MLB Baseball 3 Days

Last updated: July 15, 2026, 5:30 AM ET

All-Star Game Dominance and Player Honors

The American League showcased its pitching prowess, shutting out the National League 4-0 in the All-Star Game. Starting pitcher Dylan Cease led the charge, combining with 10 relievers for a dominant performance that included 15 strikeouts and just three hits allowed against the NL lineup. Rays third baseman Junior Caminero exited the game in the third inning after being hit by a pitch on the left hand. On the player honor front, Jordan Walker hopes his Home Run Derby victory will inspire more Black youth to play baseball. Meanwhile, Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski showcased a unique Pokémon-themed glove during the All-Star festivities.

Draft Picks and Contract Milestones

The MLB draft saw a record-breaking bonus agreed upon for the No. 1 overall pick. Roch Cholowsky, the top selection, has reportedly agreed to terms with the White Sox, securing a historic $10.35 million signing bonus. In other draft news, the Miami Marlins selected Japanese slugger Rintaro Sasaki out of Stanford in the eighth round. Fantasy managers are advised to emerging prospects as Kiley McDaniel provides a recap of the 2026 draft class for all 30 teams.

Player Injuries and All-Star Game Snubs

Several players dealt with injuries and All-Star selections in recent days. Shohei Ohtani was scratched from his scheduled start due to left knee irritation and will miss the All-Star Game, with manager Dave Roberts confirming he will be in the lineup for the upcoming series against the Yankees. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts stated Ohtani would be available for the Yankees series. Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz was placed on the IL with a thumb sprain and will miss the All-Star Game. Phillies ace Zack Wheeler declined his All-Star invitation, citing feeling "disrespected" by perceived snubs. Orioles third baseman Blaze Alexander suffered a fractured left hand after being hit by a pitch. Mariners pitcher Emerson Hancock exited his start with a bruised finger. Rangers reliever Chris Martin was placed on the injured list for the second time this season with a shoulder injury. Diamondbacks pitcher Zac Gallen was placed on the 15-day IL with elbow inflammation. Astros center fielder Brice Matthews left his game with a left knee injury after a collision with the wall. White Sox outfielder Tristan Peters, who recently hit for the cycle, was named an All-Star. Mets' Bo Bichette was held out of the lineup for a second consecutive day due to leg and ankle soreness, potentially missing time through the All-Star break. Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski was scratched from his start and will miss the All-Star Game due to arm fatigue. Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler will attend the All-Star Game but will not pitch, opting to rest.

Team Performance and League Discussions

The Boston Red Sox continued their impressive winning streak, completing a 9-0 road trip, their first since 1977. The Red Sox's success has come in the wake of trading star guard Jaylen Brown, a move that has coincided with their strong play. The Athletics have fired pitching coach Scott Emerson amid a nine-game losing streak. The Yankees completed a three-game sweep of the Nationals, with rallies in the late innings contributing to their victories.

League-wide discussions and player sentiments surrounding potential changes and marketing initiatives are ongoing. All-Stars, including Paul Skenes, Juan Soto, and Bryce Harper, have voiced opposition to a salary cap, though they believe there is still time to reach an agreement to avoid potential labor disputes. The MLBPA has criticized the league's "Level the Field" ad campaign advocating for a salary cap, labeling it "perverse". Support is growing for MLB's inclusion in the 2028 Olympics, but disagreements with the MLBPA present hurdles.

Memorabilia and Notable Performances

Baseball memorabilia continues to fetch high prices at auction. A collection of 21 presidential autographed baseballs sold for over $3 million. A rare Shohei Ohtani rookie card has privately sold for a record $3.365 million. The cleats Shohei Ohtani wore during a 2025 Tokyo series, featuring his Kanji signature and a depiction of his dog, are also up for auction. On the field, the Giants' Jake McCarthy hit his second inside-the-park home run of the season in a win against the Rockies. Phillies pitcher Cristopher Sanchez, fresh off an 11-win performance, started the All-Star Game and later delivered a strong seven-inning outing against the Tigers. The Futures Game saw Tampa Bay's Nathan Flewelling named MVP, leading the AL to a 6-1 victory over the NL.