MLB Baseball 24 Hours

Last updated: July 4, 2026, 2:35 AM ET

MLB Season Update: Injuries Mount as All-Star Break Nears

The All-Star break is fast approaching, and several key players are finding themselves on the injured list, impacting team strategies and award races. The Seattle Mariners put Julio Rodriguez on the seven-day IL with a concussion after he was hit in the helmet, while the San Diego Padres placed Randy Vasquez on the 15-day IL with a bruised ankle. Vasquez had fainted following his start and was taken to the hospital. In New York, the Yankees sidelined Carlos Rodón with elbow inflammation and placed reliever Ryan Helsley on the 15-day IL due to elbow discomfort, marking a difficult stretch for AL contenders. The Atlanta Braves are seeking offensive help, signing veteran outfielder Andrew McCutchen to a minor league deal, as they continue to navigate roster adjustments.

Award Races and Midseason Projections

As the season passes its midpoint, projections for major awards are taking shape, though injuries could significantly alter outcomes. Shohei Ohtani's workload management by the Dodgers makes his pitching in the All-Star Game unlikely, despite his strong season. Similarly, Brewers ace Jacob Misiorowski's start the Sunday before the break would make him ineligible for the All-Star Game. Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Rays have climbed to the top of the AL Power Rankings, knocking the New York Yankees out of the top spot, and the Miami Marlins cracked the top 10, indicating a strong showing from Florida teams. The month of June saw several teams rise and fall, with predictions for the upcoming jam-packed schedule focusing on potential trade deadline moves for players like Tarik Skubal and Luis Arraez as the deadline nears.

Roster Moves and Player Status

Teams continue to make roster moves as they prepare for the second half of the season and manage player availability. The Cincinnati Reds plan to activate pitcher Hunter Greene for his season debut against the Baltimore Orioles, a welcomed return from the 60-day injured list. The Chicago Cubs recalled Drew Pomeranz from Triple-A Iowa, optioning left-hander Jordan Wicks. The Cardinals reinstated Ryne Stanek from the paternity list while sending Gordon Graceffo to Triple-A Memphis. In a concerning development, Athletics prospect Ryan Lasko faces a lengthy recovery after a collision resulted in a broken back, though he expressed optimism about a return.

Fourth of July Celebrations and Special Uniforms

Major League Baseball is gearing up for Fourth of July celebrations with special on-field tributes and unique culinary offerings. All teams will don newly designed uniforms featuring stars-and-stripes themes for games played on July 4th. Ballparks across the league are also rolling out special Fourth of July menu items, ranging from patriotic-themed hot dogs and burgers to festive desserts, adding to the holiday atmosphere for fans. Shohei Ohtani is scheduled to start for the Dodgers on Friday against the Padres, with Dalton Rushing expected to be behind the plate catching him. In a dramatic finish on Thursday, Brayan Rocchio's walk-off homer secured a 6-5 victory for the Cleveland Guardians over the Chicago White Sox.