MLB Baseball 24 Hours

Last updated: July 9, 2026, 11:31 PM ET

All-Star Break Buzz and Injury Updates

The MLB landscape is buzzing with All-Star Game preparations and a flurry of injury news as teams head into the midseason break. Marlins' ranking climbs to its highest of 2026, while the Padres' struggles continue. Bryce Harper of the Philadelphia Phillies has announced he will compete in the Home Run Derby in his home ballpark, a sentiment echoed by Cardinals' outfielder Jordan Walker, who also confirmed his participation in the slugfest. Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe has strongly denied a report suggesting he refused to play second base earlier this season, calling the claim "B.S." he stated. Meanwhile, Yankees slugger Aaron Judge will have his injured rib imaged during the break, with the team hopeful for positive results regarding the three-time AL MVP's recovery.

Several players are heading to the injured list. Athletics outfielder Zack Gelof exited Thursday night's game against the Tigers after appearing to injure his right knee on a sliding catch, and is expected to be sidelined. Red Sox pitcher Ranger Suarez will miss the All-Star Game due to a left groin strain, landing him on the 15-day injured list he was placed on. Mets' Mark Vientos is also headed for the IL after fracturing his right hand when he was hit by a pitch during Thursday's win over the Royals he is headed for the injured list. Brewers' Brandon Woodruff is facing a new shoulder injury, with an MRI revealing damage to his anterior capsule, prompting the team to seek a second opinion after an initial diagnosis of inflammation the team announced. Munetaka Murakami is set to return to the White Sox on Friday after a stint on the injured list with a strained right hamstring he is expected to return.

In other news, Red Sox slugger Willson Contreras had his suspension reduced from seven games to five, making him eligible for both the All-Star Game and the Home Run Derby his ban was reduced. Alan Porter has been named the umpire crew chief and will call balls and strikes for Tuesday's All-Star Game in Philadelphia.

Player Milestones and Future Outlooks

As the season progresses, significant player milestones and future outlooks are emerging. Three-time Cy Young winner and 2011 AL MVP Justin Verlander, the oldest active player in the majors at, announced he will retire after the 2026 season, marking the end of an era for elite pitchers. Interim manager Don Mattingly has expressed his interest in leading the Phillies full-time, with the club firmly in playoff contention heading into the All-Star break.

The trade deadline is also on the horizon, with speculation about potential moves for every World Series hopeful. Fantasy baseball managers can look towards second-half schedule analysis for potential player acquisitions or adjustments, with discussions ranging from trading Dansby Swanson to acquiring Guardians players. Eric Karabell is also offering insights into potential future developments, touching on topics like Eric Karabell's prospect ranking and whether Zack Wheeler could contend for a Cy Young Award. The draft is set to begin Saturday, with ESPN releasing its top 250 prospect rankings.

In a notable pitching performance, Blue Jays' Dylan Cease took a no-hitter into the ninth inning against the Giants on Wednesday before Heliot Ramos broke it up with a single to center field.