MLB Baseball 3 Days

Last updated: July 4, 2026, 2:35 AM ET

MLB Awards and Standings Update

As the All-Star break approaches, the race for top individual honors is heating up. Pitchers like Tarik Skubal and Freddy Peralta are emerging as strong contenders for the Cy Young award, while Luis Arraez continues to be a name associated with potential trade deadline moves. The Tampa Bay Rays have climbed to the top of the AL Power Rankings, displacing the New York Yankees, and the Miami Marlins have cracked the top, indicating strong performance from Florida-based teams in Week 14. Meanwhile, the Dodgers, Phillies, and Brewers are showing early promise for the 2026 World Series odds.

Player Injuries and Roster Moves

The injury bug has continued to bite several key players across the league. Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez was placed on the seven-day injured list with a concussion after being hit by a throw to the helmet during Thursday's game. Padres starter Randy Vásquez landed on the 15-day IL with a bruised ankle after fainting on the mound Thursday night and was taken to the hospital. In New York, the Yankees added left-hander Carlos Rodón to the 15-day IL with elbow inflammation, while Orioles closer Ryan Helsley also hit the IL with elbow discomfort after feeling it during warmups. Giants third baseman Matt Chapman is out with an abdominal strain and placed on the 10-day IL. On a more positive note for the Reds, pitcher Hunter Greene is slated to come off the 60-day IL and make his season debut Saturday against the Orioles after a lengthy absence. The Braves made a move to bolster their outfield, signing former NL MVP Andrew McCutchen to a minor league deal in their search for offensive help, and also recalled infielder Jim Jarvis while designating first baseman Rowdy Tellez for assignment on Thursday. The Cubs recalled Drew Pomeranz from Triple-A and optioned Jordan Wicks, while the Cardinals reinstated Ryne Stanek from the paternity list and sent Gordon Graceffo to the minors ahead of Friday's games. Athletics prospect Ryan Lasko faces a "lengthy" recovery after a collision that broke his back earlier in the week.

All-Star Game and Special Events

Shohei Ohtani's participation in the All-Star Game is in doubt, as Dodgers manager Dave Roberts indicated it's "hard to imagine" him pitching due to a schedule adjustment designed to manage his workload Roberts stated. Similarly, Brewers ace Jacob Misiorowski's All-Star Game status is uncertain because his scheduled start the Sunday before the break would make him ineligible to pitch two nights later. The All-Star Futures Game roster was announced, featuring Nationals shortstop Eli Willits as the top pick among the 50 selected players for the July 12 event. Baseball will celebrate the Fourth of July with special uniforms and caps featuring stars-and-stripes themes across all games on July 4. Notable ballpark food offerings for the holiday are appearing from coast to coast, with teams aiming to capture the festive spirit in their concessions.

Player Milestones and Performances

Manager Dave Roberts achieved a personal milestone, becoming the fastest manager in MLB history to reach 1,000 career wins after the Dodgers defeated the Athletics on Tuesday night in a 9-3 victory. In terms of recent offensive fireworks, 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 that marked the most RBIs by a Cubs player since Sammy Sosa in 2002 Swanson's performance was noted. Rays third baseman Junior Caminero, at, has become the youngest player since at least 1900 to homer in six consecutive games setting a new record. The Marlins closed out their best month in franchise history with a 14-3 victory over the Rockies, thanks to three-run homers from Javier Sanoja and Owen Caissie, and a two-run shot from Joe Mack, marking their 20th win of June the team celebrated.

Managerial and Financial Notes

Mets owner Steve Cohen confirmed that he is not considering dismissing president of baseball operations David Stearns, despite the team's struggles Cohen stated on Wednesday. The Major League Baseball Players Association has proposed changes to roster sizes and protections against demotions, presenting a new labor offer focused on player movement. In a unique annual tradition, the New York Mets will pay former player Bobby Bonilla $1.19 million on July 1, despite him not having played for the team since 1999 marking Bobby Bonilla Day. Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong will not participate in the Home Run Derby at the All-Star Game, having also declined the invitation last year Crow-Armstrong opted out.

League Developments and Notable Incidents

The Guardians secured a dramatic 6-5 victory over the White Sox when Brayan Rocchio hit a walk-off, two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth inning to open a four-game series. A concerning incident occurred when Guardians rookie left fielder Cooper Ingle, losing track of the outs, tossed a live ball into the stands, allowing the Rangers to score during Tuesday night's game. Pirates ace Paul Skenes struggled against the Phillies, allowing a season-high seven earned runs in just four innings during a 10-6 loss, and expressed frustration with his lack of execution Skenes lamented. Nationals pitcher Cade Cavalli issued an apology for shouting at Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras, which instigated a benches-clearing incident Cavalli expressed regret. The MLBPA's latest proposal to the league includes increased roster sizes and protections against demotions as part of labor talks. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts became the fastest to 1,000 wins after his team beat the Athletics on Tuesday.

Minor League and Prospect News

Athletics prospect Ryan Lasko is facing a "lengthy" recovery period after a collision that resulted in a broken back Lasko posted on social media. The Braves signed Andrew McCutchen to a minor league deal as they seek offensive help. The Braves also recalled infielder Jim Jarvis from Triple-A Gwinnett and designated first baseman Rowdy Tellez for assignment on Thursday. The Cubs recalled Drew Pomeranz from Triple-A Iowa and optioned Jordan Wicks to the minors before Friday's game. The Cardinals reinstated Ryne Stanek from the paternity list and optioned Gordon Graceffo to Triple-A Memphis ahead of Friday's contest.