MLB Baseball 3 Days

Last updated: July 6, 2026, 5:30 PM ET

MVP Race Heats Up as All-Star Break Nears

The race for the National League MVP award is intensifying as the All-Star break approaches, with Shohei Ohtani and Ronald Acuña Jr. emerging as top contenders PCA Ohtani NL MVP?. Ohtani, already a dominant force on the mound and at the plate, is managing his workload carefully, with Dodgers manager Dave Roberts stating it's "hard to imagine" him pitching in the All-Star Game due to his adjusted schedule Ohtani unlikely to pitch. Ohtani's recent outing against the Padres saw him throw a season-high 110 pitches before experiencing bicep tightness, leading the Dodgers to hold him out of Saturday's lineup hold Ohtani (bicep) out. He was in the lineup Friday, with Dalton Rushing catching his start catch Ohtani's start Friday.

Pitching Staffs Face Injury Woes

Several teams are grappling with significant pitching injuries, impacting their rotations and bullpens. The Seattle Mariners have placed outfielder Julio Rodriguez on the seven-day injured list with a concussion after he was hit in the helmet by a throw Mariners put J-Rod. Meanwhile, the Padres will be without starting pitcher Randy Vásquez for at least 15 days due to a bruised ankle Padres pitcher Vásquez (ankle). In New York, the Yankees have moved lefty Carlos Rodón to the 15-day IL with elbow inflammation Yanks place Rodón. The Orioles are also dealing with bullpen issues, as closer Ryan Helsley has landed on the 15-day IL with elbow discomfort O's closer Helsley returns. On a more positive note for Cincinnati, pitcher Hunter Greene is set to make his season debut Saturday against the Orioles after being reinstated from the 60-day injured list come off IL, start. For the Brewers, ace Jacob Misiorowski's All-Star Game status is in doubt, as he is slated to start the Sunday before the break, making him ineligible for the mid-summer classic Misiorowski's ASG status. The Cubs have recalled Drew Pomeranz from Triple-A Iowa and optioned Jordan Wicks Cubs recall Pomeranz, while the Cardinals reinstated Ryne Stanek from the paternity list and sent Gordon Graceffo to Triple-A Cards reinstate Stanek, send.

Roster Moves and Veteran Additions

In their ongoing quest for offensive support, the Atlanta Braves have signed outfielder Andrew McCutchen to a minor league contract Braves sign OF McCutchen. McCutchen, a former NL MVP, could provide a veteran presence to the Braves' lineup.

Relief Pitching Excellence and Power Rankings

Aroldis Chapman has etched his name in the record books, becoming the all-time strikeout leader among relief pitchers Where does Aroldis Chapman. His dominance from the bullpen continues to be a significant asset. In the latest power rankings, the Tampa Bay Rays have ascended to the top spot in the American League, knocking the New York Yankees down a peg, while the Miami Marlins have cracked the top, reflecting strong performances from Florida's ballclubs Power Ranks: Rays, Marlins.

Ballpark Fare for the Fourth of July

As the Fourth of July approaches, MLB ballparks are gearing up to offer special culinary delights to fans MLB ballparks serving up. From the Los Angeles Dodgers to the Washington Nationals, teams are curating unique food and beverage options to celebrate the holiday, adding another layer of excitement for attendees.