MLB Baseball 3 Days

Last updated: July 3, 2026, 8:32 PM ET

MLB Injury Report & Roster Moves

The injury bug continued to bite across Major League Baseball, with several key arms landing on the injured list. The New York Yankees placed left-hander Carlos Rodón on the 15-day IL Friday due to elbow inflammation placed Rodón on IL. The Baltimore Orioles also saw their closer, Ryan Helsley, head to the 15-day injured list with an elbow issue, experiencing discomfort two days prior while warming up closer Helsley returns. In other roster news, the Chicago Cubs recalled left-hander Drew Pomeranz from Triple-A Iowa and optioned Jordan Wicks recall Pomeranz, while the St. Louis Cardinals reinstated Ryne Stanek from the paternity list and sent Gordon Graceffo to Triple-A Memphis reinstate Stanek.

Player Performances & Milestones

Despite the injury woes, several players delivered standout performances. Dansby Swanson had a historic day for the Cubs, hitting three home runs and driving in eight runs, including a grand slam, in a commanding 23-3 victory over their opponents Swanson's 3 HRs. Rays third baseman Junior Caminero, at just 22 years old, etched his name in the record books by becoming the youngest player since at least 1900 to homer in six consecutive games Caminero homers six straight. Caminero also committed to participating in the All-Star Home Run Derby bringing swing back. Meanwhile, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts achieved a significant career milestone, becoming the fastest manager in MLB history to reach 1,000 wins after the team's Tuesday night victory fastest to 1,000 wins.

All-Star Game Buzz & Player Futures

With the All-Star break on the horizon, discussions around player availability and future destinations are heating up. Brewers ace Jacob Misiorowski's status for the All-Star Game is in doubt due to a scheduling conflict, as his likely start the Sunday before the break would make him ineligible to pitch two nights later Misiorowski's ASG status. The MLB Futures Game roster was also announced, featuring Nationals shortstop Eli Willits and 50 other top prospects MLB Futures picks. Speculation continues regarding potential trade deadline moves, with players like Tarik Skubal, Luis Arraez, and Freddy Peralta being mentioned as potential assets changing teams by the July deadline Skubal Peralta Arraez. Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong will not participate in the Home Run Derby, declining for the second consecutive year Crow-Armstrong won't Derby.

Team Performance & Standings

The Tampa Bay Rays and Miami Marlins are bringing the heat, with Tampa Bay climbing to the top spot in the American League Power Rankings, knocking the New York Yankees out of the No. 1 position, while the Marlins cracked the top 10 Rays, Marlins bring heat. The Marlins also celebrated their best month in franchise history, securing their 20th win of June with a dominant performance against the Rockies Marlins crush Rockies. The struggling New York Yankees extended their losing streak to a season-long six games following a 9-3 defeat to the Tigers, with their offense managing only four hits Yankees lose 6th row.

Managerial & Ownership Updates

Mets owner Steve Cohen addressed speculation regarding the future of his front office, stating that he is not considering dismissing president of baseball operations David Stearns, who is in the third year of a five-year contract Cohen firing Stearns. In a unique financial note, Wednesday marked "Bobby Bonilla Day," with the New York Mets continuing to pay the former player an annual sum of $1.19 million, despite him last playing for the team in 1999 Bobby Bonilla Day.

League Initiatives & Special Events

Major League Baseball and the MLB Players' Association announced a joint $1 million donation to aid in recovery efforts following devastating earthquakes in Venezuela MLB, MLBPA donate $1M. For the upcoming Fourth of July holiday, all MLB teams will don specially designed uniforms and caps featuring stars-and-stripes themes special MLB July 4. Ballparks across the league are also preparing for the holiday, with teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers and Washington Nationals offering unique food options for fans ballparks serving up for Fourth. A bobblehead featuring a red, white, and blue Bobby Bonilla design was highlighted as a top item for the Fourth of July promotions Red, white Bobby bobblehead.

Player Safety & Incidents

Player safety was a concern in several instances. Padres right-hander Randy Vasquez was taken to the hospital in stable condition after fainting following his abbreviated start against the Dodgers Vasquez taken hospital. Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez was removed from Thursday's game after being struck in the back of the helmet by a thrown ball while sliding into second base Rodriguez exits after throw. Giants third baseman Matt Chapman was placed on the 10-day injured list due to an abdominal strain he sustained earlier in the week Chapman goes IL. In an unusual play, a Guardians rookie tossed a live ball into the stands, allowing the opposing team to score rookie tosses ball stands. Pirates ace Paul Skenes had a difficult outing against the Phillies, allowing a season-high seven earned runs and lasting only four innings in a 10-6 loss Skenes lit up Phils. Nationals pitcher Cade Cavalli issued an apology for shouting at Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras, an incident that helped instigate a benches-clearing confrontation Cavalli: ill will. Athletics prospect Ryan Lasko faces a "lengthy" recovery after breaking his back in a collision with a minor league teammate earlier in the week Lasko facing 'lengthy' recovery.

Midseason Awards & Future Outlook

As the All-Star break approaches, midseason rankings for major awards are being evaluated. Discussions are underway regarding the leading candidates for MVP, Cy Young, and other accolades Midseason rankings for awards. Looking further ahead, odds for the 2026 World Series have been released, with the Dodgers leading the pack, followed by the Phillies and Brewers win 2026 World Series. Fantasy baseball managers are also receiving insights into potential future developments, with topics like the Rays' strong offensive presence and the continued rise of pitchers like Tarik Skubal being examined Rays two top-10 hitters.

Player Contract & Organizational Moves

In a move to bolster their offense, the Atlanta Braves signed veteran outfielder Andrew McCutchen to a minor league contract Braves sign McCutchen. The Braves also recalled infielder Jim Jarvis from Triple-A Gwinnett and designated first baseman Rowdy Tellez for assignment Braves bring back IF. Yankees captain Aaron Judge is awaiting further imaging on an injured rib as he continues to recover from a stress fracture Judge awaiting more scans.

Labor Negotiations

The Major League Baseball Players Association has presented a new labor proposal that includes potential changes to roster sizes and protections against player demotions during the season MLBPA labor offer.

Specialty Items & Broadcast Honors

A special bobblehead featuring Bobby Bonilla in a red, white, and blue theme was noted as a top item for MLB's Fourth of July promotions Red, white Bobby bobblehead. In Milwaukee, fans and the organization honored longtime broadcaster Bob Uecker with the dedication of a large downtown mural following his passing last year Milwaukee honors Uecker.

Ballpark Food & Drink

MLB ballparks are gearing up for the Fourth of July with special culinary offerings. From the Los Angeles Dodgers to the Washington Nationals, various teams are preparing unique food items to celebrate the holiday ballpark foods for the Fourth.

Player Schedule Conflicts

Shohei Ohtani's pitching start on Friday against the Padres will see him in the Dodgers' lineup, with Dalton Rushing set to catch him Rushing catch Ohtani's start. However, Ohtani's scheduled pitching start on Wednesday against the Athletics was moved to Friday to allow for additional rest Ohtani start moved Friday.

Team Specific Notes

The Cleveland Guardians secured a dramatic 6-5 victory over the Chicago White Sox thanks to a walk-off home run by Brayan Rocchio in the bottom of the ninth inning Guardians stun White Sox. Rangers shortstop Corey Seager was removed from Tuesday's game due to back discomfort before his first at-bat Seager exits before bat.