MLB Baseball 3 Days

Last updated: July 2, 2026, 2:31 PM ET

Major League Baseball Update

Team Performances and Streaks

The Tampa Bay Rays continued to impress, knocking New York out of the AL's top spot in the Week 14 power rankings, while the Miami Marlins cracked the top. A significant offensive surge has been led by Junior Caminero, who has homered in six straight games, becoming the youngest player since at least 1900 to achieve this feat. Caminero is also slated to participate in the Home Run Derby in Philadelphia on July 13, following his fifth consecutive game with a home run. 1-4 word phrase In contrast, the New York Yankees are mired in their longest losing streak in three years, dropping their seventh consecutive game after a 6-2 loss to the Tigers on Wednesday. This skid follows a six-game losing streak, where their offense managed only four hits in a 9-3 defeat to Detroit. The Yankees are also dealing with injuries to key players, with captain Aaron Judge awaiting further scans and Max Fried taking steps in his recovery by facing hitters in a simulated game. 34, 47

Player Milestones and Injuries

In a historic offensive display, Cubs' Dansby Swanson had a remarkable day, hitting three home runs and driving in eight runs during a 23-3 victory. This performance included a grand slam and marked the most RBIs by a Cubs player since Sammy Sosa in 2002. On the pitching front, Pirates ace Paul Skenes struggled against the Phillies, allowing a season-high seven earned runs in just four innings pitched during a 10-6 loss. The Nationals saw pitcher Cade Cavalli apologize for shouting "sit down, boy" at Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras, an incident that led to a benches-clearing confrontation. Contreras, meanwhile, homered and expressed concern for his native Venezuela, affected by recent earthquakes.

Several players were placed on the injured list, including Giants third baseman Matt Chapman with an abdominal strain first suffered Tuesday and later officially placed on the 10-day IL. Rangers shortstop Corey Seager was also sidelined with lower back inflammation, being removed from Tuesday's game before his at-bat and subsequently placed on the 10-day IL. Reds outfielder Dane Myers was carted off the field after crashing into an outfield wall during Monday's game, leading to his placement on the 10-day injured list with a bruised left shoulder. Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena is returning to the injured list with a mild left calf strain, marking his latest stint on the sidelines. The Padres activated Jake Cronenworth following his recovery from a concussion. Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. exited Monday's game after a collision with Jasson Dominguez. Blue Jays outfielder Addison Barger's return from a stress reaction in his back was further delayed.

Clubhouse and Front Office News

Mets owner Steve Cohen stated that he is not considering dismissing president of baseball operations David Stearns, despite the team's struggles. The Major League Baseball Players Association has submitted a labor proposal that includes increased roster sizes and protections against demotions. Major League Baseball and the MLB Players' Association announced a joint $1 million donation to aid in recovery efforts following earthquakes in Venezuela. In a unique financial arrangement, the New York Mets will pay former player Bobby Bonilla an annual sum of $1.19 million on July 1, despite him not having played for the team since 1999.

League-Wide Notes and Future Outlook

MLB teams will be sporting newly designed uniforms with special stars-and-stripes themes during all games on July 4th. The league's attempt to trademark the phrase "Play Ball" was denied by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, which deemed the phrase too commonplace. to the 2026 World Series, the Dodgers are currently favored, with the Phillies and Brewers also showing strong potential. The All-Star Futures Game will feature 50 players, including Nationals shortstop Eli Willits, the top overall pick from last year's draft. Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong will not participate in the Home Run Derby, having also declined an invitation last year.

Fantasy Baseball and Player Analysis

Fantasy managers are advised to monitor prospects like those on the Brewers, as Eric Karabell looks at seven players to entering July. Karabell also offers insights into potential future developments for fantasy managers, examining whether the Rays have two top-10 hitters and if Spencer Skubal is surging. Fantasy managers might also find value in players available on the waiver wire, with specific attention drawn to Rockies' available talent. Discussions continue around the importance of WAR (Wins Above Replacement) as a statistical measure in baseball.

Managerial and League Operations

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts achieved a significant milestone, becoming the fastest manager in MLB history to reach 1,000 career wins after a victory over the Athletics. In a notable decision regarding player rest, Dodgers two-way star Shohei Ohtani's scheduled pitching start was moved to Friday to allow for additional rest. Guardians rookie Cooper Ingle experienced an unusual moment when he tossed a live ball into the stands without realizing the number of outs, allowing the Rangers to score. The A's will see Brent Rooker undergo season-ending knee surgery for a torn cartilage in his left knee.