MLB Baseball 3 Days

Last updated: July 12, 2026, 2:30 AM ET

All-Star Snubs and Injuries Mount

The approaching All-Star Game is already seeing significant changes, with several key players sidelined. Shohei Ohtani was scratched from his scheduled start Friday due to ongoing knee irritation and will skip the midsummer classic to focus on his recovery. Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz, an American League All-Star starter, landed on the 10-day injured list Saturday with a right thumb sprain. Brewers right-hander Jacob Misiorowski has also been removed from his scheduled start and will miss the All-Star Game because of arm fatigue. On the National League side, Red Sox pitcher Ranger Suarez will miss the All-Star Game after being placed on the 15-day injured list Thursday with a left groin strain. Cardinals catcher Iván Herrera was named an injury replacement for Ohtani on the NL roster Herrera was named.

Player Milestones and Contract News

While injuries disrupt some lineups, other players are reaching new heights. Braves first baseman Matt Olson played in his 741st consecutive game, surpassing Dale Murphy for the franchise's Iron Man record. In a significant financial development, infielder JJ Wetherholt and the Cardinals are reportedly in agreement on an eight-year contract extension worth $112.5 million. On the rookie front, Toronto's Kazuma Okamoto hit his 22nd home run Friday, tying Shohei Ohtani's mark for the most by a Japanese-born rookie in a single season.

Home Run Derby Field Takes Shape

The Home Run Derby lineup for Philadelphia is nearing completion. Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber and White Sox rookie Munetaka Murakami have been added to the eight-man field for Monday's contest. Bryce Harper will compete in front of his hometown crowd, and Cardinals outfielder Jordan Walker also confirmed his participation.

Player Transactions and Injury Updates

Several teams are navigating injuries and making roster adjustments. Bo Bichette was held out of the New York Mets lineup for a second straight day due to leg and ankle soreness, and he may miss time through the All-Star break. Mets infielder Mark Vientos will miss six to eight weeks with a fractured right hand. The Brewers added veteran right-hander Bryse Wilson to bolster their injury-depleted pitching staff Wilson was added. The Royals activated first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino from the injured list Friday after he missed over three weeks with a fractured hamate bone Pasquantino was activated. Meanwhile, Jacob de Grom will miss his next start for the Rangers due to a glute and hip strain, though the team hopes he can avoid the injured list. The Twins acquired right-handed reliever Tommy Nance from the Blue Jays for minor league catcher/third baseman Ryan Sprock Nance was acquired. Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe strongly denied a report that he refused to play second base earlier this season.

Notable Performances and Debut Highlights

Cristopher Sanchez bounced back with a strong outing for the Phillies, striking out seven in seven innings to end the Tigers' winning streak. Rookie Chicago White Sox center fielder Tristan Peters hit for the cycle Friday night, becoming the first player in franchise history to do so in nine years. He was also named to the All-Star roster on Saturday, along with Dodgers LHP Justin Wrobleski. Eduardo Valencia made history for the Tigers with a home run in his first MLB plate appearance Valencia homered.

Draft Day Activity and Future Outlook

The first 135 picks of the MLB draft are complete, with teams assessing their selections Draft picks are in. The San Francisco Giants selected Peyton Bonds, son of Barry Bonds, with their pick. Fantasy baseball managers are advised to consider players like Joey Cantillo and Griffin Jax for their Sunday lineups Cantillo is in groove. the Marlins have reached their highest ranking of 2026, while the Padres continue to fall.

Suspension Reduction and Umpire Assignment

Red Sox slugger Willson Contreras had his suspension reduced from seven games to five and will be eligible for the All-Star Game and Home Run Derby. Alan Porter has been named the umpire crew chief for Tuesday's All-Star Game in Philadelphia.

Managerial Interest and Player Retirements

With the Phillies in playoff contention, interim manager Don Mattingly expressed interest in leading the club full-time. In a surprising announcement, three-time Cy Young winner Justin Verlander confirmed he will retire after the 2026 season.