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MLB Baseball 24 Hours

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16 articles summarized · Last updated: LATEST

Last updated: July 4, 2026, 5:30 PM ET

Player Movement and Injuries Shake Up Rosters

Major League Baseball rosters saw significant shuffling due to injuries and strategic moves. The New York Yankees placed left-handed pitcher Carlos Rodón on the 15-day injured list Friday with elbow inflammation Yanks place Rodón IL. Similarly, Orioles closer Ryan Helsley landed on the 15-day IL with elbow discomfort that surfaced while warming up in a recent win O's closer Helsley returns. The San Diego Padres also added a pitcher to the IL, placing Randy Vásquez on the 15-day list with a bruised right ankle Padres pitcher Vásquez (ankle).

In a notable outfield move, the Seattle Mariners placed Julio Rodríguez on the seven-day injured list with a concussion after he was hit in the helmet by a throw Mariners put J-Rod. The Atlanta Braves, meanwhile, signed former NL MVP Andrew McCutchen to a minor league contract as they continue to seek offensive reinforcements Braves sign McCutchen. The Chicago Cubs recalled Drew Pomeranz from Triple-A Iowa and optioned Jordan Wicks Cubs recall Pomeranz, while the St. Louis Cardinals reinstated Ryne Stanek from the paternity list and sent Gordon Graceffo to Triple-A Cards reinstate Stanek.

Pitching Stars and All-Star Game Considerations

Shohei Ohtani's workload management is a primary storyline as the All-Star break approaches. The Dodgers star threw a season-high 110 pitches in his recent start against the Padres before exiting with right biceps tightness, leading to him being held out of Saturday's lineup Dodgers hold Ohtani (bicep). Manager Dave Roberts indicated it's "hard to imagine" Ohtani pitching in the All-Star Game given his adjusted schedule Ohtani unlikely pitch ASG. Ohtani is expected to be in the lineup Saturday, with Dalton Rushing catching his start Rushing catch Ohtani's start.

In other pitching news, the Cincinnati Reds plan to activate Hunter Greene from the 60-day injured list for his season debut Saturday against the Baltimore Orioles Reds' Greene to come. Brewers ace Jacob Misiorowski's All-Star Game status is in doubt due to his scheduled start the Sunday before the break Misiorowski's ASG status doubt. Meanwhile, Aroldis Chapman's career strikeout total among relievers has been put into historical perspective Where does Aroldis Chapman.

MVP Races and Ballpark Fare

As the All-Star break nears, the race for National League MVP is heating up, with discussions centering on potential candidates like Bryce Harper and Shohei Ohtani MLB awards: PCA Ohtani. Beyond the on-field action, MLB ballparks are preparing for the Fourth of July with special menu items, ranging from Dodger Stadium's offerings to those at Nationals Park MLB ballparks serving up.

Team Power Rankings and Florida's Heat

The Tampa Bay Rays have climbed to the top spot in the American League Power Rankings, unseating the New York Yankees who have fallen from the No. 1 position Power Ranks: Rays, Marlins. The Miami Marlins also made a significant jump, cracking the top 10 in Week 14 of the rankings, bringing an extra dose of "Florida heat" to the league's standings Power Ranks: Rays, Marlins.