MLB Baseball 3 Days

Last updated: July 3, 2026, 11:31 PM ET

MVP Race and All-Star Buzz

As the All-Star break looms, the race for top individual honors is heating up, with Shohei Ohtani emerging as a frontrunner for the NL MVP award PCA, Ohtani NL MVP?. However, Ohtani's participation in the All-Star Game itself is in doubt, as Dodgers manager Dave Roberts indicated it's "hard to imagine" him pitching due to a schedule adjustment that pushed his next start back to Friday, July 10, to manage his workload Ohtani unlikely to pitch. Similarly, Brewers ace Jacob Misiorowski's All-Star Game availability is questionable as his start is slated for the Sunday before the break Misiorowski's ASG status.

Injuries Continue to Mount

A rash of injuries continued to impact several clubs over the past few days. Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez was placed on the seven-day injured list with a concussion after sustaining a blow to the helmet on Thursday night Mariners put J-Rod. The Padres saw pitcher Randy Vásquez placed on the 15-day IL with a bruised right ankle after he fainted following an abbreviated start Padres pitcher Vásquez (ankle). The Yankees also landed lefty Carlos Rodón on the 15-day IL with elbow inflammation Yanks place Rodón, while Orioles closer Ryan Helsley joined him on the IL with an elbow issue that surfaced during warmups O's closer Helsley returns. Giants third baseman Matt Chapman is sidelined with a strained abdomen and was placed on the 10-day IL Giants 3B Chapman goes.

Team Transactions and Lineup Moves

In an effort to bolster their offense, the Atlanta Braves signed former NL MVP outfielder Andrew McCutchen to a minor league contract Braves sign OF McCutchen. They also recalled infielder Jim Jarvis from Triple-A and designated first baseman Rowdy Tellez for assignment Braves bring back IF. The Cubs recalled left-hander Drew Pomeranz from Triple-A Iowa and optioned lefty Jordan Wicks Cubs recall Pomeranz. The Cardinals reinstated right-hander Ryne Stanek from the paternity list and optioned Gordon Graceffo to Triple-A Cards reinstate Stanek, send.

Player Milestones and Performances

Despite the injury concerns, some players delivered notable performances. Dansby Swanson had a historic day for the Cubs, hitting three home runs and driving in eight runs in a 23-3 rout of the Cardinals, including a grand slam 3 HRs, RBIs. Rays third baseman Junior Caminero continued his impressive power display, homering in his sixth straight game, becoming the youngest player since at least 1900 to achieve the feat Rays' Caminero homers. Caminero also committed to participating in the Home Run Derby Caminero bringing sweet swing.

Managerial and Prospect Notes

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts achieved a significant career milestone, becoming the fastest manager in MLB history to reach 1,000 wins after a Tuesday night victory over the Athletics Dodgers' Roberts fastest. In prospect news, Nationals shortstop Eli Willits was selected for the All-Star Futures Game Willits, De Paula, Made. Meanwhile, Athletics prospect Ryan Lasko faces a "lengthy" recovery after a severe back injury sustained in a collision A's prospect Lasko facing.

League-Wide Initiatives and 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 Fourth of July, teams will don special stars-and-stripes themed uniforms across all games special MLB July 4. Ballparks are also offering unique food options for the holiday MLB ballparks serving up. A special bobblehead featuring Bobby Bonilla topped MLB's Fourth of July merchandise list Bobby bobblehead tops MLB's.

Trade Deadline Speculation and Labor Proposals

With the trade deadline approaching, speculation continues about potential player movement. Players such as Tarik Skubal, Luis Arraez, and Freddy Peralta are among those who could be on the move Arraez: One player every.... On the labor front, the MLB Players' Association has submitted a proposal that includes increased roster sizes and protections against demotions during the season MLBPA labor offer eyes.

Team Standings and Performance Trends

The Tampa Bay Rays climbed to the top spot in the AL Power Rankings, knocking the New York Yankees out of the leading position, while the Miami Marlins cracked the top 10 Power Ranks: Rays, Marlins. The Marlins also closed out their best month in franchise history, securing their 20th win of June with a dominant performance against the Rockies wrap team's best month. The Yankees' struggles continued, dropping their sixth consecutive game due to a cold offense row; bats cold agai.... In a surprising turn of events, Brayan Rocchio hit a walk-off home run to give the Cleveland Guardians a 5-6 victory over the Chicago White Sox Guardians stun White Sox.

Player Behavior and League Rules

A peculiar incident occurred when Guardians rookie left fielder Cooper Ingle, losing track of outs, casually tossed a live ball into the stands as a souvenir, allowing the Rangers to score Guardians rookie tosses ball. Nationals pitcher Cade Cavalli apologized for shouting at Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras, an action that instigated a benches-clearing incident Cavalli: No ill will. Cubs slugger Pete Crow-Armstrong will not participate in the Home Run Derby, having declined the invitation last year as well Cubs slugger Crow-Armstrong won't.

Owner Statements and Financial Notes

Mets owner Steve Cohen stated he is not considering firing president of baseball operations David Stearns, despite the team's struggles firing Stearns: 'Not gonna. In a unique financial obligation, the New York Mets continue to pay former player Bobby Bonilla $1.19 million annually on July 1, despite him not playing for the team since 1999 It's Bobby Bonilla Day!.

Prospect Performance and Future Outlook

Pirates ace Paul Skenes struggled against the Phillies, allowing a season-high seven earned runs in four innings in a 10-6 loss Skenes lit up. The Dodgers are currently favored to win the 2026 World Series, with the Phillies and Brewers also showing strong potential Every team's odds. Fantasy baseball managers are advised to watch for potential developments such as Tarik Skubal's performance and the Rays' strong hitting lineup Rays, Marlins bring Florida.