MLB Baseball 3 Days

Last updated: May 17, 2026, 11:47 AM ET

Labor & Collective Bargaining

Major League Baseball and the Players Association met this week to discuss key topics that will dominate upcoming Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations. The discussions come as teams navigate the season's midpoint with various strategic approaches, particularly evident in the contrasting philosophies of the New York Mets and Yankees ahead of their first Subway Series matchup of the season. Meanwhile, Yankees captain Aaron Judge maintains sky-high expectations amid mounting pressure to end the team's title drought, focusing on performance rather than the surrounding narrative as the club pursues its championship goals.

Team Performance & Rankings

A new team has claimed the top spot in ESPN's Week 7 MLB Power Rankings, with the previous leader, the Los Angeles Dodgers, being displaced by a club with a red-hot offense that has propelled them to the summit of baseball's hierarchy. The shift in power rankings reflects the competitive balance in baseball as teams adjust to the rigors of a 162-game season. This changing landscape was on display during the first Subway Series of 2024, which showcased the Mets' makeover against the Yankees' run-it-back approach, highlighting two franchises with fundamentally different strategies for building a contender.

Star Performances

Shohei Ohtani delivered a 5-RBI night with two hits, including a wild two-run triple he scored on following a throwing error, helping his team secure a 15-2 victory over the Angels. Just days after taking a few days off, Ohtani's impact at the plate was undeniable. In his next appearance, while still slumping at the dish, Ohtani dominated on the mound, striking out eight batters in seven scoreless innings to secure a 4-0 win over the Giants. Meanwhile, Kyle Schwarber smashed two two-run homers, boosting his season total to 20 long balls during the Phillies' wild victory, though the slugger admitted he couldn't explain his current power surge.

Injury Updates & Returns

Gerrit Cole reached 99.6 mph with his four-seam fastball during his likely penultimate injury rehabilitation start, throwing 86 pitches as he continues his comeback from injury. The Yankees pitching staff has been particularly hard hit, with Clay Holmes suffering a fractured right fibula when he was hit by a 111.1 mph comebacker against the Mets. On the other side of the rivalry, Corey Seager missed consecutive games against the Astros due to back spasms, and is currently enduring a 0-for-27 slump that has the two-time World Series MVP searching for answers at the plate. Other injury news includes Juan Soto returning with a homer after an injury scare, Corey Seager's continued absence, Rangers second baseman Josh Smith hospitalized with meningitis, Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh placed on IL for first time in his career, Blue Jays right-hander Jose Berrios set for elbow surgery, Orioles infielder Jordan Westburg undergoing Tommy John surgery that will sideline him for all of 2026, Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story placed on IL with sports hernia, Astros second baseman Jose Altuve scheduled for MRI after leaving a game with left side soreness, Dodgers pitcher Blake Snell undergoing elbow surgery with hopes for a 2026 return, and Brewers starter Jacob Misiorowski exiting due to cramping for the second time in three starts.

Managerial & Clubhouse News

Philadelphia's Dusty Wathan made history as fill-in manager for the Phillies' 6-0 win over Pittsburgh while Don Mattingly attended his son's graduation, becoming the first manager to lead Philadelphia to victory in an interleague game. The Cardinals have embraced a shirtless fan trend that emerged after dozens of shirtless supporters, led by a college baseball team from Illinois, sparked back-to-back wins, with the organization officially endorsing the unusual superstition. The trend has added an element of fun to the team's clubhouse as they navigate the season's challenges.

Minor League & Draft Coverage

ESPN's MLB draft projections have the top pick involving an intriguing decision, with the first 40 picks potentially shaping the future of multiple franchises. Teams are internally debating whether to prioritize tools over production or college pitchers over prep aces as they evaluate prospects. In minor league action, a Pirates rookie affiliate coasted to a 28-1 victory over an Orioles affiliate, pounding out 18 hits and capitalizing on seven errors in a seven-inning rout. The Reds' Triple-A affiliate hosted a "Nothing Night" promotion, shunning traditional ballpark gimmicks for a minimalist approach that highlighted the purity of baseball.

Business & Stadium Developments

The Tampa Rays announced a tentative $2.3 billion agreement for a new ballpark funded through a combination of public and private investment, marking a significant step toward securing the franchise's long-term future in Florida. Meanwhile, the White Sox confirmed a fan who fell approximately 10 feet into the visiting bullpen at Guaranteed Rate Field was doing well after Wednesday night's game against Kansas City. The Twins have made a roster move, sending struggling right fielder Matt Wallner to the minors while promoting right-handed pitcher Zebby Matthews to make a start against the Marlins, indicating the club's focus on developing young talent during a challenging season.