MLB Baseball 3 Days

Last updated: July 5, 2026, 5:35 AM ET

MVP Race & Player Injuries

The National League MVP race is heating up as the All-Star break approaches, with Shohei Ohtani and Ronald Acuña Jr. leading the charge. Ohtani, already a significant presence on the mound, has also been a force at the plate for the Dodgers. However, a tightening in his right biceps during a season-high 110-pitch outing against the Padres has led to him being held out of Saturday's lineup. This, coupled with his demanding pitching schedule, makes it "hard to imagine" him pitching in the All-Star Game, according to Dodgers manager Dave Roberts Ohtani unlikely pitch. The Dodgers will be relying on Dalton Rushing to catch Ohtani in his upcoming starts Rushing catch Ohtani.

Injuries continue to disrupt other teams' rosters. The Mariners have placed outfielder Julio Rodriguez on the seven-day injured list with a concussion after he was struck in the helmet by a throw Mariners put J-Rod on IL. In New York, the Yankees are facing a blow with lefty Carlos Rodón being placed on the 15-day IL due to elbow inflammation Yanks place Rodón IL. Meanwhile, the Orioles will be without closer Ryan Helsley, who landed on the 15-day IL with elbow discomfort after feeling it during warmups O's closer Helsley returns. The Padres have also seen pitcher Randy Vásquez land on the 15-day IL with a bruised right ankle Padres pitcher Vásquez goes on IL; Vásquez was later taken to the hospital after fainting post-start Padres' Vasquez taken hospital. On a more positive note for Cincinnati, pitcher Hunter Greene is set to come off the IL and make his season debut against the Orioles. Brewers ace Jacob Misiorowski's All-Star Game status is in doubt as his start schedule could make him ineligible Misiorowski's ASG status doubt.

Team Performance & Roster Moves

The Tampa Bay Rays are making waves, knocking the New York Yankees out of the top spot in the American League power rankings, while the Miami Marlins have cracked the top 10 Rays, Marlins bring Florida. In a surprising move, the Braves have signed former NL MVP outfielder Andrew McCutchen to a minor league deal as they seek offensive help Braves sign McCutchen. The Braves also recalled infielder Jim Jarvis and designated first baseman Rowdy Tellez for assignment Braves bring back IF. The Cubs have recalled Drew Pomeranz from Triple-A and optioned Jordan Wicks Cubs recall Pomeranz, while the Cardinals reinstated Ryne Stanek from the paternity list and sent Gordon Graceffo to Triple-A Cards reinstate Stanek.

Player Milestones & Notable Performances

Relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman has etched his name in the record books, becoming the king of strikeouts among relievers Chapman ranks among greatest relievers. Dansby Swanson had a historic day for the Cubs, hitting three home runs and driving in eight runs in a dominant 23-3 victory, including a grand slam Swanson stays hot. Rays third baseman Junior Caminero, at just 22 years old, has become the youngest player since at least 1900 to homer in six consecutive games Rays' Caminero homers.

Trade Speculation & League Initiatives

With the trade deadline approaching, speculation mounts about potential moves. Players like Tarik Skubal, Luis Arraez, and Freddy Peralta are among those who could find themselves on new teams by the end of the season Skubal Peralta Arraez. Fantasy baseball managers are also with discussions around potential surges from players like Skubal and the Rays' offensive output Rays two top-10 hitters?. The Major League Baseball Players Association has put forth a labor proposal that includes increased roster sizes and protections against demotions MLBPA labor offer.

Special Events & On-Field Incidents

Major League Baseball will celebrate the Fourth of July with specially designed stars-and-stripes themed uniforms and caps for all teams during games on July 4th Special MLB July 4. Ballparks across the league are also offering unique culinary creations for the holiday, from the Dodgers to the Nationals MLB ballparks serving up. A benches-clearing incident occurred involving Nationals pitcher Cade Cavalli, who has since apologized for shouting at Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras Cavalli: ill will meant. In a less dramatic but decisive moment, Brayan Rocchio hit a walk-off, two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth to give the Cleveland Guardians a 6-5 victory over the Chicago White Sox Guardians stun White Sox. Prospect Ryan Lasko of the Athletics is facing a "lengthy" recovery after a collision that broke his back Athletics prospect Lasko facing.