MLB Baseball 3 Days

Last updated: July 18, 2026, 5:30 PM ET

National League Roundup

The Milwaukee Brewers are facing another setback as starting pitcher Brandon Woodruff will undergo repeat shoulder surgery on his right shoulder. The news came on the same day the team distributed Woodruff bobbleheads to fans. In a separate transaction, the Brewers acquired right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. from the Astros, though he is expected to pitch out of the bullpen initially due to existing injuries on the roster will initially pitch out of the bullpen. The Pittsburgh Pirates and Cleveland Guardians saw their Friday game postponed due to poor air quality stemming from Canadian wildfire smoke. The Pirates also made a minor league acquisition, trading for former top prospect Robert Hassell III from the Washington Nationals.

American League Notes

New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone expressed regret over his decision to leave starter Gerrit Cole in a 2-1 loss to the Dodgers on Friday. Star outfielder Aaron Judge's recovery from a broken rib is ongoing, and he has not yet been cleared for baseball activities. The Oakland Athletics will be without designated hitter and outfielder Brent Rooker for the remainder of the season after he underwent left knee surgery. In a significant long-term move, All-Star right-hander Chase Burns has agreed to a seven-year, $105 million contract extension with the Cincinnati Reds, sources told ESPN.

Player Updates and Transactions

The Los Angeles Dodgers received positive news regarding Shohei Ohtani, who had lubricant injected into his left knee rather than fluid drained, according to manager Dave Roberts. Ohtani was in the lineup for Friday's game and is expected to be available for the weekend series against the Yankees. The Seattle Mariners are hopeful that center fielder Julio Rodriguez can return from concussion protocol on Saturday. The Colorado Rockies activated right-hander Tomoyuki Sugano off the injured list to make his start against the Reds. The Philadelphia Phillies' bullpen has taken a hit, with veteran reliever Brad Keller tearing his UCL, likely ending his season.

Around the League

The Mets interim manager Andy Green stated the team is fully compliant with Major League Baseball's rules regarding artificial intelligence usage, addressing a report that singled out the organization. In a quirky moment, former Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo, attending a ceremony for the 2016 team, caught a home run hit by current Cubs first baseman Michael Busch. The Arizona Diamondbacks fell to the Cardinals 5-4 on Friday, with Ketel Marte failing to challenge a called third strike on the final out, despite replays suggesting the pitch was outside the zone. The second half of the MLB season is underway, with insights from insiders suggesting teams are contemplating potential deadline moves.

MLB Draft and Labor Discussions

The No. 1 overall pick in the MLB draft, Roch Cholowsky, has reportedly agreed to a record-breaking $10.35 million signing bonus with the Chicago White Sox. Despite the excitement of All-Star week, discussions around potential labor disputes and the prospect of a work stoppage loomed over the league. Major League Baseball is planning for an early Opening Day on March 24 next year, contingent on the absence of any labor disruptions. MLB's potential participation in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics is facing complications due to disagreements with the MLB Players Association.

Fantasy and Betting Insights

Fantasy baseball managers can look to potential free agent pickups based on upcoming schedules. Eric Karabell offers predictions on potential future award winners, including who might finish as the No. 1 player and the top rookie. Betting trends show bettors flocking to the White Sox while abandoning the Mets as the season progresses. Recommended prop bets and trends for Friday's games are available for those looking to place wagers.

All-Star Game and Player Milestones

The All-Star Game saw a dominant performance from the American League, with pitcher Dylan Cease and 10 relievers combining for a 15-strikeout, three-hit shutout in a 4-0 victory. Cardinals outfielder Jordan Walker hopes his Home Run Derby victory will inspire more Black youth to play baseball, aiming to be a positive role model. The Dodgers are planning a bobblehead giveaway to celebrate a notable catch made by one of their players. The Mets kicked off the post-All-Star break with a 4-1 victory over the Phillies, powered by two home runs from Francisco Alvarez and another from Brett Baty.