MLB Baseball 3 Days

Last updated: July 19, 2026, 11:30 PM ET

Power Hitters Steal the Show

Hunter Goodman had a day to remember, smashing three home runs for the second time this season, an impressive feat that places him in an exclusive club of Colorado Rockies sluggers. In Pittsburgh, rookie Esmerlyn Valdez continued his torrid pace, launching his 12th home run in just his 31st game, making him the fourth player in MLB history to achieve at least 12 homers and 31 RBIs in his first 31 career games. Atlanta's Drake Baldwin also showcased his power upon returning from injury, hitting two home runs as part of a career-best 5-for-5 performance in the Braves' victory homered twice.

Streaks and Trades Shake Up the League

The Boston Red Sox extended their incredible winning streak to 13 games, tying their second-longest in franchise history, after a 6-1 win over the Rays on Sunday, fueled by a two-run blast from Willson Contreras and a solid outing from Sonny Gray. The Red Sox had previously secured their 12th consecutive win with a late four-run rally against Tampa Bay. In a move to bolster their pitching depth, the Cubs acquired right-hander Aaron Civale from the Athletics in exchange for minor league pitcher Aiden Moffett.

Injury Bug Bites Key Players

The Orioles' catcher Samuel Basallo exited Sunday's game against the Astros with right shoulder discomfort, adding to the team's injury concerns. Superstar outfielder Aaron Judge, sidelined since May 31, faces an uncertain return as he will require another scan on his fractured rib before increasing his activity level, leading the Yankees to move him to the 60-day injured list move him to the 60-day injured list. The Astros are also dealing with injuries, as shortstop Jeremy Peña and first baseman Christian Walker were absent from Sunday's starting lineup were absent from Sunday's starting lineup. Meanwhile, the Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani will not pitch in Philadelphia due to left knee irritation, and he received a lubricant injection rather than a fluid drainage will not pitch in Philadelphia.

Player Milestones and Sad News

Pirates right-hander Jared Jones etched his name in the record books by retiring 30 consecutive batters, the third-longest streak in franchise history, before his run ended in a 7-1 win over the Guardians. In somber news, Duane Ward, a celebrated reliever for the Blue Jays' back-to-back World Series championships in the early 1990s, passed away at the age of 62 passed away at the age of 62.

Transactions and Roster Moves

The Braves made roster decisions, optioning right-hander Owen Murphy to Triple-A Gwinnett and adding veteran right-hander Elieser Hernández to the active roster. The Miami Marlins are set to sign Rintaro Sasaki, who will forgo a professional career in Japan to join the team. The Cubs celebrated their 2016 World Series championship by unveiling the Champions Gate, with members of that team, including MVP Ben Zobrist, in attendance. In a heartwarming moment, former Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo, present for the ceremony, caught a home run hit by current Cubs first baseman Michael Busch from the bleachers.

Pitching News and Contract Extensions

The Seattle Mariners activated outfielder Julio Rodriguez from the seven-day injured list on Saturday, and he was slated to bat second against the Giants. Mets interim manager Andy Green affirmed that the club is compliant with Major League Baseball regarding the use of artificial intelligence after a report surfaced affirmed that the club is compliant. The Orioles have agreed to a significant five-year contract extension worth $90 million with starting pitcher Kyle Bradish agreed to a significant five-year contract extension.

Injury Updates and Surgery

Starting pitcher Brandon Woodruff of the Milwaukee Brewers announced he will undergo another anterior capsule surgery on his right shoulder, a setback for the team. The Rockies activated pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano off the injured list, and he pitched effectively into the seventh inning in their 10-3 win over the Reds. The Reds secured their future by signing starter Chase Burns to a seven-year, $105 million contract. Yankees manager Aaron Boone expressed regret over his decision to keep starter Gerrit Cole in the game during a tough 2-1 loss to the Dodgers. Aaron Judge's broken rib has not yet healed, preventing him from resuming baseball activities. The Diamondbacks fell to the Cardinals after Ketel Marte failed to challenge a called third strike on a pitch that replays indicated was outside the zone failed to challenge a called third strike. Friday's game between the Pirates and Guardians was postponed due to poor air quality stemming from wildfire smoke. Right-hander Lance McCullers Jr., acquired by the Brewers, will begin his tenure with the team pitching out of the bullpen due to existing injuries pitching out of the bullpen. Brent Rooker, the Athletics' designated hitter and outfielder, will undergo season-ending surgery on his left knee. Phillies reliever Brad Keller has a torn right UCL, likely ending his season and potentially impacting his 2026 campaign has a torn right UCL.

International and Future Projections

Major League Baseball is planning for an early Opening Day on March 24 next year, contingent on the absence of a lockout planning for an early Opening Day. Fantasy baseball analyst Eric Karabell offered insights into potential future outcomes, including whether Christian Walker could finish as the No. 1 player and Griffin could be the top rookie. There was speculation surrounding potential trade destinations for pitchers like Tarik Skubal, with teams like the Dodgers, Mets, and Red Sox mentioned as possibilities. The prospect of a work stoppage loomed over MLB events earlier this year, even during the All-Star festivities prospect of a work stoppage loomed.

Recent Game Highlights

The Mets secured a victory against the Phillies on Thursday night, with Francisco Alvarez hitting two home runs and Brett Baty adding another in the first major league game following the All-Star break secured a victory against the Phillies. The Pirates acquired former top prospect Robert Hassell III from the Nationals in a trade for cash or a player to be named later. Betting tips for Friday's games included a focus on Rafael Devers seeking to continue his strong performance included a focus on Rafael Devers.