MLB Baseball 3 Days

Last updated: July 5, 2026, 11:32 AM ET

MLB Power Rankings & Standings Update

The Tampa Bay Rays claimed the top spot in the latest Power Rankings, knocking the New York Yankees down a peg. The Miami Marlins also cracked the top, bringing a Florida heatwave to the league's elite. With the All-Star break approaching, teams are jockeying for position, and the trade deadline looms as a potential catalyst for significant roster shifts. The possibility of players like Tarik Skubal, Luis Arraez, and Freddy Peralta being moved adds intrigue as July progresses.

MVP Race & Award Watch

The National League MVP race is heating up as the All-Star break nears, with Shohei Ohtani and Ronald Acuña Jr. emerging as top contenders. Ohtani's dual-threat capabilities continue to impress, though his pitching workload is being carefully managed. Acuña Jr. has been a consistent force for Atlanta, making him a strong candidate for the award.

Injuries Mount Across the League

Several key players were placed on the injured list over the past three days, impacting team strategies and playoff aspirations. The Seattle Mariners lost Julio Rodriguez to a concussion after he was hit by a throw to the back of his helmet. In New York, the Yankees added left-hander Carlos Rodón to the 15-day IL with elbow inflammation further impacting their rotation. The Orioles closer Ryan Helsley also landed on the 15-day IL with elbow discomfort after feeling pain during a warm-up. Padres starter Randy Vásquez was placed on the 15-day IL with a bruised ankle, and was later hospitalized after fainting post-start. Meanwhile, the Reds plan to reinstate pitcher Hunter Greene from the 60-day injured list for his season debut against the Orioles. For the Brewers, ace Jacob Misiorowski's All-Star Game status is in doubt due to his pitching schedule prior to the break.

Player Milestones & Roster Moves

Aroldis Chapman continued to etch his name in the record books, solidifying his status among the greatest relievers with a career strikeout milestone for firemen. In a surprising move, the Atlanta Braves signed former NL MVP Andrew McCutchen to a minor league deal seeking offensive help. The Braves also recalled infielder Jim Jarvis and designated first baseman Rowdy Tellez for assignment as they adjust their roster. The Cubs recalled Drew Pomeranz from Triple-A and optioned Jordan Wicks, while the Cardinals reinstated Ryne Stanek from the paternity list and optioned Gordon Graceffo in separate moves.

Ohtani's Workload & All-Star Prospects

Shohei Ohtani's workload is being closely monitored by the Dodgers, who plan to hold him out of Saturday's lineup after he threw a season-high 110 pitches. His pitching schedule, which included a start against the Padres with Dalton Rushing catching him as he made his start, is making his participation in the All-Star Game unlikely, according to manager Dave Roberts. Roberts stated it's "hard to imagine" Ohtani pitching in the Midsummer Classic given the adjusted schedule to manage his workload.

Holiday Fare & Special Uniforms

As the Fourth of July approaches, MLB ballparks will be serving up special themed foods, from the Dodgers to the Nationals, offering fans a taste of patriotic fare across the league. On the field, all teams will be sporting newly designed uniforms with stars-and-stripes themes during games on July 4th to celebrate the holiday.

Other Notable Performances & News

Dansby Swanson had a historic day for the Cubs, hitting three home runs and driving in eight runs in a decisive 23-3 victory over the Cardinals. His performance included a grand slam and the most RBIs by a Cubs player since Sammy Sosa in 2002 during the rout. In a dramatic finish, 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 in the series opener. The Athletics' prospect Ryan Lasko is facing a "lengthy" recovery after breaking his back in a collision with a teammate. Mets owner Steve Cohen stated he is not considering firing president of baseball operations David Stearns, despite the team's struggles this season.