MLB Baseball 3 Days

Last updated: July 9, 2026, 11:31 PM ET

Home Run Derby Field Takes Shape; Verlander Announces Retirement

The Home Run Derby field is rounding into form for the All-Star festivities in Philadelphia. St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Jordan Walker has officially committed to the competition, joining previously confirmed sluggers like Bryce Harper and Ben Rice of the Yankees will be swinging. Royals slugger Jac Caglianone, who has hit nine of his 14 home runs in June and leads MLB in average home run distance, will also flex his muscle. Meanwhile, three-time Cy Young winner Justin Verlander, the oldest active player in the majors at, announced he will retire after the 2026 season will retire, marking the end of an era for elite MLB pitchers.

Pitcher Injury Concerns and Roster Moves Mount

Injury news continues to plague MLB clubs as the All-Star break approaches. Red Sox pitcher Ranger Suarez will miss the All-Star Game after being placed on the 15-day injured list with a left groin strain. The Brewers announced a new injury to Brandon Woodruff's shoulder, with an MRI revealing damage to his anterior capsule. Yankees slugger Aaron Judge will have his injured rib imaged during the break, with the team hopeful for positive results. Athletics outfielder Zack Gelof left Thursday's game against the Tigers after appearing to injure his right knee on a sliding catch. The Mets will place Mark Vientos on the injured list after he fractured his right hand on Thursday when hit by a pitch. Twins center fielder Byron Buxton was placed on the 10-day injured list due to a lingering hip injury put on IL. Braves left-hander Martín Pérez was placed on the 15-day injured list with a left forearm contusion.

All-Star Snubs, Replacements, and Umpire Announcement

The All-Star Game rosters have seen some adjustments, with Willson Contreras headlining a list of selected replacements. Contreras also had his suspension reduced from seven games to five, allowing him to participate in the All-Star Game and Home Run Derby suspension reduced. However, Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler was not included on the list of replacements despite tying a career high with 14 strikeouts in his latest outing. Alan Porter has been named the umpire crew chief for the All-Star Game, responsible for calling balls and strikes.

Player Denials and Record-Tying Feats

Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe strongly denied a report that he refused to play second base earlier this season, calling the since-retracted story "B.S." denies 'BS'. On a record-setting note, Tyler Tolbert of the Royals tied a major league record with hits in 12 consecutive plate appearances. Pirates first baseman Ryan O'Hearn made franchise history by driving in 10 runs on three home runs in a single game.

Prospect News and Minor League Suspensions

In prospect news, White Sox manager Scott Harris indicated the team is considering 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. On the minor league front, Domingo Acevedo, pitching with Colorado's Triple-A team, received an 80-game ban for a positive PED test. Brody Bumila, a left-handed pitcher from Massachusetts, shared MRI results with MLB teams showing ulnar collateral ligament damage in his left elbow.

Team Performance and Trade Deadline Speculation

The Marlins have debuted at their highest ranking of 2026, while the Padres' struggles continue. With the second half of the season approaching, speculation about potential trade deadline moves is heating up. Discussions include potential ideal additions for World Series hopefuls, such as Dylan Cease joining an elite team or an All-Star being traded within the NL East. Fantasy baseball managers are also advised to consider their closer stock, with suggestions to trade Aroldis Chapman before the deadline.

Other Noteworthy Happenings

The Detroit Tigers' third base coach, Joey Cora, has left the club in the middle of his third season. In a surprising offensive performance, the Los Angeles Angels, led by a returning Mike Trout who homered in his comeback game, defeated the Texas Rangers 13-1. The Women's Professional Baseball League unveiled nicknames and logos for its inaugural season, with team names inspired by pioneering women. The Yankees continued a streak of offensive futility, striking out 17 times in a loss to the Rays, becoming the first AL team to record that many strikeouts in consecutive nine-inning games. Phil Regan, a former major league pitcher and longtime pitching coach, has died at age 89.