MLB Baseball 24 Hours

Last updated: July 19, 2026, 8:30 PM ET

AL EAST CLIMBING THE STANDINGS

The Boston Red Sox to 13 games with a 6-1 victory over the Rays, powered by a two-run homer from Willson Contreras and six strong innings from Sonny Gray as reported by ESPN MLB. This marks the second-longest winning streak in franchise history. The Red Sox had previously rallied for a 12-game streak, overcoming a 6-3 deficit against the Rays. In other AL East news, the Orioles have agreed to a significant five-year extension with starting pitcher Kyle Bradish, a deal worth $90 million, according to a source.

NATIONAL LEAGUE POWER SURGES AND ROOKIE IMPACT

Colorado Rockies slugger Hunter Goodman of the season on Sunday, entering an exclusive club for the franchise. Meanwhile, Pirates rookie Esmerlyn Valdez is making a significant impact in just 31 games, placing him among the top rookies in MLB history for early-season power and RBIs. Braves catcher Drake Baldwin returned from injury with a bang, going a career-best 5-for-5 with two home runs in an 8-5 win.

INJURY BUG BITES TEAMS ACROSS THE LEAGUE

Several teams are facing significant roster challenges due to injuries. New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge has been moved to the 60-day injured list and will require further scans for a fractured rib. The Astros are without shortstop Jeremy Peña and first baseman Christian Walker due to injuries, though pitcher Ronel Blanco is expected back Monday. Orioles rookie catcher Samuel Basallo exited Sunday's game with right shoulder discomfort. In a concerning development for the Brewers, starting pitcher Brandon Woodruff announced he will be.

PITCHING NEWS AND TRANSACTIONS

Dodgers pitcher Shohei Ohtani against the Phillies due to left knee irritation, stalling his return to the mound. The Cubs have bolstered their pitching staff by from the Athletics in exchange for minor league pitcher Aiden Moffett. The Braves have made rotation decisions to Triple-A Gwinnett and selecting the contract of veteran right-hander Elieser Hernández.

HONORING THE PAST AND LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

The Chicago Cubs commemorating their 2016 World Series title, with former stars like Ben Zobrist and Anthony Rizzo in attendance. In a unique moment, retired Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo hit by current Cub Michael Busch from the bleachers after the ceremony. On the international front, Rintaro Sasaki will sign with the Miami Marlins, forgoing a professional career in Japan.

A LEGEND LOST AND A CAREER RECOGNIZED

Major League Baseball is mourning the loss of Duane Ward, a key reliever on the Blue Jays' back-to-back World Series-winning teams in the early 1990s, who. In other news, Seattle outfielder Julio Rodriguez, an All-Star, was activated from the injured list on Saturday and rejoined the Mariners' lineup. Mets interim manager Andy Green confirmed the club is regarding the use of artificial intelligence after a report surfaced.