MLB Baseball 3 Days

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

MVP Race and League Standings

With the All-Star break approaching, the National League MVP race is heating up between Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani and Braves' Ronald Acuña Jr.. Ohtani's dual-threat capabilities and Acuña's all-around offensive production have positioned them as top contenders. Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Rays have overtaken the New York Yankees for the top spot in the American League Power Rankings, while the Miami Marlins have cracked the top 10 in Week, signaling a strong showing from Florida-based teams.

Injuries and Roster Moves

A rash of injuries and roster moves have impacted several clubs. The Seattle Mariners placed outfielder Julio Rodriguez on the seven-day injured list with a concussion after he was hit in the helmet. In Los Angeles, the Dodgers plan to hold Shohei Ohtani out of Saturday's lineup due to a tightening right biceps, though he threw a season-high 110 pitches against the Padres on Friday. The Padres have moved pitcher Randy Vásquez to the 15-day IL with a bruised ankle, following an incident where he fainted after his start on Thursday Padres' Vasquez taken hospital. Adding to the pitching woes, the New York Yankees placed lefty Carlos Rodón on the 15-day IL with elbow inflammation, and Orioles closer Ryan Helsley is also on the 15-day IL with elbow discomfort he felt while warming up O's closer Helsley returns. On a more positive note for Cincinnati, pitcher Hunter Greene is slated to come off the 60-day injured list and make his season debut Saturday against the Orioles Reds' Greene to come. The Chicago Cubs recalled Drew Pomeranz from Triple-A Iowa, while optioning Jordan Wicks. The St. Louis Cardinals reinstated Ryne Stanek from the paternity list and sent Gordon Graceffo to Triple-A. The Atlanta Braves recalled infielder Jim Jarvis and designated first baseman Rowdy Tellez for assignment.

Player Milestones and All-Star Considerations

Aroldis Chapman has etched his name in the record books, now ranking as the king of strikeouts among Major League relievers Where does Aroldis Chapman. His career strikeout total places him in elite company for relief pitchers. Meanwhile, Shohei Ohtani's participation in the upcoming All-Star Game is uncertain, with Dodgers manager Dave Roberts stating it's "hard to imagine" him pitching due to his adjusted schedule Ohtani unlikely pitch ASG. Similarly, Brewers ace Jacob Misiorowski's All-Star status is in doubt as his pitching schedule before the break could make him ineligible Misiorowski's ASG status doubt.

Trade Deadline Buzz and Prospect News

With the trade deadline approaching, speculation is mounting about potential moves for key players. Pitchers like Tarik Skubal and Freddy Peralta, along with hitter Luis Arraez, are among those who could be on the move Skubal Peralta Arraez. In prospect news, Athletics prospect Ryan Lasko faces a "lengthy" recovery after breaking his back in a collision during a minor league game Lasko facing 'lengthy' recovery. The Braves, meanwhile, have signed former NL MVP Andrew McCutchen to a minor league deal as they seek offensive help Braves sign McCutchen.

Special Events and Ballpark Offerings

Major League Baseball will feature special uniforms and caps for all games on July 4th, with teams donning newly designed stars-and-stripes themes special MLB July 4. Ballparks across the league are also rolling out unique food offerings to celebrate the holiday, from the Dodgers to the Nationals MLB ballparks serving up.

Recent Game Action

In recent game action, the Cleveland Guardians secured a dramatic 6-5 victory over the Chicago White Sox thanks to a walk-off, two-run homer by Brayan Rocchio in the bottom of the ninth inning. Shohei Ohtani was in the lineup and caught by Dalton Rushing during his Friday pitching start against the Padres Rushing catch Ohtani's start.