MLB Baseball 24 Hours

Last updated: July 5, 2026, 2:31 AM ET

MLB NEWS & NOTES

PLAYER INJURIES AND TRANSACTIONS

The Los Angeles Dodgers will hold Shohei Ohtani out on Saturday after the designated hitter experienced biceps tightness during his season-high 110-pitch outing against the Padres. The Mariners also placed outfielder Julio Rodriguez on the seven-day injured list with a concussion after he was hit in the helmet, while Padres pitcher Randy Vásquez was moved to the 15-day IL with an ankle bruise. Adding to the pitching woes, Yankees lefty Carlos Rodón landed on the 15-day IL with elbow inflammation, and Orioles closer Ryan Helsley is also sidelined with an elbow issue. In a less concerning move, the Braves signed veteran outfielder Andrew McCutchen to a minor league deal as they seek offensive reinforcement.

AWARDS RACE AND RELIEVER RANKINGS

As the All-Star break approaches, the MVP race is heating up, with speculation mounting over whether PCA or Shohei Ohtani will claim the National League honor. Meanwhile, Boston Red Sox reliever Aroldis Chapman has ascended to the top of the all-time strikeouts list among relief pitchers, prompting a historical perspective on his career achievements.

TEAM PERFORMANCE AND BALLPARK FARE

The Tampa Bay Rays have climbed to the top of the American League power rankings, displacing the New York Yankees, while the Miami Marlins have entered the top. As teams jockey for position, fans are gearing up for Fourth of July celebrations, with ballparks across the league offering special holiday food items, from the Dodgers to the Nationals.