MLB News: Pitcher Injured, Diamondbacks Apologize, Nationals Player Ties Record

Cody Ponce carted off field, D-backs address ribbon board issue, Joey Wiemer ties MLB record

Mar. 31, 2026 at 3:03am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a baseball game broken down into overlapping planes of color and abstract shapes, conveying the dynamic energy and drama of the sport.A cubist interpretation of the unpredictable action and record-breaking performances that define the start of a new MLB season.Washington Today

The 2026 MLB season is underway, and several notable stories have emerged, including an injury to Blue Jays pitcher Cody Ponce in his first start in five years, the Arizona Diamondbacks addressing fan complaints about a new ribbon board upgrade at Chase Field, and Washington Nationals outfielder Joey Wiemer tying a 75-year-old MLB record by reaching base safely in his first 10 plate appearances of the season.

Why it matters

These stories highlight the unpredictable nature of baseball, the challenges teams face in upgrading stadium amenities, and the impressive individual accomplishments that can occur even early in a new season.

The details

Cody Ponce, who last pitched in the majors in 2021 and had been playing in Korea, was making his first MLB start in five years for the Blue Jays when he suffered a right knee injury while fielding a ground ball. He had to be carted off the field. The Arizona Diamondbacks acknowledged that a new ribbon board upgrade at Chase Field is obstructing the view for some fans in the front row of the upper deck, and the team is working to relocate those fans. Meanwhile, Washington Nationals outfielder Joey Wiemer tied a 75-year-old MLB record by reaching base safely in his first 10 plate appearances of the 2026 season.

  • On March 31, 2026, Cody Ponce was injured in his first MLB start in five years.
  • The Diamondbacks recently installed new ribbon boards at Chase Field that are affecting some fans' views.
  • Joey Wiemer tied the MLB record for most consecutive plate appearances reaching base safely to start a season on March 31, 2026.

The players

Cody Ponce

A 31-year-old pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays who was making his first MLB start in five years after playing in Korea.

Joey Wiemer

An outfielder for the Washington Nationals who tied a 75-year-old MLB record by reaching base safely in his first 10 plate appearances of the 2026 season.

Derrick Hall

The CEO of the Arizona Diamondbacks, who acknowledged the team's new ribbon boards at Chase Field are obstructing some fans' views.

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What they’re saying

“He got up and continued, but collapsed while trying to field a grounder just four pitches later. As Ponce left the field, the 31-year-old buried his head in his arm and screamed.”

— Mitch Bannon, Reporter, The Athletic

“We are well aware that the view has changed for ticket holders in the first row and are also not happy about it. We are working closely with them to relocate to an acceptable location.”

— Derrick Hall, CEO, Arizona Diamondbacks

What’s next

The Blue Jays will provide an update on the severity of Cody Ponce's knee injury in the coming days. The Diamondbacks will continue working with affected fans to find them new seating locations with unobstructed views.

The takeaway

These stories highlight the unpredictable nature of baseball, the challenges teams face in upgrading stadium amenities, and the impressive individual accomplishments that can occur even early in a new season. They underscore the importance of player health, fan experience, and record-breaking performances in shaping the narrative of a new MLB campaign.