MLB Baseball 3 Days

Last updated: July 7, 2026, 8:32 AM ET

MLB Midseason Report & Awards Watch

As the All-Star break looms, the league is rife with contenders and surprises, with every club's performance scrutinized. Some teams are already to 2026, while others face a make-or-break summer. For fantasy managers, the waiver wire offers a glimmer of hope, with pitching talent taking center stage as teams navigate injuries and underperformances. Meanwhile, veteran outfielder Max Kepler hit his first home run since his 80-game ban concluded, a significant moment for the Arizona Diamondbacks slugger. Awards races are heating up, with MVP and Cy Young leaders emerging as the season hits its halfway point. The trade deadline also presents a dynamic picture, with a ranking of top available players indicating that teams are bracing for significant moves.

Player News & Injury Updates

The injury bug continues to bite, with several key players landing on the injured list. The Atlanta Braves placed left-hander Martín Pérez on the 15-day IL with a forearm contusion, while the San Diego Padres saw pitcher Randy Vásquez land on the 15-day IL with a bruised ankle. In more positive news for the Los Angeles Dodgers, reliever Evan Phillips was reinstated from the IL on Monday, marking his return 13 months after Tommy John surgery. The Seattle Mariners, however, placed outfielder Julio Rodriguez on the seven-day IL with a concussion after he took a throw to the helmet. Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani will be held out of Saturday's lineup after experiencing bicep tightness during a recent start, though he still managed to throw a season-high 110 pitches.

Pitching Performances & Draft Prospects

Pitching performances varied wildly across the league. New York Yankees hurler Cam Schlittler bounced back impressively, pitching eight innings for the second time this year in a win against the Tampa Bay Rays. Conversely, Philadelphia ace Cristopher Sanchez endured a career-worst outing, allowing nine earned runs in a lopsided loss to Kansas City. On the amateur front, fireballing Massachusetts prep left-hander Brody Bumila has revealed an elbow injury to MLB teams, a significant blow for a highly-touted prospect. As draft week approaches, the question of who the White Sox will select first overall looms large, with Kiley McDaniel's guide offering insights into the 2026 draft class.

Transactions & Historical Milestones

In a move to bolster their lineup, the Atlanta Braves signed former NL MVP Andrew McCutchen to a minor league deal, signaling their ongoing search for offensive help. Meanwhile, Boston Red Sox reliever Aroldis Chapman has reached a significant career milestone, becoming the king of strikeouts among relievers. The league is also preparing for the Fourth of July, with ballparks across the country rolling out special culinary offerings for the holiday. Some players reflected on their draft day experiences, recalling moments from first-round selections to now-defunct rounds.

: All-Stars & Trade Targets

With the All-Star Game approaching, many of baseball's biggest stars are heading to Philadelphia, though some deserving players will unfortunately miss out on the festivities, with snubs and takeaways noted. The month of June proved eventful, with a breakdown of June's winners and losers offering a glimpse into what will shape the coming weeks. As teams assess their rosters, the trade deadline looms large, with a fresh list of top trade deadline candidates providing a roadmap for potential blockbuster deals. The availability of a new star closer could significantly impact playoff races.