MLB Baseball 3 Days

Last updated: July 9, 2026, 8:33 PM ET

All-Star Game Buzz and Injury Woes

The All-Star Game is shaping up with some notable absences and a reduced suspension. Ranger Suarez will miss the Midsummer Classic due to a left groin strain, landing him on the 15-day injured list. Willson Contreras, however, will participate after his seven-game suspension was reduced to five games. He also saw his season continue to have ups and downs when he exited a game after fouling a ball off his left foot exited a game. Among other injury news, Mark Vientos is headed to the injured list after fracturing his right hand headed to the injured list. Dillon Dingler also left a game with an injured right hand left a game. The Phillies' Don Mattingly expressed interest in managing the club full-time expressed interest. Alan Porter has been named the umpire crew chief for the All-Star Game.

Player Milestones and Comebacks

Several players are making headlines for their performances and returns from injury. Mike Trout came off the injured list and homered in his return, helping the Angels to a decisive victory. Munetaka Murakami is expected to return to the White Sox on Friday after a hamstring issue expected to return. Brandon Woodruff's shoulder injury has a new diagnosis after an MRI, with the Brewers seeking a second opinion a new diagnosis. Byron Buxton has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to a lingering hip injury placed on the injured list. Jorge Polanco returned to the Mets' lineup after a three-month rehab for wrist and Achilles injuries returned to the lineup. Evan Phillips was reinstated from the injured list, returning to the Dodgers 13 months after Tommy John surgery was reinstated.

Home Run Derby Participants and Draft Discussions

The Home Run Derby field is taking shape, and draft discussions are heating up. Jordan Walker and Ben Rice will participate in the Home Run Derby in Philadelphia will participate. Jac Caglianone, who leads MLB in average home run distance, will also swing for the fences. The White Sox are focusing on three candidates for the No. 1 pick in the MLB amateur draft, including UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky and Georgia Tech catcher Vahn Lackey.

Notable Performances and Career Endings

Dylan Cease of the Blue Jays took a no-hitter into the ninth inning before it was broken up by the Giants' Heliot Ramos took a no-hitter. Ryan O'Hearn made club history by driving in 10 runs on three home runs in one game. Tyler Tolbert of the Royals tied a major league record with hits in 12 consecutive plate appearances. Max Kepler hit his first home run since his 80-game ban ended, leading the Diamondbacks to a win. Justin Verlander, at 43 years old, announced he will retire after the 2026 season, marking the end of an era for aces. Zack Wheeler, frustrated by an All-Star snub, tied a career high with 14 strikeouts in a recent start. Cristopher Sanchez allowed a career-worst nine earned runs in a tough outing for the Phillies.

Team Notes and Player Suspensions

The Yankees set a dubious record, striking out 17 times in a loss to the Rays, marking the second consecutive game with that many whiffs. Domingo Acevedo received an 80-game ban for a positive PED test under the minor league drug program. Cade Cavalli's suspension for a brawl in Boston has been reduced on appeal has been reduced. The Women's Professional Baseball League unveiled nicknames and logos for its inaugural season. Phil Regan, a former major league pitcher and coach, died at age 89. The Braves placed Martín Pérez on the injured list with a forearm contusion and designated Carrasco for assignment placed Martín Pérez on the injured list. The Tigers' third base coach, Joey Cora, has left the club has left the club.

Fantasy Baseball and Prospect Watch

Fantasy baseball managers have players to consider for their rosters. Tarik Skubal is a potential trade deadline addition for elite teams is a potential addition. Fantasy managers should examine which closers to add or drop to add or drop. Kiley McDaniel offers insights into the upcoming MLB draft, including who the White Sox might select with the No. 1 pick offers insights. Brody Bumila, a prep left-hander, shared MRI results showing UCL damage to teams.