MLB Baseball 3 Days

Last updated: July 9, 2026, 2:31 PM ET

Home Run Derby Participants and All-Star Buzz

The Home Run Derby in Philadelphia will feature several sluggers, including St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Jordan Walker taking part and Royals slugger Jac Caglianone swinging for the fences. New York Yankees outfielder Ben Rice, who leads his team with 26 home runs, is also confirmed for the event swinging for the fences. Meanwhile, Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe strongly denied a report suggesting he refused a positional change earlier in the season, calling the information "B.S." Major League Baseball also unveiled its All-Star Game replacements, with Willson Contreras headlining the list. However, Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler, after being overlooked for the All-Star squad, responded by with 14 strikeouts in his team's win.

Player Injuries and Milestones

Injuries continue to affect several teams as the season progresses. Red Sox catcher Willson Contreras after a foul ball struck his left foot, and Tigers All-Star catcher Dillon Dingler with an injured right hand. The Twins placed Byron Buxton on the injured list due to a lingering hip issue, while the Brewers revealed a new shoulder injury for Brandon Woodruff. On a positive note, Angels superstar Mike Trout and homered in his return, helping Los Angeles to a 13-1 victory. Tyler Tolbert of the Royals tied a major league record by recording hits in 12 consecutive plate appearances.

Pitching Performances and Draft Discussions

In a near no-hitter, Blue Jays pitcher Dylan Cease took a no-hitter into the ninth inning before the Giants' Heliot Ramos broke it up with a single. Phillies ace Cristopher Sanchez allowed a career-worst nine earned runs in a rough outing against Kansas City. The White Sox are reportedly focusing on three candidates for the No. 1 pick in the MLB amateur draft: UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky, Georgia Tech catcher Vahn Lackey, and Texas high school shortstop Grady Emers homed in on three candidates. Separately, Nationals pitcher Cade Cavalli's suspension for his role in a brawl has been reduced on appeal has been reduced on appeal.

Managerial Interest and League Developments

Interim manager Don Mattingly has expressed interest in managing the Phillies full-time should the opportunity arise would be interested in leading. The Women's Professional Baseball League also unveiled its team nicknames and logos ahead of its inaugural season unveiled the nicknames and logos. In other news, veteran outfielder Max Kepler hit his first home run since returning from an 80-game suspension homered to lead. The Braves placed left-hander Martín Pérez on the injured list with a forearm contusion, while the Astros optioned right-hander Mike Burrows to Triple-A Sugar Land.

Fantasy Baseball and Trade Deadline Intel

Fantasy baseball managers are evaluating potential moves as the trade deadline approaches. Eric Karabell offers insights into potential future performances, questioning if McGonigle could be a top-10 hitter or if Wheeler might earn a Cy Young award. Trade deadline speculation includes Tairk Skubal potentially joining an elite team or an All-Star being traded within the NL East. Additionally, fantasy managers are advised to consider which closers to add or drop, with Aroldis Chapman mentioned as a potential trade candidate need to know.

Historical Notes and Player Departures

Three-time Cy Young winner Justin Verlander announced he will retire after the 2026 season, marking the end of an era for elite pitchers. Verlander, at, is the oldest active player in the major leagues is set to retire. Phil Regan, a former major league pitcher and coach, has died at age 89 has died at age 89. The Yankees recorded 17 strikeouts in a loss to the Rays, becoming the first American League team to achieve that mark in consecutive nine-inning games.

Prospect Call-ups and Roster Moves

The Brewers called up 21-year-old outfield prospect Luis Lara on Tuesday before their doubleheader with the Cardinals was called up to the Brewers. The Pirates placed rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin back on the injured list with a finger injury is back on the injured list. The Dodgers reinstated reliever Evan Phillips off the injured list Monday, 13 months after Tommy John surgery was reinstated off the injured list. In their first extra-innings game of the season, the Dodgers secured their 60th win on a Dalton Rushing single in the 11th inning.

Player Suspensions and League Rankings

Domingo Acevedo, a veteran pitcher with Colorado's Triple-A team, received an 80-game ban for a positive PED test under the minor league drug program. Meanwhile, the Marlins debuted at their highest ranking of 2026 in the latest MLB Power Rankings, while the Padres' slump continued. Discussions surrounding potential second-half moves include whether to "dump Dansby" or acquire players from the Guardians.

Midseason Grades and Draft Prospect Injury

Every club's performance is being assessed with midseason grades, from contenders excelling to those facing first-half failures take a look at every club's performance. In a concerning development for the upcoming draft, fireballing Massachusetts prep left-hander Brody Bumila shared MRI results showing damage to his ulnar collateral ligament revealed damage to the ulnar collateral ligament. Kiley McDaniel provides draft intel, addressing questions like who the White Sox will select with the No. 1 pick.