MLB Baseball 3 Days

Last updated: July 20, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

Player Performances and Milestones

Pirates rookie Esmerlyn Valdez, hitting his 12th homer in his 31st game, a mark that places him fourth all-time in major league history for players with at least 12 long balls and 31 RBIs in their initial 31 career contests. Rockies slugger Hunter Goodman, launching three home runs for the second time this season, an accomplishment that also makes him the sole founder of an exclusive club within the Colorado Rockies franchise. Braves catcher Drake Baldwin returned with a bang from an oblique injury, going a perfect 5-for-5 at the plate with two home runs in Atlanta's 8-5 victory.

Team Streaks and Standings

The Boston Red Sox to 13 games with a 6-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays, thanks to a two-run homer from Willson Contreras and a solid outing from Sonny Gray. The Red Sox later after a four-run rally against the Rays, showcasing their late-game resilience. Meanwhile, the Pirates' Jared Jones across multiple appearances, marking the third-longest such streak in franchise history before it ended in a 7-1 win against the Guardians.

Injuries and Roster Moves

Superstar Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge was moved to the 60-day injured list and will require further scans for his fractured rib, with no clearance yet for workouts. Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña and first baseman Christian Walker were held out of the lineup due to injuries, while outfielder Julio Rodriguez for the Mariners was activated from the concussion IL and returned to the lineup. Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo, and Phillies reliever Brad Keller was diagnosed with a torn UCL, likely ending his season.

Trade and Contract News

The Chicago Cubs from the Athletics in exchange for minor league pitcher Aiden Moffett and cash considerations. In other roster news, the Orioles have agreed to a significant extension with starting pitcher Kyle Bradish, a five-year deal worth $90 million. The Cincinnati Reds, signing Chase Burns to a seven-year, $105 million contract.

Player Health and Controversies

Dodgers' two-way star Shohei Ohtani against the Phillies due to left knee irritation, and manager Dave Roberts clarified that Ohtani received a lubricant injection, not a fluid drainage. Mets interim manager Andy Green regarding reports of artificial intelligence usage in game strategy. Brewers starting pitcher Brandon Woodruff, facing another significant rehabilitation period.

Notable Departures and Off-Field News

Duane Ward, a key reliever for the Toronto Blue Jays' back-to-back World Series championships in the early 1990s, passed away at the age of 62. In international news, Rintaro Sasaki will sign with the Miami Marlins, foregoing a professional career in Japan. The Cubs to commemorate the 10-year anniversary of their World Series title, with former players in attendance.

Fantasy Baseball and League Landscape

Fantasy managers should as the season progresses. The second half of the MLB season is underway, with betting trends showing a flock to the White Sox and a decline in interest for the Mets. The prospect rankings for all 30 teams have been updated following the MLB draft, highlighting rising and falling talent in farm systems. The labor dispute and the potential for a work stoppage, underscoring ongoing tensions within the league.

MLB Labor and League Operations

The prospect of a labor dispute and potential work stoppage even during the All-Star festivities. A significant underrepresentation of Latino players was noted among the MLBPA leadership during recent labor negotiations in a key player group. MLB is reportedly planning an early Opening Day for next season on March 24, contingent on the resolution of any potential lockout for the upcoming year.

Special Events and Uniforms

The Field of Dreams game is set to return on August 13, with both the Twins and Phillies. The Cubs celebrated their 2016 World Series championship by, with members of that historic team present for the ceremony. In a unique moment, retired Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo from current Cubs player Michael Busch while sitting in the bleachers after the ceremony.