MLB Baseball 3 Days

Last updated: July 8, 2026, 8:31 PM ET

MLB Standings & Playoff Picture

The Philadelphia Phillies remain firmly in playoff contention as the All-Star break approaches, with interim manager Don Mattingly expressing his interest in leading the club full-time interested managing. In the National League, the Los Angeles Dodgers secured their 60th win of the season in an extra-innings affair reach win No. 60, while the Colorado Rockies saw their All-Star Hunter Goodman scratched from the lineup against the Dodgers Goodman scratched. The Pittsburgh Pirates placed rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin on the injured list due to a finger injury on IL.

Player Performances & Milestones

Ryan O'Hearn made Pirates history Tuesday night, driving in 10 runs on three home runs to set a new club record in a convincing 12-4 victory drives in 10. Tyler Tolbert of the Kansas City Royals tied a major league record with hits in 12 consecutive plate appearances, achieving the mark with an infield single during a high-scoring 16-12 win over the Mets ties MLB record. Meanwhile, the New York Yankees continued a streak of offensive futility, striking out 17 times in a 6-4 loss to the Rays, marking the first time an American League team has reached that strikeout total in consecutive nine-inning games strike out 17 times.

Pitching Highlights & Lowlights

Blue Jays pitcher Dylan Cease flirted with a no-hitter on Wednesday, carrying it into the ninth inning before the Giants' Heliot Ramos broke it up with a single loses no-hit bid. Zack Wheeler, overlooked for All-Star Game selection, responded with a dominant performance against the Phillies, tying a career high with 14 strikeouts wins after All-Star snub. On the other end of the spectrum, Philadelphia ace Cristopher Sanchez surrendered a career-worst nine earned runs in just 3 1/3 innings during a lopsided 15-1 loss to Kansas City allows career-worst 9 ER.

Injuries & Roster Moves

The Minnesota Twins placed center fielder Byron Buxton on the 10-day injured list due to a lingering hip injury that has hampered him for much of the season Buxton on IL. Reliever Evan Phillips was reinstated for the Los Angeles Dodgers, returning to the mound 13 months after undergoing Tommy John surgery back Tommy John surgery. The Houston Astros optioned right-hander Mike Burrows to Triple-A Sugar Land after a rough outing Burrows sent Triple-A. The Atlanta Braves placed left-hander Martín Pérez on the 15-day injured list with a forearm contusion Pérez injury list.

Home Run Derby Participants & Draft Buzz

The field for the MLB Home Run Derby in Philadelphia is taking shape, with Kansas City Royals slugger Jac Caglianone, who leads MLB in average home run distance, set to participate Caglianone flex muscle. New York Yankees first baseman Ben Rice, leading his team with 26 home runs, will also be swinging for the fences Rice take his cuts. As the MLB draft approaches, Kiley McDaniel has released his final rankings of the top 250 prospects Final 2026 MLB draft, with particular attention on who the Chicago White Sox will select with the No. 1 overall pick Draft guide: One big. However, promising Massachusetts prep left-hander Brody Bumila shared news of a UCL injury revealed by an MRI, potentially impacting his draft stock UCL injury.

Player Suspensions & Returns

Domingo Acevedo, a veteran pitcher with Colorado's Triple-A affiliate, received an 80-game ban for a positive PED test under the minor league drug program Acevedo tests positive. Nationals pitcher Cade Cavalli saw his suspension for his role in a brawl at Boston reduced on appeal suspension reduced. On a positive note, outfielder Max Kepler hit his first home run since returning from an 80-game suspension, leading the Arizona Diamondbacks to an 8-0 victory Kepler hits first home. Jorge Polanco has returned to the New York Mets' lineup after a nearly three-month absence due to wrist and Achilles injuries Polanco back Mets' lineup.

League News & Historical Context

The Women's Professional Baseball League unveiled its four team nicknames and logos ahead of its inaugural season, with each name drawing inspiration from pioneering women WPBL unveils nicknames. The impending retirement of future Hall of Famer Justin Verlander marks the end of an era for dominant MLB aces pitcher like Justin Verlander, with Verlander himself confirming his intention to retire after the 2026 season Verlander retire. Major leaguers also shared anecdotes about their draft experiences, recalling moments from their selections, including one player picked in a now-defunct round MLB stars' draft-day memories. Longtime pitcher and coach Phil Regan has died at the age of 89 Regan dies at age 89.

Fantasy Baseball & Trade Deadline Intel

Fantasy baseball managers are advised to monitor closer Aroldis Chapman as trade speculation mounts Closer stock watch. Discussions are also underway regarding potential second-half roster moves for teams like the Guardians and Tigers, with an eye on players to acquire or avoid Dump Dansby? Get some. Pitching talent continues to dominate trade deadline discussions, with a new closer emerging as a potential target for contending teams top 100 trade deadline. Meanwhile, free agent pitching remains a significant area of focus, with several waiver-wire options available for fantasy managers Pitching takes center stage.

Coaching & Team Staff Changes

Detroit Tigers third base coach Joey Cora has departed the club in the middle of his third season for unspecified reasons Cora leaves Tigers.