MLB Baseball 3 Days

Last updated: July 4, 2026, 11:33 PM ET

League Leaders and MVP Races

As the All-Star break looms, the MVP race in the National League is intensifying, with Bryce Harper and Shohei Ohtani emerging as top contenders. Ohtani, already a force on the mound, has also been a significant offensive presence for the Dodgers. However, his pitching workload is being carefully managed, and Dodgers manager Dave Roberts stated it's "hard to imagine" Ohtani pitching in the All-Star Game due to his adjusted schedule Ohtani unlikely pitch. The Dodgers are also opting to hold Ohtani out of Saturday's lineup after he experienced right bicep tightness during his season-high 110-pitch outing against the Padres. In other award considerations, the league is also watching the performances of pitchers like Tarik Skubal and Freddy Peralta, with trade deadline speculation swirling around their future teams Skubal Peralta.

Pitching Injuries and Roster Moves

The injury bug continues to bite across Major League Baseball, with several key pitchers landing on the injured list. Yankees left-hander Carlos Rodón was placed on the 15-day IL Friday due to elbow inflammation Yanks place Rodón. In St. Louis, right-hander Ryan Helsley joined the IL with an elbow issue, experiencing discomfort during warmups two days prior O's closer Helsley. Padres starting pitcher Randy Vásquez has also been sidelined with a bruised right ankle Padres pitcher Vásquez, and the team later reported that Vásquez was taken to the hospital after fainting post-start Padres' Vasquez taken. In Cincinnati, the Reds plan to activate pitcher Hunter Greene from the 60-day IL for his season debut against the Orioles on Saturday Reds' Greene come off. Meanwhile, Brewers ace Jacob Misiorowski's All-Star Game status is in doubt as he is slated to pitch the Sunday before the break, making him ineligible for the midsummer classic Misiorowski's ASG status. The Cubs have recalled Drew Pomeranz from Triple-A Iowa and optioned Jordan Wicks Cubs recall Pomeranz, while the Cardinals reinstated Ryne Stanek from the paternity list and sent Gordon Graceffo to Memphis Cards reinstate Stanek.

Outfielders and Offensive Help

The outfield has seen significant movement and injury concerns. Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez was placed on the seven-day IL with a concussion after being hit in the helmet by a throw Mariners put J-Rod. In a surprising move, the Braves signed former NL MVP Andrew McCutchen to a minor league contract as they seek offensive reinforcement Braves sign McCutchen. The Braves also recalled infielder Jim Jarvis and designated first baseman Rowdy Tellez for assignment Braves bring back IF.

Power Displays and Offensive Milestones

Dansby Swanson had a historic offensive outburst for the Cubs, hitting three home runs and driving in eight runs in a commanding 23-3 victory. His eight RBIs marked the most by a Cubs player since Sammy Sosa in 2002 Swanson stays hot. On the other side of the league, Rays third baseman Junior Caminero, at just 22 years old, has achieved a remarkable feat by homering in six consecutive games, the longest streak for a player his age since at least 1900 Rays' Caminero homers. The Guardians secured a dramatic walk-off victory over the White Sox thanks to Brayan Rocchio's two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth inning Guardians stun White Sox.

Bullpen Brilliance and Historical Ranks

Aroldis Chapman continues to solidify his place in baseball history, now holding the record for strikeouts among relief pitchers. His career achievements are being viewed in a historical context as he adds to his legacy Where does Aroldis Chapman.

League-Wide Notes and Future Outlook

Major League Baseball is gearing up for a patriotic Fourth of July celebration, with teams set to wear specially designed stars-and-stripes uniforms and caps special MLB July 4. Ballparks across the league are also preparing unique culinary offerings for the holiday What MLB ballparks serving. The Tampa Bay Rays have climbed to the top of the Power Rankings, knocking the New York Yankees out of the AL's top spot, while the Miami Marlins have cracked the top 10 Power Ranks: Rays, Marlins. The Major League Baseball Players Association has submitted a labor proposal that includes changes to roster sizes and demotion rules MLBPA labor offer. Athletics prospect Ryan Lasko is facing a "lengthy" recovery after a serious on-field collision Athletics prospect Lasko. In a moment of tension, Nationals pitcher Cade Cavalli apologized for remarks made during a benches-clearing incident involving Red Sox catcher Willson Contreras Cavalli: ill will. 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. Fantasy baseball managers are eyeing potential player movements as the trade deadline approaches, with Tarik Skubal and Luis Arraez being names to watch Skubal Peralta.