MLB Baseball 3 Days

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

Player Movement & Injuries

The MLB landscape saw significant player movement and injury concerns over the past three days. The Atlanta Braves bolstered their outfield options by signing former NL MVP Andrew McCutchen to a minor league contract signed OF McCutchen, signaling a continued search for offensive contributions. However, the Seattle Mariners were dealt a blow with outfielder Julio Rodriguez placed on IL due to a concussion sustained after a throw to the back of his helmet. In the American League, the New York Yankees added to their pitching woes, placing left-hander Carlos Rodón on the 15-day injured list with elbow inflammation placed Rodón on IL. Similarly, Orioles closer Ryan Helsley was also sidelined with elbow discomfort on IL with elbow issue, having felt pain while warming up.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are managing the workload of their two-way star, Shohei Ohtani. After throwing a season-high 110 pitches against the Padres, Ohtani experienced a biceps tightness and will be held out of Saturday's lineup hold Ohtani out. Manager Dave Roberts indicated it's "hard to imagine" Ohtani pitching in the All-Star Game due to his adjusted schedule unlikely to pitch ASG. Catcher Dalton Rushing was slated to catch Ohtani's Friday start catching Ohtani's start. The San Diego Padres also saw pitcher Randy Vásquez head to the 15-day injured list with a bruised right ankle Vásquez goes on IL. Vásquez was later hospitalized after fainting following his start on Thursday night taken hospital after fainting.

The Cincinnati Reds are set to welcome back pitcher Hunter Greene from the 60-day injured list, with his season debut scheduled for Saturday against the Orioles Greene come off IL. Meanwhile, Brewers ace Jacob Misiorowski's All-Star Game status is uncertain due to his pitching schedule Misiorowski's ASG status doubt. In other roster moves, the Chicago Cubs recalled Drew Pomeranz from Triple-A Iowa and optioned Jordan Wicks recall Pomeranz, while the St. Louis Cardinals reinstated Ryne Stanek from the paternity list and optioned Gordon Graceffo reinstate Stanek. The Braves also recalled infielder Jim Jarvis and designated first baseman Rowdy Tellez for assignment recall Jarvis. In the minors, Athletics prospect Ryan Lasko faces a "lengthy" recovery after a collision that broke his back Lasko facing lengthy recovery.

Player Performances & Awards

Aroldis Chapman of the Boston Red Sox has etched his name in the record books, becoming the all-time leader in strikeouts among relief pitchers. His career achievements are being placed in historical perspective as his strikeout total continues to climb king of strikeouts. As the All-Star break approaches, the MVP and Cy Young races are heating up. Shohei Ohtani is a prominent name in the National League MVP conversation, facing stiff competition from players like PCA PCA Ohtani NL MVP?. Fantasy baseball managers are also keeping an eye on emerging trends, with potential trade deadline targets like Tarik Skubal and Luis Arraez being discussed Skubal Peralta Arraez.

Dansby Swanson had a historic offensive outburst for the Chicago Cubs, hitting three home runs and driving in eight runs in a commanding 23-3 victory. His performance included a grand slam and the most RBIs by a Cubs player since Sammy Sosa in 2002 Swanson stays hot. In a dramatic finish, Brayan Rocchio of the Cleveland Guardians hit a walk-off two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth inning to secure a 6-5 win over the Chicago White Sox Rocchio's walkoff HR. Fantasy baseball analysts are also with discussions on whether the Tampa Bay Rays feature two top-10 hitters and the surge of pitchers like Tarik Skubal Rays two top-10 hitters?.

League-Wide News & Trends

This week's Power Rankings see the Tampa Bay Rays ascend to the top spot in the American League, knocking the New York Yankees down, while the Miami Marlins have cracked the top 10 Rays, Marlins bring Florida. Major League Baseball is preparing for its annual July 4th celebrations, with teams set to don specially designed stars-and-stripes themed uniforms and caps for all games on the holiday special July 4 uniforms. Ballparks across the league are also getting into the spirit, offering unique Fourth of July-themed food options from the Dodgers to the Nationals ballpark foods for Fourth of July. Mets owner Steve Cohen has stated he is not considering firing president of baseball operations David Stearns, despite the team's struggles Cohen firing Stearns.