MLB Baseball 3 Days

Last updated: June 30, 2026, 5:31 PM ET

MLB News & Notes

Major League Baseball's attempt to trademark the ubiquitous phrase 'Play Ball' has been denied by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, which deemed the expression too commonplace for exclusive ownership MLB strikes out. This decision underscores the challenge of monopolizing widely used vernacular, even within a professional sports league. Meanwhile, as the season progresses into July, fantasy managers are advised to monitor several promising prospects, with the Brewers' farm system reportedly housing talent ready for a call-up Prospect stock watch. The ongoing debate surrounding the most impactful statistic in baseball continues, with Wins Above Replacement (WAR) remaining a polarizing yet powerful metric influencing player evaluation and strategy Most important stat.

Player Injuries & Health

The injury bug continued to bite across the league, with several key players sidelined. Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena is returning to the injured list due to a mild left calf strain Astros' Pena heading back. In a concerning incident, Cincinnati Reds center fielder Dane Myers was carted off the field after a hard collision with the outfield wall in Milwaukee Reds' Myers carted off. New York Yankees infielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. also exited a game prematurely following a collision with outfielder Jasson Dominguez Chisholm exits after collision. Adding to the injury woes, Blue Jays outfielder Addison Barger faces further delays in his return due to a stress reaction in his back Barger's return delayed. The Chicago Cubs' pitching staff took another hit with reliever Hoby Milner placed on the IL with appendicitis Cubs put reliever Milner. Los Angeles Angels star Mike Trout is unlikely to participate in the Home Run Derby due to his ongoing hamstring strain Trout unlikely for Home. Tampa Bay Rays designated hitter Yandy Díaz, the American League's leading hitter, was removed from Sunday's game with a strained shoulder AL batting leader Diaz.

In more positive injury news, the San Diego Padres activated veteran infielder Jake Cronenworth from the injured list after he was sidelined by a concussion Padres vet Cronenworth returns. Guardians outfielder Chase DeLauter was also activated after a brief IL stint Guardians activate DeLauter. However, Orioles pitcher Chris Bassitt has opted for back surgery, with the team hopeful for a return in 2026 Bassitt back surgery.

Player Performances & Milestones

Boston Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras homered and performed a bat flip, a gesture he dedicated to the people of his native Venezuela, who are dealing with the aftermath of recent earthquakes Bat flip unveils Contreras'. The New York Mets endured a difficult outing against the Toronto Blue Jays, highlighted by a "Little League home run" that resulted from misplays by both left fielder Juan Soto and center fielder A.J. Ewing Mets' miscues lead.

Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber etched his name in franchise history, becoming the first player in Philadelphia to reach 30 home runs this season, achieving the milestone faster than any other in club history Schwarber sets Phils mark. Rockies designated hitter Hunter Goodman enjoyed a prodigious offensive display, hitting three home runs and driving in five runs in a victory over the Twins Goodman hits 3 HRs. Dodgers outfielder Kyle Tucker had a dominant performance, with his fifth three-hit game of the season, including a home run, in a blowout win against the Padres Tucker keeps 'grinding'.

Team & Managerial Moves

The New York Mets continue to navigate a difficult season, with the team contemplating their approach to the trade deadline following the firing of manager Carlos Mendoza Mets. John Mozeliak has taken on the role of interim general manager for the Los Angeles Angels, with a lengthy to-do list that does not currently prioritize hiring a new manager Mozeliak eyes short, long.

Broadcast & Schedule Notes

NBC preempted the scheduled "Sunday Night Baseball" broadcast featuring the Yankees and Red Sox, opting instead to air the Travelers Championship golf tournament, which experienced significant delays due to rain NBC bumps Yankees-Red Sox.

Fantasy Baseball & Prospect Watch

Fantasy managers seeking to bolster their rosters have opportunities on the waiver wire, particularly with players from the Colorado Rockies Free agent pickups. fantasy baseball analysts are speculating on potential future achievements, such as Caglianone hitting 40 homers, alongside the performance of the Contreras brothers.

Miscellaneous

A unique event occurred at a Chicago White Sox game on Friday night, where White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf officiated the wedding of former player Ron Kittle in a ballpark suite during the team's 22-1 victory over the Royals Reinsdorf officiates Kittle's wedding. Meanwhile, a near no-hitter for Sonny Gray ended in the eighth inning, though the Red Sox ultimately completed a four-game sweep of the rival New York Yankees in a dramatic extra-inning contest Gray's no-hitter ends.