MLB Baseball 24 Hours

Last updated: July 3, 2026, 11:31 PM ET

NL MVP Race Heating Up, Pitching Injuries Mount

As the All-Star break looms, the National League MVP race is shaping up to be a compelling contest, with Fernando Tatis Jr. and Shohei Ohtani emerging as prominent contenders. Ohtani, however, faces scheduling challenges that make his participation in the All-Star Game unlikely; Dodgers manager Dave Roberts indicated it would be "hard to imagine" him pitching due to a pushed-back start date to manage his workload Ohtani unlikely pitch. Meanwhile, the league is grappling with a spate of pitching injuries. The Padres have placed starter Randy Vásquez on the 15-day injured list with a bruised right ankle, following an incident where he fainted after an abbreviated start Vásquez goes on IL. The Yankees have sidelined lefty Carlos Rodón with elbow inflammation Rodón on IL, and Orioles closer Ryan Helsley is also on the 15-day IL with an elbow issue he felt after warming up Helsley returns IL.

Player Movement and Injury Updates Across MLB

In other player news, the Atlanta Braves have brought back veteran outfielder Andrew McCutchen on a minor league deal as they seek offensive reinforcements Braves sign McCutchen, while also recalling infielder Jim Jarvis and designating first baseman Rowdy Tellez for assignment Braves bring back Jarvis. The Mariners have placed Julio Rodriguez on the seven-day injured list with a concussion after he sustained a blow to the helmet during a game Mariners put J-Rod on IL. The Cincinnati Reds are set to welcome pitcher Hunter Greene back from the 60-day injured list for his season debut against the Baltimore Orioles on Saturday Greene come off IL. The Cubs have recalled Drew Pomeranz from Triple-A and optioned Jordan Wicks, while the Cardinals reinstated Ryne Stanek from the paternity list and sent Gordon Graceffo to Triple-A Cubs recall Pomeranz. Athletics prospect Ryan Lasko faces a "lengthy" recovery after breaking his back in a collision Lasko facing recovery.

All-Star Game Logistics and Special Uniforms

Logistical considerations are also impacting potential All-Star Game participants. Brewers ace Jacob Misiorowski's status for the Midsummer Classic is in doubt due to his scheduled start the Sunday before the break, which would make him ineligible to pitch two nights later Misiorowski's ASG status. For the Fourth of July holiday, MLB teams will don special stars-and-stripes themed uniforms and caps across all games Special July 4 uniforms. Ballparks are also getting into the spirit with unique food offerings for the holiday weekend, from the Dodgers to the Nationals Ballparks serving up food.

Power Rankings and Trade Deadline Buzz

The Tampa Bay Rays have climbed to the top spot in the AL Power Rankings, knocking the Yankees out of first place, while the Miami Marlins have entered the top 10 in Week 14 Power Ranks. With the trade deadline approaching, speculation continues about potential player movement. Starters such as Tarik Skubal, Luis Arraez, and Freddy Peralta are among those who could be on the move Skubal Peralta Arraez.

Late-Game Drama and Series Openers

Late-game heroics defined some of Friday's action, with Brayan Rocchio delivering a walk-off, two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth to give the Cleveland Guardians a dramatic 6-5 victory over the Chicago White Sox Guardians stun White Sox. Shohei Ohtani is slated to be in the Dodgers' lineup for his pitching start against the Padres on Friday, with Dalton Rushing expected to catch him Ohtani's start Friday.