MLB News Roundup: Shohei Ohtani’s Historic Streak, Zack Wheeler Return & Trevor Bauer Update

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Zack Wheeler’s return to the Philadelphia Phillies rotation is drawing close, with the right-hander targeting a late-April 2026 comeback after missing the start of the season due to a right forearm strain. Wheeler, a two-time All-Star and key member of Philadelphia’s pitching staff, has been progressing through a structured throwing program and recently participated in a simulated game, signaling he is on track for activation before month’s end if all milestones are met.

The update comes amid a busy week in Major League Baseball that as well featured Shohei Ohtani extending his historic on-base streak with the Los Angeles Dodgers, ongoing discussions around the potential sale of the San Diego Padres, and Trevor Bauer revealing he has engaged in conversations with all 30 MLB teams about a possible return to professional baseball following his suspension and subsequent legal resolution. Each storyline reflects broader themes of player health, team strategy, and the evolving landscape of the sport.

Wheeler’s timeline has been closely monitored since he was placed on the 15-day injured list to commence the 2026 season. According to the Phillies’ official injury report updated on April 15, 2026, he was diagnosed with a mild right forearm strain, initially expected to sideline him for 4–6 weeks. By April 18, MLB Trade Rumors reported Wheeler was “on track for a late April return,” citing his participation in a bullpen session and a 50-pitch simulated game at Clearwater, Florida, where he commanded his fastball and slider effectively.

Phillies manager Rob Thomson confirmed on April 19 that Wheeler would make one more minor league rehab start before being activated, likely targeting a return around April 28 or 29 against the Miami Marlins. Thomson emphasized caution, noting the club wants to ensure Wheeler is fully built up to avoid a setback, especially given his importance to the rotation alongside Aaron Nola and Ranger Suárez.

Meanwhile, Shohei Ohtani continued to make history with the Dodgers, reaching base in his 51st consecutive game on April 19, 2026, extending what is now the second-longest on-base streak in franchise history. The streak, which began in late August 2025, has placed Ohtani in elite company, trailing only Duke Snider’s 58-game run in 1954 and matching Willie Keeler’s 50-game streak from the 1900–01 seasons, as documented by MLB historian Sarah Langs.

Ohtani’s ability to sustain both elite offensive production and his dual-role duties as a pitcher and designated hitter has drawn widespread acclaim. His .421 on-base percentage during the streak, combined with 18 home runs and 38 RBIs over that span, underscores his impact as one of the most unique talents in modern baseball history. The Dodgers have held a 12.5-game lead in the NL West as of April 20, partly fueled by Ohtani’s consistent presence at the top of the lineup.

In San Diego, speculation intensified over the future ownership of the Padres after Seidler Equity Partners reportedly explored a potential sale of the club. The group, led by the late Peter Seidler’s estate, has held the team since 2020. While no formal agreement has been reached, sports business reporter Bob Nightengale raised the question on April 19 of whether a change in ownership could influence MLB’s broader labor dynamics, particularly as the current collective bargaining agreement is set to expire after the 2026 season.

Nightengale’s column noted that while the Padres’ sale remains unconfirmed, any transition could affect the club’s payroll flexibility and long-term competitiveness. The team, which exceeded the luxury tax threshold in 2025 for the first time in franchise history, has been navigating financial constraints while trying to retain core players like Fernando Tatís Jr. And Juan Soto, whose extensions are pending.

The most controversial development of the week came from Trevor Bauer, who told News 12 Long Island on April 18 that he had formally contacted every MLB franchise about a potential return to play. Bauer, whose MLB career was suspended in 2021 following an investigation under the league’s joint domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse policy, stated that teams have not questioned his ability on the mound but acknowledged concerns about his public image.

Bauer’s case was resolved in early 2022 when a Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office review found insufficient evidence to file criminal charges, though the MLB investigation resulted in a 324-game suspension (later reduced to 194 games on appeal), which he served through the 2022 season. Since becoming a free agent, Bauer has played in Mexico, Japan, and independent leagues, most recently with the Gastonia Honey Hunters of the Atlantic League in 2025, where he posted a 2.81 ERA in 12 starts.

Despite his on-field effectiveness, no MLB team has offered Bauer a contract as of April 2026. Executives speaking on condition of anonymity have cited both the lingering reputational risk and the availability of alternative pitching options as factors in their decisions. Bauer maintains he has complied with all league-mandated programs and is ready to contribute immediately, though his path back to the majors remains uncertain.

Other notes from around the league included JoJo Parker, the highly regarded Pittsburgh Pirates prospect, continuing to dominate at Single-A Dunedin with a 0.87 ERA and 18 strikeouts in 10⅓ innings through April 19. Scouts have noted his advanced pitch mix and command, suggesting a rapid ascent through the system is likely. Meanwhile, the Toronto Blue Jays lost their sixth consecutive series on April 19, marking the first time since August 2012 that Toronto has dropped six straight series, a streak that has intensified scrutiny on the club’s underperforming offense and bullpen usage.

The Blue Jays, who entered 2026 with playoff aspirations after a 92-win season in 2025, now sit at 11–14 through 25 games, prompting calls for adjustments at the trade deadline if performance does not improve. Manager John Schneider has pointed to inconsistencies in situational hitting and late-inning relief as key areas needing correction.

Looking ahead, Zack Wheeler is expected to make his final rehab start for the Phillies’ Triple-A affiliate, the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, on April 24, with a potential MLB activation scheduled for April 28 or 29. Shohei Ohtani’s on-base streak will continue as long as he reaches base, with the next milestone being a potential challenge to Duke Snider’s franchise record of 58 games. Trevor Bauer remains a free agent, with no confirmed trials or workouts scheduled with MLB clubs as of April 20. The Padres’ ownership situation remains unresolved, with no public timeline for a decision from the Seidler estate or MLB.

For ongoing updates on player injuries, transactions, and league developments, fans can refer to MLB.com’s official transaction tracker and the Phillies’ daily injury reports. As always, we encourage readers to share their thoughts in the comments and spread the conversation across social platforms.

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