Eflin underwent Tommy John surgery

Zach Eflin underwent Tommy John surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his elbow, the team announced Wednesday.

Although the Orioles didn't provide a timetable for his return, the surgery effectively ends his 2026 season. Recovery from a full-scale UCL reconstruction can range from 12 to 18 months.

Eflin struck out seven in his first and only start of the season on March 31. However, he left the game hurt after 3 2/3 innings and was placed on the 15-day injured list the following day with what the team called right elbow discomfort.

Lopez and Soler suspended

Lopez and Soler received seven-game suspensions for their roles in Tuesday's benches-clearing brawl, MLB announced Wednesday.

López and Soler were also fined an undisclosed amount. Both players appealed their punishments.

Ron Francis stepping down

Seattle Kraken president of hockey operations Ron Francis is stepping down at the end of the season, the team announced Wednesday.

Francis moved into the president role last summer after serving as the Kraken's general manager for the franchise's first six years, starting his tenure two years before Seattle's inaugural 2021-22 campaign. Jason Botterill succeeded him as GM and will lead the team's hockey operations following Francis' departure.

Pirates sign Griffin to 9 Years



Konnor Griffin is with the Pittsburgh Pirates for the long haul.

The 19-year-old shortstop agreed to a nine-year, $140 million contract with the Pirates early Wednesday, less than a week after the former first-round pick made his major league debut.

The deal, the largest in club history, includes escalators that could raise the total value to $150 million.

Hunter Brown out with shoulder strain

Houston Astros ace Hunter Brown is facing a lengthy absence after being diagnosed with a Grade 2 shoulder strain.

Brown, whom the Astros placed on the injured list Sunday, will be shut down from throwing for "a few weeks," the team announced Tuesday. A firm timetable for his return wasn't provided beyond that.

Barger out with injury

The Toronto Blue Jays placed outfielder Barger on the 10-day injured list Tuesday with a left ankle sprain retroactive to Monday.

In a corresponding move, Toronto recalled infielder Tyler Fitzgerald from Triple-A Buffalo. Fitzgerald, a three-year MLB veteran who can play multiple positions, was acquired from the San Francisco Giants for cash Saturday.

Horton season ending elbow surgery

Chicago Cubs right-hander Horton will undergo season-ending elbow surgery to repair his UCL, manager Craig Counsell announced Tuesday.

Horton left Friday's start at Cleveland with a trainer after throwing one-plus innings. He was placed on the injured list Sunday with what the team initially called a right forearm strain.

Mendoza will not attend NFL draft

Projected first overall pick Mendoza won't attend the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh on April 23.

Mendoza will instead be in Miami with his family during the draft, according to Schefter. The 22-year-old is widely expected to land with the Las Vegas Raiders, who own the No. 1 selection.

The former Indiana star headlines this year's quarterback class after leading the Hoosiers to a national title last season. He completed 72% of his passes for 3,535 yards and 41 touchdowns against six interceptions en route to winning the Heisman Trophy.

Panthers eliminated from playoffs

After back-to-back Stanley Cup titles and three consecutive trips to the finals, the Florida Panthers won't be participating in playoff hockey this spring.

The Panthers were officially eliminated from postseason contention following Saturday's9-4 blowout loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Betts out with oblique strain

Betts will land on the 10-day injured list after an MRI showed a right oblique strain, the team announced.

Manager Dave Roberts opted against putting a firm timeline on Betts' return, saying he hopes to have Betts back earlier than the four-to-six weeks an oblique injury typically requires