MLB Baseball 24 Hours

Last updated: July 9, 2026, 2:31 PM ET

Home Run Derby Field Takes Shape, Verlander Nears Retirement

St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Jordan Walker and Kansas City Royals slugger Jac Caglianone are confirmed participants for the Home Run Derby in Philadelphia on Monday. Caglianone, who leads MLB in average home run distance, hit nine of his 14 homers in June. Meanwhile, three-time Cy Young winner Justin Verlander, announced he will retire after the 2026 season, marking the end of an era for ace pitchers. Verlander is the oldest active player in the league.

Player News and Injury Updates

Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe strongly denied a report that he refused to play second base earlier this season, calling the since-retracted story "B.S." and saying he was caught off guard. Angels star Mike Trout was activated from the injured list Wednesday and hit a home run in his return, helping Los Angeles defeat the Texas Rangers 13-1. Boston's Willson Contreras exited Wednesday's game after fouling a ball off his left foot. Tigers catcher Dillon Dingler also left his game Wednesday with an injured right hand, while Athletics' Nick Kurtz departed due to illness.

The Milwaukee Brewers announced that Brandon Woodruff's MRI revealed a new injury to his anterior capsule, and they are seeking a second opinion after initially diagnosing inflammation. Rockies pitcher Domingo Acevedo received an 80-game ban for a positive PED test in the minor league drug program.

Team Performance and Future Outlook

The Miami Marlins debuted at their highest ranking of 2026 in the latest MLB Power Rankings, while the San Diego Padres' struggles continue. In a significant offensive display, Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman Ryan O'Hearn set a club record by driving in 10 runs on three home runs during a 12-4 victory Tuesday. The New York Yankees continued a troubling trend, striking out 17 times in a 6-4 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday, marking the first time an American League team has hit that mark in consecutive nine-inning games.

Philadelphia Phillies interim manager Don Mattingly expressed interest in managing the club full-time, especially with the team in playoff contention heading into the All-Star break. Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler tied a career high with 14 strikeouts on Wednesday, a day after being left off the list of All-Star replacements.

Draft and League News

The White Sox are focusing on three candidates for the No. 1 pick in the MLB amateur draft: UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky, Georgia Tech catcher Vahn Lackey, and Texas high school shortstop Grady Emers. The Women's Professional Baseball League revealed nicknames and logos for its four inaugural teams on Wednesday, with each name inspired by pioneering women. Phil Regan, a former major league pitcher and longtime pitching coach, died at age 89.

and Fantasy Advice

ESPN's Eric Karabell offered fantasy baseball advice, speculating on potential future performances like a top-10 hitting season for a player and a Cy Young award for Zack Wheeler. The publication also explored potential "dream moves" for every World Series hopeful and identified players to target or avoid in the second half of the season. Comprehensive rankings for the 2026 MLB draft prospects were also released.

Near No-Hitters and Other Notes

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Dylan Cease had his no-hit bid broken up in the ninth inning Wednesday by the San Francisco Giants' Heliot Ramos on a line-drive single to center field. Major leaguers shared stories about their draft experiences, recalling the moments they were selected. Midseason grades for every MLB club were also provided, assessing first-half performances.