After an injury-shortened 2025 season, Cole Ragans suffered more bad luck on April 8 thanks to a thumb injury. That was one of several injury-related news stories on the day, which also saw Zack Wheeler and Patrick Sandoval embark on rehab starts.

Ragans leaves start early

Royals pitcher Cole Ragans left his start on April 8 after he suffered a thumb contusion.

Ragans was hit with a line drive from Jose Ramirez that he tried to field. After the trainer and manager came out to assess how he felt, Ragans had trouble commanding the fastball but stayed in for two more batters before he left the game.

Per the left-hander, he is expected to make his next start (h/t MLB.com).

Correa dealing with illness

Astros infielder Carlos Correa missed his second straight game on April 8.

Per the team, Correa was dealing with an illness.

Turang missed another game

Brewers infielder Brice Turang also missed his second straight contest on the 8th.

Per the infielder himself, Turang is dealing with ankle tendinitis.

Rehab assignments

Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler struck out six over 4.1 IP for Lehigh Valley. Much like his past rehab outings, his velocity was down from his 2025 norms, as he averaged 93 MPH on his four-seam and 92 MPH on the two-seamer.

Patrick Sandoval walked three and struck out three over 3.1 innings for Triple-A Worcester. Sandoval averaged 92 MPH on his fastball.

Orioles infielder Jackson Holliday went 1-3 with a walk and a strikeout for Triple-A Norfolk.

Other news

A foot injury kept J.T. Realmuto out of the Phillies’ lineup on April 8 against the Giants.

The White Sox transferred Brooks Baldwin from the 10-day IL to the 60-day IL. Baldwin was placed on the IL earlier in the year with an elbow sprain.

Mariners outfielder Victor Robles was placed on the injured list with a pec strain.

Reds catcher Jose Trevino landed on the IL with a thoracic spine strain.

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