MLB Baseball 3 Days

Last updated: July 6, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

National League MVP Race Heats Up

As the All-Star break approaches, the National League MVP race is intensifying, with Shohei Ohtani emerging as a strong contender for the Dodgers. Ohtani's recent performance includes throwing a season-high 110 pitches against the Padres before experiencing some right biceps tightness, leading the Dodgers to hold him out Saturday. His pitching workload has also made it "hard to imagine" him pitching in the All-Star Game, according to manager Dave Roberts due to his schedule. Meanwhile, the Padres have been hit with injuries, placing pitcher Randy Vásquez on the 15-day injured list with a bruised right ankle after fainting post-start.

American League Standings and Player News

The Tampa Bay Rays have climbed to the top spot in the American League Power Rankings, knocking the New York Yankees down a peg. The Yankees, however, are dealing with their own roster issues, placing lefty Carlos Rodón on the 15-day injured list Friday due to elbow inflammation experiencing elbow issues. In the AL West, the Mariners have placed outfielder Julio Rodríguez on the seven-day injured list with a concussion after he was hit in the helmet by a throw sustaining a head injury.

Pitcher Injury Bug and Roster Moves

The injury bug has bitten multiple clubs across the league. Orioles closer Ryan Helsley has landed on the 15-day injured list with elbow discomfort feeling discomfort during warmups. On a positive note for the Reds, pitcher Hunter Greene is slated to return from the 60-day IL to make his season debut Saturday against the Orioles. For the Brewers, ace Jacob Misiorowski's All-Star Game status is in doubt as his start schedule before the break would make him ineligible if he pitches the Sunday before. The Cubs recalled Drew Pomeranz from Triple-A Iowa and optioned Jordan Wicks making roster adjustments, while the Cardinals reinstated Ryne Stanek from the paternity list and optioned Gordon Graceffo managing their bullpen.

Player Milestones and Potential Trade Targets

Relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman of the Red Sox has achieved a significant career milestone, becoming the king of strikeouts among relievers reaching a strikeout record. As the trade deadline looms, several prominent players could be on the move. Among those mentioned as potential trade targets are Tarik Skubal, Luis Arraez, and Freddy Peralta players to watch before the deadline. The Braves are actively seeking offensive help, signing former NL MVP outfielder Andrew McCutchen to a minor league deal adding veteran presence, and also recalled infielder Jim Jarvis while designating first baseman Rowdy Tellez for assignment adjusting their lineup.

Special Events and Prospect News

Major League Baseball will celebrate Independence Day with specially designed uniforms and caps featuring stars-and-stripes themes for all games on July 4th debuting holiday uniforms. Ballparks across the league are also rolling out unique food offerings for the holiday, from the Dodgers to the Nationals special ballpark menus. In prospect news, Athletics prospect Ryan Lasko faces a "lengthy" recovery after breaking his back in a collision during a minor league game facing a tough road back.

Notable Game Outcomes

In a dramatic finish, Brayan Rocchio hit a walk-off, two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth inning to give the Cleveland Guardians a 6-5 victory over the Chicago White Sox. The Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani was in the lineup and catching him for his start against the Padres was Dalton Rushing catching Ohtani's start.