2026 Injury Report: Updates on Donovan, Palencia, Varsho

Two notable position players left their respective games on April 17, as Brendan Donovan and Daulton Varsho failed to play the full nine. And in other related news, the Cubs are down another reliever and the Mets have to hold their breath regarding another Jorge Polanco injury.

Injury removals

Blue Jays outfielder Daulton Varsho was removed from Toronto’s game on April 17 in the third inning. Per the team, it is due to left knee discomfort.

Mariners infielder Brendan Donovan was removed from his team’s contest on April 17 against the Mariners. He went 0-2 at the plate before he was removed in the fourth inning.

Polanco dealing with another injury

Mets infielder/DH Jorge Polanco is still dealing with an Achilles injury, although manager Carlos Mendoza indicated that he was feeling better in that regard. However, that’s not the only ailment for Polanco.

Per the Mets’ manager, Polanco had an MRI on a sore right wrist. The team was awaiting results on the 17th.

IL placements

Just before the Cubs’ game on April 17, Chicago placed closer Daniel Palencia on the 15-day IL with a left oblique strain.

Mariners infielder Patrick Wisdom also landed on the IL with a left oblique strain.

Tigers utilityman Zach McKinstry was placed on the injured list with left hip/abdominal inflammation.

Rehab assignments

Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole struck out three over 4.1 IP for Double-A Somerset. Cole conceded three hits and one walk (three ER) for the Patriots. Also playing for Somerset, Anthony Volpe went 1-2 with a walk.

Astros outfielder Zach Dezenzo went 0-1 with a run scored for Double-A Corpus Christi.

Orioles reliever Andrew Kittredge gave up four hits and three earned runs over one inning for Triple-A Norfolk. He did not record a strikeout.

Marlins outfielder Kyle Stowers went 1-2 with a walk for Triple-A Jacksonville. Stowers, who has never played a Major League game at first base, played at first during the game.

Angels pitcher Kirby Yates struck out and gave up one hit & one walk for Low-A Rancho Cucamonga.

Other injury news

Cubs manager Craig Counsell noted that Cade Horton had Tommy John surgery on the 16th. Horton is expected to miss 15-16 months.

Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman (ankle) told the media that his ankle is better. Rutschman, on the IL, has not played since April 10.

Rays pitcher Edwin Uceta has been temporarily taken off his rehab assignment, per manager Kevin Cash.

Reds pitcher Nick Lodolo threw a 31-pitch simulated game on the 17th (h/t MLB.com).

Astros reliever Josh Hader was transferred to the 60-day IL.