Midway point of 2026 season brings roster changes and injury updates

Teams reached the official midway point of the 2026 season this week with each club playing its 81st game. Washington holds baseball's highest-scoring offense at the halfway mark. The attack has moved the club into the NL wild-card standings. The bullpen has recorded MLB's lowest strikeout rate in June and has blown an MLB-high eight saves.

Injury developments Arizona placed closer A.J.

Puk, outfielder Jordan Lawlar, and starting pitchers Michael Soroka and Ryne Nelson on the injured list over a 48-hour span. Each player is expected to miss several weeks. Corbin Burnes also suffered a setback in his return from Tommy John surgery. Texas announced Tuesday that pitcher Jack Leiter will undergo surgery to remove loose bodies near his right ankle.

Leiter had pitched through the injury for nearly two months and posted a 9.88 ERA in June. He is expected to return before the end of the season.

Offensive and defensive notes Miami improved its run differential to positive territory for the first time since 2010. The club reached a 42-39 record and entered the wild-card mix. Athletics catcher Shea Langeliers leads the fan vote for the All-Star Game with 1,414,697 votes.

His 152 total bases rank first among primary catchers. First baseman Nick Kurtz also received strong support. Baltimore used career outfielder Leody Taveras at third base for seven innings Monday after an injury to another player. Taveras recorded a backhanded stop and completed a one-hop throw to first base in his first inning at the position.

Cincinnati's offense has struggled since June 1.