MLB.com and is set to make his debut Tuesday night against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Schultz was a first-round pick in the 2022 MLB Draft out of Oswego East High School and has moved quickly through the system, looking sharp to open the season. At Triple-A, he’s posted a 1.29 ERA with 19 strikeouts across 14 innings.
Schultz works from a low arm slot that creates a tough angle for hitters, and it all ties into a slider that has become his best weapon. The pitch sits in the low 80s and sweeps across the zone, playing well against both righties and lefties. His fastball has also shown upper-90s velocity at times.
Manager Will Venables is expected to ease him into the rotation, likely as the White Sox’s fifth starter, but the long-term upside is what stands out. Schultz will be in a group that includes Sean Burke, Anthony Kay, Davis Martin, and Erik Fedde.
“I’m very excited about Noah,” Venables told the Chicago Sun-Times. “He’s about as nice a guy and polite a guy as can be, but he does have an edge when he goes out there and pitches, which you love to see.”
Since being drafted, Schultz has logged a 2.94 ERA with 248 strikeouts over 202.1 innings in the minors. He has been able to steadily climb each level along the way and establish himself as one of the most intriguing young arms in the minors.
April 11
Mets activate Craig Kimbrel
The Mets have called up the reliever and nine-time All-Star, per the New York Post. The Mets signed the 37-year-old to a minor-league deal in January. He made six appearances for the Mets in spring training, posting a 4.50 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and five strikeouts over 6.0 innings pitched. Last season, Kimbrel made 14 combined appearances (13 with the Astros and one with the Braves), recording a 2.25 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and 17 strikeouts over 12 innings pitched. Kimbrel is fifth in MLB history with 440 career saves.
April 10
Seiya Suzuki making season debut
The Cubs’ outfielder/designated hitter is making his 2026 debut on April 10, as the team announced it has reinstated Suzuki and designated outfielder Dylan Carlson for assignment. Suzuki, who will start in right field and bat fifth in the Cubs’ Friday afternoon matchup against the Pirates, hadn’t yet played this season due to a knee sprain that he suffered while playing for Team Japan in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Last season, Suzuki totaled a career-high 32 home runs and 103 RBIs, while posting a .245/.326/.478 slash line.
April 9
Tigers’ Parker Meadows hospitalized after unfortunate collision
Tigers center fielder Meadows was hospitalized overnight after a head-to-head collision with outfielder Riley Greene. A pop fly was hit up in the air, with Greene making the catch and Meadows landing on his back, blood appearing on his face. Medical personnel then helped him stand, carting him off to be treated. Meadows had started 11 of 13 games for the Tigers, batting .250 and having two extra-base hits. He made his major league debut two years ago, also suffering an a nerve injury, causing him to miss his first two months.
Angels lose reliever Robert Stephenson for 2026
Angels right-hander Stephenson will miss the 2026 season after having ligament and flexor tendon repair surgery on his right elbow. It is the continuation of injury woes for Stephenson, who was expected to be one of the team’s top relievers after signing a three-year, $33 million deal in January 2024. He missed the 2024 season after undergoing an ulnar collateral ligament repair with an internal brace in May 2024.
Stephenson was limited to 12 games in 2025 after he was diagnosed with a stretched biceps nerve. The 33-yard-old had a setback in spring training after attempting to pitch through thoracic outlet syndrome symptoms he experienced in the offseason. Stephenson, who made his MLB debut with Cincinnati in 2016, has a 4.69 ERA in nine seasons.
“This guy wants to pitch, this guy wants to be good,” Angels manager Kurt Suzuki told MLB.com. “Up until he had that setback in spring training, he was in a good spot mentally. He was excited, he was happy to be back on the mound. So this is heartbreaking.”
April 8
Orioles’ Zach Eflin undergoes Tommy John surgery
Orioles right-hander Eflin has undergone season-ending Tommy John surgery after leaving a start last month. The surgery was performed by Dr. Keith Meister in Arlington, Texas, the Orioles said. Eflin has been out since leaving with elbow discomfort in the fourth inning of a start against the Rangers on March 31. The start was his first since last July after dealing with back and lat injuries last season. Eflin, 32, finished 6-5 with a 5.93 ERA in 14 starts last season and re-signed with the team for $10 million in the offseason. He is 68-67 with a 4.28 ERA in 201 career starts over nine big league seasons with Baltimore, Tampa Bay and Philadelphia.
Konnor Griffin signs record deal with Pirates
The Pirates signed Griffin, who just recently made his MLB debut, to a nine-year deal, the club announced. The total value of the deal is $140 million, and is the largest contract in team history. Griffin, whom Pittsburgh selected with the No. 9 pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, is the No. 1 prospect in MLB, per MLB Pipeline. The 19-year-old shortstop has appeared in five games for the Pirates, driving in three runs and boasting a .176/.300/.235 slash line in the early going.
