The action on April 3 was quiet across MLB, as only five games took place. However, the day provided notable updates on several injured players, including Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman and Astros pitcher Luis Garcia.
Freeman on IL
The Dodgers placed first baseman Freddie Freeman on the IL on April 3. It’s retroactive to March 31, meaning Freeman could be back as early as the middle of next week.
Freeman injured his ankle last weekend after slipping in the shower, in what was another — and inevitable — instance of a player getting hurt off the baseball field.
Garcia hit a setback
The Astros confirmed right-hander Luis Garcia has been shut down for at least four weeks, thanks to what’s been described as inflammation in his right elbow.
Garcia hasn’t pitched in a MLB game since 2023, as he underwent Tommy John surgery that summer. Since then, he made two rehab starts in the Minors in 2024 but didn’t see MLB action.
Then, in March 2025, Garcia was scratched from a bullpen session thanks to elbow soreness.
He’s not the only notable Astro starter to miss significant time over the years. Lance McCullers Jr. missed all of the 2023 and 2024 campaigns, However, McCullers Jr. is currently on a rehab assignment.
Gonsolin & Giolito rehab updates
Two notable right-handers made their 2025 debuts this week — in Triple-A.
Lucas Giolito threw 2.1 scoreless innings for Worcester on April 2. Giolito, recovering from a hamstring strain, hit as high as 95 MPH on his four-seamer during the start. He hasn’t pitched in a MLB game since the end of the 2023 regular season.
Another notable arm who hasn’t pitched in a MLB game since 2023 is Tony Gonsolin. Gonsolin made his 2025 season debut with Oklahoma City (AAA). The 30-year-old struck out one, gave up a hit, and walked two during 1.2 IP on April 2.
The Dodgers right-hander sat in the low-90s with his four-seamer and topped out at 95 MPH.
Gonsolin came close to making back to Los Angeles in 2024 after undergoing Tommy John almost two years ago. He made three starts in Triple-A before being shut down late last year.
Other news
The Braves transferred starter Reynaldo Lopez to the 60-day IL on April 3. Lopez underwent arthroscopic right shoulder surgery and is out indefinitely.
San Diego transferred Jhony Brito from the 15-day IL to the 60-day IL thanks to a right forearm strain.
Check out more of our MLB coverage.