MLB Baseball 3 Days

Last updated: July 6, 2026, 11:32 PM ET

MVP Race Heats Up Amidst Injury Concerns

As the All-Star break nears, the National League MVP race is intensifying, with Shohei Ohtani and Bryce Harper emerging as top contenders. Ohtani, however, is managing a tight right biceps that forced him out of Saturday's game after a season-high 110 pitches against the Padres. The Dodgers star will be held out of the lineup on Saturday. Meanwhile, the Mariners have placed Julio Rodriguez on the seven-day injured list with a concussion after he sustained a blow to the helmet on Thursday. In the American League, Aroldis Chapman's dominant strikeout rate among relievers continues to draw historical comparisons as his career is put in perspective.

Pitching Staffs Face Setbacks

Several teams are grappling with significant pitching injuries. The Yankees have placed lefty Carlos Rodón on the 15-day injured list due to elbow inflammation stemming from recent discomfort. Similarly, Orioles closer Ryan Helsley is also on the 15-day IL with an elbow issue, having felt discomfort while warming up on Wednesday after a win over the White Sox. The Padres will be without starting pitcher Randy Vásquez for at least 15 days as he lands on the injured list with a bruised right ankle following a recent outing.

Team Performance and Roster Moves

The Tampa Bay Rays have ascended to the top of the American League power rankings, knocking the New York Yankees out of the No. 1 spot, while the Miami Marlins have cracked the top 10 in Week 14 according to the latest rankings. In a move to bolster their offense, the Atlanta Braves have signed former NL MVP outfielder Andrew McCutchen to a minor league contract as they seek veteran help. Ballparks across MLB are also preparing for Fourth of July celebrations, with teams offering specialty food items from the Dodgers to the Nationals.