2026 MLB Season: DeLauter and Murakami Make History as Marlins Lead Standings

One week into the 2026 MLB season, rookies Chase DeLauter and Munetaka Murakami became the third and fourth players ever to homer in each of their first three games.

The 2026 MLB season opened with historic offensive outputs from rookies Chase DeLauter and Munetaka Murakami, who both homered in each of their first three major league games. Only two other players in baseball history had previously achieved that feat. In Cleveland, DeLauter mashed four home runs across his first three contests at T-Mobile Park against the Seattle Mariners before exiting a Tuesday game at Dodger Stadium with a foot injury following a foul ball; however, X-rays returned negative. Meanwhile, the Miami Marlins surged to a surprising 5-1 record to sit atop the early standings, fueled by Sandy Alcantara’s dominant return. Alcantara threw the first complete game of the year against the White Sox, allowing three hits and striking out seven, following a seven-inning outing against the Rockies where he allowed zero barreled balls.

Pitching Dominance and Rotation Adjustments

The New York Yankees established a 5-1 record behind a pitching staff that produced a 1.01 ERA through six games, surrendering only three runs over their first four matchups. While Gerrit Cole is slated for a June return and Carlos Rodon continues his rehabilitation from arm surgery despite recent hamstring tightness, Luis Gil is scheduled to join the rotation in the fifth spot on April 10. In Los Angeles, Roki Sasaki debuted for the 4-2 Dodgers on Monday after a difficult spring training where 26 of 52 batters reached base. Sasaki pitched into the fifth inning, allowing one run and two walks. Shohei Ohtani also made an exciting first start on the mound, contributing to a week where no MLB team remained undefeated.

In Chicago, Edward Cabrera led the Cubs to a 3-3 start by throwing six scoreless, one-hit innings against the Angels at Wrigley Field. Cabrera’s four-seamer averaged 96.5 mph and peaked at 98.1 mph, resulting in five strikeouts and a game score of 74. The Philadelphia Phillies saw a successful debut from Andrew Painter, who averaged nearly 97 mph with his fastball. Conversely, the San Diego Padres struggled with rotation depth as Nick Pivetta allowed six runs on Opening Day and German Marquez recorded only nine outs against the Giants. Walker Buehler was limited to four innings in his first start despite a strong spring showing.

Rookie Impact and Roster Transitions

Detroit Tigers rookie Kevin McGonigle justified his Opening Day roster spot by recording four hits in his major league debut, appearing comfortable at both shortstop and third base. In St. Louis, JJ Wetherholt hit his first career home run during his debut and drove in four runs over five games, striking out only three times in his first 23 plate appearances. The Cincinnati Reds saw Sal Stewart earn National League Player of the Week honors after totaling nine hits and six walks in five games. Arizona’s Jose Fernandez made history by homering twice in his debut after being called up for an injured Pavin Smith, driving in four runs to spark a comeback win against Detroit.

The Toronto Blue Jays transitioned to a 4-2 start without Bo Bichette, moving Andres Gimenez to shortstop and Ernie Clement to second base. This defensive shift allowed 36-year-old George Springer to transition toward a full-time designated hitter role, with Daulton Varsho and Addison Barger among those covering outfield innings. In New York, 27-year-old Juan Soto began his second year with the Mets batting .346 with a .414 on-base percentage, collecting nine hits in 26 at-bats. Soto currently sits five home runs shy of the 250-career mark.

Bullpen Volatility and Injury Updates

Kansas City faced early bullpen instability centered on Carlos Estevez, who allowed six runs and a game-ending grand slam to Dominic Smith in Atlanta. Estevez, who led the American League with 42 saves last year, saw his fastball velocity drop from 96 mph to an average of 91 mph before landing on the IL with a bruised foot. The Milwaukee Brewers also faced adversity when Jackson Chourio was placed on the IL with a hairline fracture in his hand. Despite his absence, Milwaukee averaged more than two steals per game and posted MLB-leading run totals during a 5-1 start.

In Baltimore, Adley Rutschman reached base in six of his first 13 plate appearances, a rebound after his OPS fell to .673 last season. The Houston Astros saw a resurgent Lance McCullers Jr. throw seven innings against the Red Sox, his first such outing since 2022, recording nine strikeouts and allowing one run. In Seattle, the Mariners secured infielder Colt Emerson with an eight-year deal worth at least $95 million, following previous long-term extensions for Julio Rodriguez and Cal Raleigh. Finally, the Atlanta Braves await the return of Spencer Strider from an oblique injury in three to four weeks, relying on Reynaldo Lopez and Bryce Elder to maintain their 4-2 record in the interim.