MLB Baseball 3 Days

Last updated: July 4, 2026, 5:30 PM ET

MVP Race & League Standings

The National League MVP race is heating up as the All-Star break approaches, with Shohei Ohtani and Bryce Harper emerging as top contenders. Ohtani, who has been consistently strong at the plate and on the mound, is facing a workload management schedule that makes his participation in the All-Star Game unlikely, despite manager Dave Roberts' initial consideration Ohtani unlikely pitch. Harper, meanwhile, is making a strong case for the award as the season progresses. In the American League, the Tampa Bay Rays have taken over the top spot in Power Rankings, displacing the New York Yankees, while the Miami Marlins have cracked the top.

Pitching Injuries & Returns

Pitching staffs across the league are being tested by a rash of injuries. The New York Yankees placed lefty Carlos Rodón on the 15-day injured list Friday due to elbow inflammation Yanks place Rodón IL. Similarly, Orioles closer Ryan Helsley joined the 15-day injured list with an elbow issue after feeling discomfort during a warmup O's closer Helsley returns. The San Diego Padres also saw pitcher Randy Vásquez placed on the 15-day IL with a bruised right ankle Padres pitcher Vásquez goes, later experiencing an episode of fainting post-game Vasquez taken hospital. On a more positive note for the Reds, pitcher Hunter Greene is slated to come off the 60-day injured list and make his season debut against the Orioles Reds' Greene come off.

Outfielders & Hitting Milestones

The Mariners have placed outfielder Julio Rodríguez on the seven-day injured list with a concussion after he left Thursday's game following a throw to the back of his helmet Mariners put J-Rod on IL. In a surprising move, the Braves signed former NL MVP outfielder Andrew McCutchen to a minor league contract as they seek offensive reinforcement Braves sign McCutchen. Meanwhile, Rays third baseman Junior Caminero, at just 22 years old, has achieved a rare feat by homering in six consecutive games, becoming the youngest player since at least 1900 to do so Rays' Caminero homers. Dansby Swanson of the Cubs had a historic day, hitting three home runs and driving in eight runs in a dominant 23-3 victory, marking the most RBIs by a Cubs player since Sammy Sosa in 2002 Swanson stays hot.

Player Health & Roster Moves

Several other players are dealing with injuries impacting their teams. Giants third baseman Matt Chapman has been placed on the 10-day injured list with a strained abdomen Giants 3B Chapman goes. Yankees captain Aaron Judge is awaiting further scans on a stress fracture in his right rib Yanks' Judge awaiting scans. On the roster front, the Cubs recalled left-hander Drew Pomeranz from Triple-A Iowa and optioned Jordan Wicks Cubs recall Pomeranz. The Cardinals reinstated right-hander Ryne Stanek from the paternity list while optioning Gordon Graceffo to Triple-A Cards reinstate Stanek. The Braves also recalled infielder Jim Jarvis from Triple-A and designated first baseman Rowdy Tellez for assignment Braves bring back IF.

Prospects & Futures Game

Prospects are also a topic of discussion. Athletics prospect Ryan Lasko faces a "lengthy" recovery after a severe back injury sustained in a collision during a minor league game Athletics prospect Lasko facing. For the Futures Game, Nationals shortstop Eli Willits, the top pick in last year's draft, has been selected to participate, among 50 other top prospects Willits, De Paula, Made. Brewers ace Jacob Misiorowski's availability for the All-Star Game is in question due to his scheduled start the Sunday before the event Misiorowski's ASG status.

Fourth of July Celebrations & Special Uniforms

As the Fourth of July approaches, MLB ballparks are gearing up with special culinary offerings, ranging from Dodger Stadium to Nationals Park What MLB ballparks serving. All teams will be donning specially designed uniforms and caps with patriotic themes for games on July 4th All special MLB. A Bobby Witt Jr. bobblehead commemorating the holiday is also being highlighted Red, white Bobby bobblehead.

Player Performances & Historical Context

Aroldis Chapman has etched his name in the record books, now owning the title for most strikeouts among relief pitchers in MLB history Where does Aroldis Chapman. Pirates ace Paul Skenes struggled in his recent outing against the Phillies, allowing a season-high seven earned runs in just four innings pitched Skenes lit up Phils. Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, despite his pitching efforts, will be held out of Saturday's lineup due to a biceps issue that tightened during his recent start Dodgers to hold Ohtani out, though he did pitch Friday with Dalton Rushing catching him Rushing catch Ohtani's start.

Trade Deadline Buzz & Labor Discussions

With the trade deadline looming, speculation is mounting about potential player movement. Standout players like Tarik Skubal, Luis Arraez, and Freddy Peralta are being discussed as possible trade candidates Skubal Peralta. Fantasy managers are also getting insights into potential future developments, with discussions around players like Skubal and Arraez Rays two top-10 hitters. In labor news, the Major League Baseball Players Association has proposed changes to roster sizes and demotion rules as part of their latest offer MLBPA labor offer eyes. Mets owner Steve Cohen has stated he is not considering firing president of baseball operations David Stearns, despite the team's struggles Mets' Cohen firing Stearns.

Game Results

In a dramatic finish, Brayan Rocchio hit a walk-off, two-run home run in the bottom of the ninth inning to give the Cleveland Guardians a 6-5 victory over the Chicago White Sox Guardians stun White Sox.

On-Field Incidents

A benches-clearing incident occurred after Nationals pitcher Cade Cavalli shouted "sit down, boy" at Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras Cavalli: ill will meant.