MLB Baseball 3 Days

Last updated: July 23, 2026, 11:32 AM ET

Red Sox Extend Historic Win Streak, Top AL East Contenders

The Boston Red Sox by extending their winning streak to 14 games with a victory over Baltimore. Caleb Durbin’s go-ahead homer in the eighth inning proved to be the difference, solidifying the Red Sox’s position as a playoff hopeful and potentially saving their season. This remarkable stretch marks the second-longest in club history, building on a previous 13-game winning streak that included a Sunday victory over the Rays where Willson Contreras hit a two-run homer and Sonny Gray pitched six effective innings to secure the win. The Red Sox's turnaround is a significant development in the American League landscape as one team's historic win streak comes to an end.

AL East Powerhouse Updates and Injury Concerns

In the AL East, the Orioles placed catcher Adley Rutschman on the 10-day injured list with left wrist inflammation, a significant blow to their lineup. Meanwhile, the Toronto Blue Jays lost a franchise legend with the passing of Duane Ward, a key reliever on their back-to-back World Series championship teams in the early 1990s.

AL Central Standings Shake-Up and Player Milestones

The Cleveland Guardians showcased their offensive power in a dominant 13-4 rout of the Minnesota Twins. This outburst was crucial for a Guardians team that had previously struggled with home run production, ranking among the lowest in the majors. The Twins, however, saw All-Star outfielder Byron Buxton return to the lineup after a nine-game absence due to a right hip strain; he ranks sixth in the majors with 25 home runs. In Kansas City, Salvador Perez tied George Brett's franchise record with his 317th career home run, a significant milestone for the veteran catcher. However, the Royals also placed shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. on the injured list for the first time in his five-year career due to lower back tightness, and he later exited another game with the same issue.

NL Central Race Heats Up Amidst Player Performances

In the National League Central, the Milwaukee Brewers are carefully managing pitcher Jacob Misiorowski's workload, with the young right-hander throwing only four innings in his first appearance since July 7 following a layoff. The Chicago Cubs received positive news as reliever Trent Thornton is day-to-day with a bruised left heel after being struck by a comebacker, crediting his cleats with helping him avoid a more serious injury.

NL East Contenders and Injury Updates

The Philadelphia Phillies suffered a tough loss, with J.T. Realmuto taking responsibility for a baserunning error that stalled a potential rally in a 2-1 defeat to the Dodgers due to a lapse on the bases. The New York Mets activated outfielder Luis Robert Jr. from the injured list after nearly three months sidelined with a back issue signaling a boost to their lineup.

Injury Bug Bites Across the League

A wave of injuries continued to impact several teams. The Los Angeles Dodgers traded for Rockies reliever Seth Halvorsen, while the Colorado Rockies’ Hunter Goodman had his second three-homer game of the season. The Athletics placed right-hander J.T. Ginn on the 15-day injured list with a blister on his pitching hand and rookie infielder Joshua Kuroda-Grauer on the 10-day injured list following emergency surgery for a ruptured testicle caused by a foul ball. The Detroit Tigers added right-hander Jack Flaherty to the 15-day injured list with right flexor inflammation. The Chicago White Sox placed catcher Kyle Teel on the 10-day injured list with a high ankle sprain, potentially sidelining him for 6-12 weeks due to the severity of the injury. Texas Rangers third baseman Josh Jung left a game early with left calf tightness. The Miami Marlins placed All-Star right-hander Max Meyer on the 15-day injured list with a neck strain, while shortstop Otto Lopez was out of the starting lineup due to the injury. The Atlanta Braves saw catcher Drake Baldwin return from an oblique injury and hit two home runs in a 8-5 victory.

PITCH CLOCK CONTROVERSIES AND MAJOR LABOR TALKS

The New York Yankees experienced a pitch clock violation that led to a strikeout and an ejection of their hitting coach, James Rowson, during a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. This situation highlights ongoing discussions surrounding the pitch clock and its impact on game flow. Beyond on-field incidents, significant labor negotiations are underway, with the MLBPA calling to preserve the current draft system after MLB proposed cutting rounds and amateur signing bonuses. The representation of Latino players in these critical labor discussions also remains a topic of focus within the league.

STAR POWER AND FANTASY BASEBALL FORECASTS

Veteran infielder Nolan Arenado became the sixth active player to reach 2,000 career hits, marking a significant individual achievement. dynasty rankings highlight top players for the next five years, offering insights for fantasy baseball enthusiasts planning for the future. Additionally, a list of the hottest free agents available on the waiver wire provides timely advice for fantasy managers. The Tampa Bay Rays' prospect Rintaro Sasaki is set to sign with the Miami Marlins, forgoing a professional career in Japan.

SPECIFIC PLAYER NOTES AND TRADE ACTIVITY

Shohei Ohtani will not make his scheduled start against the Phillies due to irritation in his left knee. Dodgers third baseman José Ramírez returned to action after a five-week stint on the injured list following left hand surgery rejoining the lineup. The San Francisco Giants’ Brody Bumila, a hard-throwing third-round draft pick, will require Tommy John surgery to repair his left UCL. The Mariners’ Cal Raleigh hit a grand slam on the first pitch after the Reds opted to load the bases to face him a decision that backfired. The Pittsburgh Pirates’ rookie Esmerlyn Valdez continues to impress, with 12 home runs in his first 31 games a historic pace.