The Astros and Blue Jays were two teams that dealt with many significant injuries last season. Unfortunately, that trend has extended into 2026. Hunter Brown, the Astros’ ace, hit the injured list on April 5. And as for the Blue Jays, an ankle issue forced Addison Barger out of his team’s game against the White Sox.
Brown on IL
Astros pitcher Hunter Brown landed on the IL with a right shoulder strain. It is retroactive to April 2.
Manager Joe Espada stated that Brown dealt with soreness after working through his throwing program. The right-hander flew back to Houston to get looked at.
Brown struck out 17 over his first 10.2 IP this season.
Betts placed on injured list
The Dodgers placed Mookie Betts on the 10-day IL with a right oblique strain.
Betts was placed on the injured list one day after he was removed from the Dodgers’ game with what was called lower-back pain. But an MRI revealed an oblique strain. Manager Dave Roberts stated that he’s hopeful that Betts can return before the likely four-to-six week recovery window for said injury.
Barger left game on April 5
The Blue Jays had to remove 3B/OF Addison Barger from the game on April 5, thanks to ankle discomfort.
During the third inning of the Blue Jays/White Sox game, Barger aggravated his ankle while he ran out to first base. He was visibly upset but remained in the game for the time being. Ultimately, though, he didn’t stay.
Barger wasn’t the only one to leave that game early. Eric Lauer, who had his start pushed back a day thanks to an illness, only last two innings.
Trout suffers hand injury
Angels outfielder Mike Trout was removed from the team’s game on April 5 after he took a 94 MPH fastball off his left hand. It was described as a contusion by manager Kurt Suzuki and was listed as day-to-day.
X-rays on his hand came back negative (h/t MLB.com).
Rehab assignments
Orioles second baseman Jackson Holliday went 0-5 during Game 1 of Norfolk’s doubleheader against the Memphis Redbirds.
Seiya Suzuki went 1-2 with a walk for Double-A Knoxville. He was removed for a defensive substitution in the sixth inning.
Other notes
Mets outfielder Juan Soto (calf) and Mariners infielder Brendan Donovan (groin) did not play on April 5.
The Rangers placed reliever Carter Baumler on the 15-day IL with a right intercostal strain.
Cubs pitcher Cade Horton, who was removed from his start on April 3, was placed on the IL with a forearm strain.
White Sox outfielder Everson Pereira landed on the injured list with a left ankle sprain.
The Pirates placed infielder Jared Triolo on the 10-day IL with a right knee patellar tendon injury.
Anthony Santander and Cody Ponce (Blue Jays) were transferred to the 60-day IL.
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