MLB Baseball 3 Days

Last updated: July 21, 2026, 11:30 PM ET

Red Sox Extend Historic Winning Streak

The Boston Red Sox by extending their winning streak to 14 games. Caleb Durbin's tiebreaking homer in the eighth inning against Baltimore secured the victory, marking the second-longest streak in franchise history that included a 6-1 win over the Rays where Sonny Gray pitched well. Prior to that, the Red Sox had to defeat the Rays and push their streak to 12 games.

Injury Bug Bites Multiple Teams

Several teams are grappling with significant injuries. The Texas Rangers saw leading hitter Josh Jung exit early with left calf tightness. Rookie infielder Joshua Kuroda-Grauer of the Oakland Athletics for a ruptured testicle and was placed on the injured list. White Sox catcher Kyle Teel is expected to miss 6-12 weeks after suffering a high ankle sprain and was placed on the IL. Detroit Tigers right-hander Jack Flaherty landed on the 15-day injured list with right flexor inflammation. Cubs reliever Trent Thornton is day-to-day with a bruised left heel after being hit by a comebacker, though he with preventing a more serious injury. Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. also left a game with back tightness. Marlins All-Star right-hander Max Meyer was placed on the IL with a neck strain, and shortstop Otto Lopez was out of the lineup. Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman was also placed on the injured list with left wrist inflammation. Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña returned to the lineup, while first baseman Christian Walker remained out.

Player Milestones and Transactions

Nolan Arenado became the sixth active player to reach 2,000 career hits, achieving the milestone with a double against the Cardinals on Monday night. In a significant trade, the Los Angeles Dodgers from the Colorado Rockies for two minor league players. The Cubs bolstered their pitching staff by trading for right-hander Aaron Civale from the Athletics. The Orioles have seemingly secured a key arm for the future, with sources indicating a five-year, $90 million extension for starting pitcher Kyle Bradish.

Other Notable News and Notes

The New York Yankees' offense with an eight-run win over the Pirates, though an eighth-inning incident led to the benches clearing. The Reds' strategy to load the bases against Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh backfired spectacularly when Raleigh hit a grand slam on the first pitch, leading to an 8-0 Mariners victory on Monday. In a surprising move, the Braves optioned right-hander Owen Murphy to Triple-A Gwinnett and selected the contract of veteran right-hander Elieser Hernández. The Field of Dreams game between the Twins and Phillies will feature throwback uniforms on August 13. Rintaro Sasaki is set to sign with the Miami Marlins, forgoing a professional career in Japan to play in MLB. The MLB Players Association has called for the preservation of the current draft system following a proposal from MLB to reduce rounds and signing bonuses.

Injuries and Roster Moves Continue

The Chicago Cubs activated outfielder Luis Robert Jr. from the injured list after a nearly three-month absence due to a back issue. Twins All-Star Byron Buxton is back in the lineup after missing nine games with a right hip strain, having already amassed 25 home runs this season. Orioles rookie catcher Samuel Basallo exited a game with shoulder discomfort. Braves catcher Drake Baldwin had a career-best performance with two home runs in their win after returning from an oblique injury. Yankees superstar Aaron Judge will require another scan for his fractured rib and has been moved to the 60-day injured list.

Player Performances Shine Amidst Setbacks

Hunter Goodman of the Colorado Rockies had his second three-homer game of the season on Sunday history for the team. Pirates rookie Esmerlyn Valdez continues to impress, already hitting 12 home runs in his first 31 games, making him the fourth player in major league history with such numbers. The Cleveland Guardians, who have struggled with home runs, exploded for seven long balls in a 13-4 rout of the Twins.

Player Health and IL Placements

Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski's workload is being monitored closely after he in his return from a layoff. Rangers' promising draft pick Brody Bumila will need Tommy John surgery to repair his UCL after regularly throwing his fastball over 100 mph as an 18-year-old. Mets interim manager Andy Green stated the club is compliant with MLB regarding the use of artificial intelligence.

Departures and Honoring the Past

Duane Ward, a key reliever for the Blue Jays' back-to-back World Series championships in the early 1990s, has died at the age of. The Cubs unveiled their Champions Gate facility, celebrating the 10-year anniversary of their World Series title, with members of the 2016 team in attendance. Former Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo, present for the ceremony hit by current Cubs first baseman Michael Busch from the bleachers.