MLB Baseball 3 Days

Last updated: July 7, 2026, 2:38 AM ET

AL EAST SHUFFLE AS YANKEES, ORIOLES DEAL WITH INJURIES

The American League East landscape saw significant shifts this past week due to key injuries affecting top contenders. The New York Yankees placed left-handed pitcher Carlos Rodón on the 15-day injured list Friday due to elbow inflammation, a significant blow to their rotation Yanks place Rodón IL. Compounding their pitching woes, the Braves, who are also in the AL East hunt, added veteran left-hander Martín Pérez to their injured list Monday with a left forearm contusion Braves' Martín Pérez. Meanwhile, the Baltimore Orioles saw closer Ryan Helsley return to the injured list on Friday with an elbow issue, just two days after experiencing discomfort during a warm-up O's closer Helsley returns. These pitching setbacks for the Yankees, Braves, and Orioles highlight the constant challenge of maintaining roster depth throughout a grueling MLB season.

NATIONAL LEAGUE WEST STARS RETURN AMIDST INJURY CONCERNS

In the National League West, the Los Angeles Dodgers received a significant boost with the return of reliever Evan Phillips, who was reinstated from the injured list Monday Dodgers' Phillips back. Phillips makes his return 13 months after undergoing Tommy John surgery. However, the Dodgers may need to manage their superstar Shohei Ohtani carefully, as he was held out of Saturday's lineup after experiencing right biceps tightness following a season-high 110-pitch outing against the Padres hold Ohtani (bicep) out. In San Diego, the Padres placed starting pitcher Randy Vásquez on the 15-day injured list with a bruised right ankle, further testing their pitching depth Padres pitcher Vásquez (ankle).

OTHER NOTABLE PLAYER MOVEMENT AND PROSPECT NEWS

Beyond the major injury updates, several other player transactions and prospect news emerged. The Seattle Mariners placed outfielder Julio Rodriguez on the seven-day injured list with a concussion after he sustained a blow to the helmet during Thursday night's game Mariners put J-Rod. In a move signaling a focus on veteran presence, the Atlanta Braves signed former NL MVP outfielder Andrew McCutchen to a minor league contract on Friday Braves sign OF McCutchen. On the prospect front, Massachusetts prep left-hander Brody Bumila revealed MRI results showing ulnar collateral ligament damage in his left elbow, casting uncertainty over his immediate future Draft prospect Bumila.

DRAFT PROSPECTS AND ALL-STAR BUZZ FILL THE NEWS CYCLE

As the MLB draft approaches, speculation intensifies, with Kiley McDaniel offering insights into potential top picks for the 2026 draft, particularly focusing on who the Chicago White Sox might select at number one 2026 MLB draft guide. The approaching MLB All-Star Game also generated considerable discussion, with analysis of the rosters, potential snubs, and takeaways from the selections MLB All-Star Game rosters. The race for individual awards remains a hot topic, with debates centering on potential NL MVP candidates like Bryce Harper and Shohei Ohtani MLB awards: PCA. Meanwhile, Aroldis Chapman’s career strikeout achievements among relievers have placed him in historical perspective Where does Aroldis Chapman.

TEAM PERFORMANCE AND BALLPARK FARE ROUND OUT THE WEEK

In terms of team performance, the Tampa Bay Rays and Miami Marlins were highlighted for their strong showings, with the Rays taking over the top spot in the AL East power rankings and Miami cracking the top 10 Power Ranks: Rays, Marlins. On the offensive front, the New York Yankees secured a 5-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday, with pitcher Cam Schlittler delivering an eight-inning performance Irked Schlittler bounces back. Conversely, Philadelphia ace Cristopher Sanchez endured a difficult outing, allowing a career-worst nine earned runs in a 15-1 loss to Kansas City Sanchez allows career-worst 9. Finally, with the Fourth of July approaching, various ballparks are rolling out special menu items, offering fans unique culinary experiences from teams like the Dodgers and Nationals MLB ballparks serving up.