“This week has been amazing, debut week, and then sitting here signing a contract, it’s been amazing,” Griffin said. “It’s one of the best weeks of my life. … But it’ll be even better if we can get a win today.”
Pirates owner Bob Nutting said the nine-year contract reflects the team’s commitment in winning this season and in the future.
“This is an important step for 2026 as we look at it right now, but obviously, this is a long-term commitment,” Nutting said. “It’s a long-term statement of where we’re headed as an organization, where we are headed with this team. … This obviously is an unusual and dramatic step for the Pittsburgh Pirates. So I’m excited, I hope our fans are excited, I hope the city is excited, I know the organization is excited.”
When asked why it was important to sign for nine years, Griffin said he sees the Pirates as a winning organization.
“I’m pumped to be a Pirate and be a part of this wonderful clubhouse,” Griffin said, looking at his teammates at the back of the room. “A lot of great talent back there and coaches and staff. Thank you all for being here to support me. Y’all made this transition to the big leagues super easy. And I’m just pumped to go compete. The goal is to win. The goal is to win a World Series. And I think we’ve got a great clubhouse to go do that. I’m pumped to be part of it.”
The Pirates selected Griffin with the ninth overall pick in the 2024 amateur draft. He sprinted through the team’s farm system, hitting .333 with 21 home runs, 94 RBIs and 65 stolen bases. He was one of the final cuts during spring training last month, and his stay at Triple-A Indianapolis was brief.
White Sox option Opening Day starter Shane Smith
The White Sox optioned Opening Day starter Smith to Triple-A Charlotte on Wednesday after three shaky outings to begin the season. An All-Star as a rookie last year, Smith has been struggling with his fastball command. The 26-year-old right-hander is 0-2 with a 10.80 ERA. He has allowed 10 earned runs in 8 1/3 innings while walking nine and striking out 11. Smith threw 3 1/3 scoreless innings in Tuesday’s start against Baltimore, but needed 99 pitches to do it. He walked five and hit a batter, and the White Sox went on to lose 4-2 after the Orioles scored three in the eighth.
“He’s a total pro,” manager Will Venable said. “He takes accountability and understands the spot that he’s putting the team in. And really it’s about getting him to be the best version of himself. This guy is a very good pitcher. He’s an important part of this organization and an important part of our success.”
The White Sox don’t expect it to be a long stay in the minors. But Venable wasn’t putting a timeline on his return.
“You know we have a very clear idea of what we need to do,” Venable said. “We just weren’t able to get those results to stick here. So he’s going to continue to make his adjustments.”
The White Sox also selected left-hander Tyler Schweitzer’s contract from Charlotte and transferred infielder and outfielder Brooks Baldwin (right elbow surgery) to the 60-day injured list on Wednesday.
Guardians shortstop Gabriel Arias expected to miss 4-8 weeks
Cleveland Guardians shortstop Gabriel Arias is expected to miss four to eight weeks with a moderate left hamstring strain that occurred during Monday night’s game against Kansas City. The 26-year-old was hurt while running out a double in the fifth inning and left the game. He was placed on the 10-day injured list Tuesday after undergoing medical tests, the results of which were announced Wednesday. “He’s in some pain,” Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said before the three-game series finale against the Royals. Arias, who is batting .200 with two homers and four RBIs in 10 games, will be re-examined weekly throughout his rehabilitation. This is his third full season as a starter for Cleveland.
The Guardians recalled second baseman Juan Brito from Triple-A Columbus to take his place in the lineup, while moving Brayan Rocchio from second to shortstop. They started the final two contests against Kansas City.
April 7
Cubs’ Cade Horton out for remainder of season
Cubs pitcher Horton is done for the 2026 season after an MRI indicated significant UCL damage in his right elbow, per Chicago manager Craig Counsell. This is the 24-year-old’s second elbow reconstruction surgery, getting Tommy John surgery in 2021 during his time at Oklahoma. Last season, Horton pitched 23 games with the Cubs, starting 22 of them. He had a standout season, logging a 2.67 ERA, 97 strikeouts and an 11-4 record.
Diamondbacks put Carlos Santana on IL
Diamondbacks first baseman Santana, the oldest active position player in the majors, was placed on the 10-day injured list Tuesday with a right adductor strain. The designation is retroactive to Monday for Santana, who was injured during his lone plate appearance Sunday. The 39-year-old singled against the Braves before being lifted for a pinch-runner in the Diamondbacks’ 6-5, 10-inning win. Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said he didn’t know the severity of the strain but expected Santana to be sidelined beyond the 10-day minimum.
