Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.
The latest MLB injury update has placed Cade Horton, Hunter Brown, and Mookie Betts among several key players sidelined early in the 2026 season, forcing teams like the Chicago Cubs, Houston Astros, and Los Angeles Dodgers to adjust quickly. With the regular season only weeks underway, these injuries are already shaping team strategies and testing roster depth across the league.
Astros lose ace Hunter Brown
The Houston Astros face a major challenge after right-handed pitcher Hunter Brown was placed on the injured list with a Grade 2 shoulder strain. Brown, who finished third in the American League Cy Young race last season, had emerged as the team’s rotation leader following Framber Valdez’s departure.
From the early games this season, Brown showed strong form before the injury, but his absence leaves a gap in a rotation that already has mixed performances. Tatsuya Imai has shown promise, while Lance McCullers Jr. appears improved after a difficult 2025 season. Cristian Javier has struggled, increasing the pressure on the rest of the staff.
According to team updates, Brown is expected to miss several weeks, with a possible return around late May or early June if his recovery progresses without setbacks. In the meantime, pitchers like Spencer Arrighetti, Ryan Weiss, and Cody Bolton may be called on to handle increased workloads.
Cubs dealt blow with Cade Horton injury
The Chicago Cubs have been hit by a long-term setback after rookie pitcher Cade Horton was ruled out for the season with an elbow injury requiring surgery. Horton exited his April 3 start against the Cleveland Guardians with forearm discomfort, and further evaluation confirmed the severity of the issue.
From a tactical standpoint, Horton’s absence reduces the Cubs’ rotation depth significantly, especially with Matthew Boyd also sidelined due to a biceps strain. Shota Imanaga and Edward Cabrera are now expected to lead the rotation, with Cabrera making a strong early impression.
Veterans Jameson Taillon, Javier Assad, and Colin Rea will play key roles in stabilising the pitching staff. The Cubs may also rely more heavily on their offense, which has yet to find consistent rhythm in the opening weeks of the season.
Dodgers manage without Mookie Betts
The Los Angeles Dodgers will be without shortstop Mookie Betts for several weeks after he sustained a right oblique strain. Betts, an eight-time All-Star, has been central to the Dodgers’ strong start, particularly with his defensive role in the infield.
During recent games, the Dodgers have rotated options such as Miguel Rojas, Santiago Espinal, Alex Freeland, and Hyeseong Kim to cover shortstop and second base. While the team’s lineup remains one of the strongest in Major League Baseball, the infield adjustment has been noticeable in both defensive positioning and batting order flexibility.
Manager Dave Roberts has indicated optimism that Betts could return on the earlier side of a four to six week recovery timeline. Until then, the Dodgers will rely on their depth and star power across the lineup to maintain momentum.
Other key injuries across MLB
The New York Mets are navigating a short-term absence for Juan Soto, who is expected to miss two to three weeks with a right calf strain. Soto’s durability has been a hallmark of his career, making this injury a rare interruption. Manager Carlos Mendoza has adjusted the batting order, with Francisco Lindor, Bo Bichette, Jorge Polanco, and Luis Robert Jr. taking on greater responsibility.
Meanwhile, the Toronto Blue Jays will be without catcher Alejandro Kirk for around six weeks following thumb surgery. Kirk’s role behind the plate and in the batting lineup makes him a difficult player to replace. Tyler Heineman and Brandon Valenzuela are expected to share catching duties, focusing on defensive stability while the team works through an already challenging start in the American League East.
Across the league, the early wave of injuries has highlighted the importance of depth and adaptability. As teams continue to adjust lineups and rotations, the coming weeks will be critical in determining how well contenders can manage without some of their most important players.