MLB Baseball 3 Days

Last updated: July 6, 2026, 5:32 AM ET

National League MVP Race Heats Up

The National League MVP race is intensifying as the All-Star break approaches. While Shohei Ohtani has been a dominant force for the Los Angeles Dodgers, his candidacy for MVP is facing scrutiny due to workload management. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts suggested it's "hard to imagine" Ohtani pitching in the All-Star Game Ohtani unlikely to pitch, a decision that impacts his overall availability. Ohtani's recent outing against the Padres saw him throw a season-high 110 pitches, after which his right biceps tightened, leading the Dodgers to hold him out of Saturday's lineup hold Ohtani (bicep) out. Despite these concerns, Ohtani is expected to be in the lineup for his pitching start on Friday, with Dalton Rushing scheduled to catch him catch Ohtani's start Friday. The discussion around MVP contenders also includes players like Bryce Harper, whose performance could influence the award race MLB awards: PCA.

Pitching Injuries Continue to Mount

Major League Baseball is seeing a spate of pitching injuries, with several key arms heading to the injured list. The New York Yankees placed lefty Carlos Rodón on the 15-day IL Friday due to elbow inflammation Yanks place Rodón. Similarly, Orioles closer Ryan Helsley landed on the 15-day IL with elbow discomfort after feeling it during warm-ups O's closer Helsley returns. In San Diego, starting pitcher Randy Vásquez was placed on the 15-day IL with a bruised right ankle after fainting following his start on Thursday Padres pitcher Vásquez (ankle). Vásquez was in stable condition after the incident Padres' Vasquez taken. The Cincinnati Reds are set to activate pitcher Hunter Greene from the 60-day injured list for his season debut against the Orioles on Saturday come off IL, start. Meanwhile, Brewers ace Jacob Misiorowski's All-Star Game status is uncertain due to his pitching schedule, as he is slated to start the Sunday before the break Misiorowski's ASG status.

Outfielders and Infielders on the Move

The outfielder landscape saw a notable transaction as the Atlanta Braves signed veteran Andrew McCutchen to a minor league contract Braves sign OF McCutchen. The Braves also recalled infielder Jim Jarvis from Triple-A Gwinnett and designated first baseman Rowdy Tellez for assignment Braves bring back IF. In Seattle, outfielder Julio Rodríguez was placed on the seven-day injured list with a concussion after being hit in the helmet with a throw Mariners put J-Rod. The Chicago Cubs recalled left-hander Drew Pomeranz from Triple-A Iowa and optioned lefty Jordan Wicks Cubs recall Pomeranz. The St. Louis Cardinals reinstated right-hander Ryne Stanek from the paternity list and optioned righty Gordon Graceffo to Triple-A Memphis Cards reinstate Stanek, send.

League-Wide Trends and Special Events

Major League Baseball teams will be sporting special uniforms and caps for the Fourth of July holiday special MLB July 4. These patriotic designs will be featured across all games on the holiday, adding a festive atmosphere. Ballpark concessions are also getting into the spirit with unique Fourth of July offerings, ranging from Dodger Stadium to Nationals Park MLB ballparks serving up. The trade deadline is approaching, sparking speculation about potential moves. Players like Tarik Skubal, Luis Arraez, and Freddy Peralta are among those who could be on the move to different teams before the deadline Arraez: One player every. In a concerning development, Athletics prospect Ryan Lasko is facing a "lengthy" recovery after breaking his back in a collision during a minor league game A's prospect Lasko facing.

Power Rankings and Notable Performances

The Tampa Bay Rays have climbed to the top spot in the American League Power Rankings, knocking the New York Yankees down a notch Power Ranks: Rays, Marlins. The Miami Marlins also cracked the top 10 in Week. Closer Aroldis Chapman is making historical strides, now leading all relievers in strikeouts, a career milestone that places him among the game's elite firemen Where does Aroldis Chapman. On the field, the Cleveland Guardians secured a dramatic walk-off victory over the Chicago White Sox, with Brayan Rocchio hitting a two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth to seal a 6-5 win Guardians stun White Sox.