What is the story about?
Happy Wednesday, everyone! While things have gotten off to a bit of a rough start for the Cubs this season, they aren’t the only club suffering from early season injuries and disappointing numbers. Below, we take a look at some clubs who are being forced to re-assess their plans to get back on track.
Plus, people are still reacting to Jo Adell’s wild weekend, and also looking at how it impacted the pitcher on the mound at the time—Chris Sale. We also take a look at some wild ballpark food, as teams
get more and more inventive to try going viral online and getting attention from fans.
Let’s just get right into it!
- Dan Szymborski looks at how three different contending teams are having to pivot now that they’re facing serious player injuries.
- Ben Clemens looks at some small adjustments that could make big changes for teams down the line.
- The Jays continue to have a bumpy start to the season as Max Scherzer exits a game early. Story by Keegan Matheson.
- Karl Rasmussen reports that Willson Contreras’s beef with the Brewers got worse after a hit by pitch.
- Alden Gonzalez looks at the mounting scandals coming from internation development, and wonders if an international draft is the answer.
- The Athletic staff look at the players making the biggest difference to team Power Rankings in the first weeks. (The Athletic subscription required.)
- Maury Brown assesses the early MLB TV rankings a few short weeks into the 2026 season.
- Now that’s one way to make a comeback.
- Padres’ broadcaster Mark Grant takes a personal career quiz. Story by David Laurila.
- Kennedi Landry shares that the Rangers are waiting on an MRI for Jacob deGrom’s knee.
- Jason Mackey reports that the Pirates are hopeful about working out an extension deal with Konnor Griffin.
- Chris Sale, ever a chill guy, smashed himself in the head with a baseball during a terrible outing. Story by Stephen Douglas.
- Tom Verducci spotlights the youth movement currently taking over baseball.
- Which teams are the most fun to watch in MLB right now? Story by David Schoenfield.
- How a die-hard Angels fan managed to capture Jo Adell’s magic moment. Story by Tyler Kepner. (The Athletic subscription required.)
- Sign me up for that Lobstah Poutine.
- Getting into the food details, the Yankees’ ice cream chicken has turned into a viral sensation. Story by Chris Kirschner. (The Athletic subscription required.)
- Michael Soroka is getting a lot of attention from opposing batters. Story by Michael Baumann.
- Sam Dykstra figures out the most prospect-packed rosters in the minor leagues.
- Karl Rasmussen looks at three free agent pitchers who could still help struggling teams.
- The A’s have sent Luis Morales to the minors to help work on his control issues. (AP)
- The Rays are finally back at Tropicana Field, and looking ahead to their new forever home. Story by Chad Jennings. (The Athletic subscription required.)
- Johnny Flores Jr. takes a look at how the ABS is faring three weeks into the season. (The Athletic subscription required.)
- Wait, are the Rockies good now?
And tomorrow will be a better day than today, Buster. Make it so.