Orioles trade for reliever Nick Raquet
The O’s acquired left-hander Raquet in a trade with the Cardinals. The addition of Raquet puts another lefty in the bullpen for first-year manager Craig Albernaz. The 30-year-old Raquet was designated for assignment by the Cardinals on Sunday. The O’s also transferred right-hander Zach Eflin to the 60-day injured list. Right-hander Brandon Young was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk. Eflin, 32, is sidelined with right elbow discomfort. Baltimore sent minor-league second baseman Brayden Smith to St. Louis for Raquet, a third-round pick in the 2017 amateur draft. Raquet made his major-league debut last year, tossing two scoreless innings for the Cardinals in September. He was 1-0 with a 3.00 ERA in two relief appearances for Triple-A Peoria this season, last pitching on Wednesday.
White Sox place OF Austin Hays on IL
Chicago placed Hays on the 10-day injured list on Tuesday with a right hamstring strain. Hays got hurt during Monday night’s 2-1 loss to the Orioles. The 30-year-old Hays signed a $6 million, one-year contract with the White Sox in free agency. He is batting .219 with a homer and six RBIs in nine games this season. The White Sox also brought up outfielder Dustin Harris from Triple-A Charlotte. Right-hander Mike Vasil, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery, was transferred to the 60-day injured list. The 26-year-old Harris signed a minor league deal with the team in December. He is batting .217 (10 for 46) with two homers and five RBIs in 21 career MLB games — all with Texas.
April 6
Mets place Juan Soto on IL, recall Ronny Mauricio
The Mets have placed left fielder Soto on the injured list and recalled Mauricio to take his place, per USA Today. He’s expected to miss at least two weeks. The move is retroactive to April 4, when Soto was diagnosed with a right calf strain after undergoing an MRI. The 27-year-old slugger is hitting .355/.412/.516 with a home run and 11 hits to begin the season. Mauricio, a utility infielder, played in 61 games for the Mets in 2025, batting .226/.293/.369.
April 5
Astros lose ace Hunter Brown to IL
Houston has placed RHP Brown on the 15-day injured list — for the first time in his career — with a right shoulder strain, the team announced. Brown threw six innings vs. the Red Sox on Tuesday. He allowed one run, one hit and struck out eight batters in what was his first start since throwing 4 2/3 innings on Opening Day vs. the Angels.
April 4
Mookie Betts leaves Dodgers game early
Betts exited the Dodgers’ game vs. the Nationals in the bottom of the first inning with lower back pain, the team shared. In his only plate appearance before exiting, Betts drew a walk before scoring from first base on Freddie Freeman’s two-run double in the top of the first. Shortstop Miguel Rojas replaced Betts in the bottom of the first.
Tigers’ Justin Verlander lands on IL
The Tigers announced that they placed the veteran starting pitcher on the 15-day injured list due to left hip inflammation. In the one start he has made this season, Verlander, who’s in his second stint with the Tigers (he pitched in Detroit from 2005-17), surrendered five runs and eight baserunners (six hits and two walks) across 3 2/3 innings. Right-hander Keider Montero was recalled from Triple A to take Verlander’s roster spot.
April 3
Brewers sign prospect Cooper Pratt to eight-year, $50M deal
Milwaukee finalized an eight-year, $50.75 million contract with Pratt, adding the prized 21-year-old shortstop prospect to the 40-man roster and optioning him to Triple-A Nashville. The deal with Pratt includes club options that could keep him with the Brewers through the 2035 season. Pratt is among the top prospects in a Brewers farm system that ranks among the best in MLB. He was rated by MLB Pipeline as the No. 60 overall prospect.
Yankees’ Carlos Rodón hopeful injury is minor
Yankees left-hander Rodón thinks his tight right hamstring is only a minor setback in his return from elbow surgery last October. Rodón felt the tightness after throwing 50 pitches of batting practice Sunday at the team’s complex in Tampa, Florida. Rodón got hurt while running and New York called off a planned minor league injury rehabilitation outing at Double-A Somerset. Rodón is recovering from surgery on Oct. 15 to remove loose bodies in his left elbow and shave a bone spur.
Johan Oviedo added to injured list
The Red Sox have placed the right-hander on the 15-day injured list due to a right elbow strain, the team announced. In the one appearance that Oviedo has made this season, he surrendered two home runs, four earned runs and six hits over 3 2/3 innings pitched. Boston acquired Oviedo from the Pirates in the offseason.
April 1
Nick Lodolo making rehab start for Reds
Lodolo is expected to throw 60 to 65 pitches during a rehab assignment on April 2. The left-hander, who’s on the injured list due to a blister on his left index finger, will make his rehab start for Single-A Daytona against Jupiter in a Florida State League game. If Lodolo has a successful outing, he could join the Reds’ rotation during next week’s series at Miami. Lodolo was 9-8 with a 3.33 ERA and 156 strikeouts last season.
Red Sox catcher Carlos Narváez scratched
Narváez was scratched from Boston’s finale with the Astros on April 1 for an undisclosed reason. Narváez was removed from the lineup about 2.5 hours before first pitch and replaced behind the plate by Connor Wong. The 27-year-old Narváez is hitting .444 in three games this season. He is in his second season in Boston after beginning his career with the Yankees.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
