MLB Baseball 24 Hours

Last updated: July 18, 2026, 11:30 PM ET

AL East Race Heats Up with Red Sox Surge

The Boston Red Sox have extended their winning streak to an impressive 12 games after a dramatic 4-run rally in the sixth inning propelled them to a 7-6 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Saturday. Meanwhile, the New York Yankees are facing uncertainty with superstar outfielder Aaron Judge, being moved to the 60-day injured list and requiring another scan for his fractured rib, sidelining him further moved their captain to the 60-day IL. Manager Aaron Boone expressed regret over his decision to keep starter Gerrit Cole in the game during a tight 2-1 loss to the Dodgers on Friday night.

Pitching News and Roster Moves Across MLB

In Milwaukee, the Brewers received grim news as starting pitcher Brandon Woodruff, is set to undergo another anterior capsule surgery on his right shoulder. The Chicago Cubs have bolstered their pitching staff by acquiring right-hander Aaron Civale from the Oakland Athletics in exchange for minor league righty Aiden Moffett. Seattle Mariners center fielder Julio Rodriguez, a three-time All-Star, has been activated from the seven-day injured list and will bat second against the Giants on Saturday. Rockies pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano pitched effectively into the seventh inning, leading the Rockies to a 10-3 win over the Reds. Pirates right-hander Jared Jones saw his streak of 30 consecutive retired batters end on Saturday during a 7-1 victory over the Guardians.

Contract Extensions and Player Health Updates

The Cincinnati Reds have secured a key piece of their future, signing starter Chase Burns to a seven-year contract worth $105 million. The Baltimore Orioles have also locked down a key arm, agreeing to a five-year extension with starting pitcher Kyle Bradish worth $90 million. Dodgers two-way star Shohei Ohtani received a lubricant injection in his left knee, not a fluid drain, according to manager Dave Roberts.

Wildfire Smoke Postpones Game, Other Notes

A scheduled game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Cleveland Guardians on Friday was postponed due to poor air quality caused by wildfire smoke. Meanwhile, former Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo, present for a ceremony honoring the 2016 team, managed to snag a home run hit by current Cubs first baseman Michael Busch from the bleachers. Mets interim manager Andy Green stated the club is fully compliant with Major League Baseball regarding reports of artificial intelligence usage. The Arizona Diamondbacks fell to the Cardinals on Friday, with Ketel Marte failing to challenge a called third strike on the final out, despite replays suggesting the pitch was high.