MLB Baseball 24 Hours

Last updated: July 7, 2026, 11:31 PM ET

MLB Midseason Report & All-Star Buzz

As the MLB season reaches its midpoint, teams are receiving their grades, with some contenders excelling and others faltering. The Dodgers reached their 60th win thanks to a walk-off single in extra innings, demonstrating their consistent performance. Meanwhile, the Yankees' Ben Rice leads the team with 26 home runs, earning him a spot in the upcoming Home Run Derby in Philadelphia. Amidst these performances, Willson Contreras and Nick Ashcraft were among the notable All-Star Game replacements, as rosters were finalized with some deserving stars set to watch from home, leading to debate over snubs and other takeaways.

Player Performances & Milestones

Ryan O'Hearn had a historic night for the Pittsburgh Pirates, setting a club record by driving in 10 runs on three home runs in a dominant 12-4 victory. In contrast, the Philadelphia Phillies' ace Cristopher Sanchez endured a career-worst outing, allowing nine earned runs in just over three innings. Max Kepler, returning from an 80-game suspension, hit his first home run since his ban ended, contributing to the Arizona Diamondbacks' 8-0 win. On the injury front, the Twins placed Byron Buxton on the injured list due to a lingering hip issue, while Pirates shortstop Konnor Griffin also found himself back on the IL with a finger injury.

All-Star Game & Home Run Derby Participants

The field for the Home Run Derby in Philadelphia is taking shape, with Yankees slugger Ben Rice confirmed to participate. The list of players heading to the All-Star Game has seen some adjustments, with Willson Contreras and Nick Ashcraft being named as replacements. However, the selections have also sparked discussion about potential snubs and other notable takeaways from the roster announcements.

Pitching Updates & Injury Concerns

Shohei Ohtani, despite a recent biceps issue, is cleared to make his scheduled Friday start, indicating he has overcome the injury that forced an early exit from his last appearance. Nationals pitcher Cade Cavalli had his suspension brawl reduced appeal. The Braves have placed left-hander Martín Pérez on the 15-day injured list with a forearm contusion and also designated Carrasco for assignment. Meanwhile, a promising draft prospect, Brody Bumila, has been diagnosed with a UCL injury in his left elbow, potentially impacting his draft stock.

Player Returns & Roster Moves

Jorge Polanco has returned to the New York Mets' lineup after an extended absence of nearly three months due to wrist and Achilles injuries. Dodgers reliever Evan Phillips is also back on the active roster, reinstated from the injured list 13 months after undergoing Tommy John surgery. In contrast, the Houston Astros have optioned right-hander Mike Burrows to Triple-A Sugar Land after a rough start in his previous outing. The Milwaukee Brewers called up outfielder Luis Lara, a 21-year-old prospect who signed a seven-year deal, to the major league club before a doubleheader.

Coaching Changes & Roster Management

The Detroit Tigers have seen third base coach Joey Cora depart during his third season with the club. In terms of roster management, the Twins have placed Byron Buxton on the injured list due to a persistent hip injury, limiting his availability. The Braves also made moves, placing Martín Pérez on the injured list and designating Carrasco for assignment.

Fantasy Baseball & Draft Prospects

Fantasy baseball managers are advised to monitor closer stock, with discussions around trading Aroldis Chapman before the deadline. For those looking to bolster their rosters, several players are highlighted as top waiver wire targets. The upcoming MLB draft is also a topic of discussion, with Kiley McDaniel offering insights on the 2026 draft, including speculation on who the White Sox might select with the first overall pick. The draft process itself is a significant moment, with major leaguers recalling their own draft day experiences, from first-round selections to those picked in now-defunct rounds.