MLB Baseball 3 Days

Last updated: August 8, 2026, 3:26 AM ET

Philadelphia’s Celebration & a Dodger Nightmare

Chase Utley, the second baseman who anchored the Phillies’ 2008 World Series run, was inducted into the team’s Wall of Fame on Friday in a star‑studded ceremony, cementing his legacy as “The Man” in Philadelphia. Meanwhile, the Dodgers’ season‑high losing streak reached seven with a stunning 4‑3 walk‑off defeat, as Ryan Waldschmidt crushed a two‑run homer off Edwin Díaz in the ninth inning for Arizona. The slide has raised urgency ahead of Blake Snell’s return; the lefty is scheduled to start Tuesday against the Royals after a stint on the IL.

Debut Fireworks & Milestone Wins

Kaelen Culpepper made his MLB debut for the Twins a memorable one, hitting a home run that sparked a comeback win as Minnesota pushes for a playoff spot. In New York, rookie George Lombard Jr. became the third‑youngest Yankee to homer in his first game, doing so on the same night his younger brother went deep in his own professional debut. Across town, Mets rookie Jefry Yan celebrated his first career strikeout with a viral, high‑energy display. Phillies left‑hander Cristopher Sanchez became the first 15‑game winner in MLB this season, earning his fifth straight victory in a 7‑3 win over Washington.

Red Sox Rolling, Cubs Sweep & MVP Talk

Boston extended its winning streak to nine games on Friday as Payton Tolle struck out a career‑high 14 over six innings in a rout of the Athletics. The streak included a wild 12‑11, 13‑inning comeback win over the White Sox in which Caleb Durbin delivered the walk‑off single. Sonny Gray also earned his AL‑leading 14th win earlier in the week. At Wrigley Field, Pete Crow‑Armstrong made a strong NL MVP case by hitting two home runs in a win over the Dodgers, though Shohei Ohtani also went deep twice in the same game. The Cubs completed a series sweep.

Braves Bats, Power Rankings & Trade Fallout

Ronald Acuña Jr. mashed two home runs, one assisted by a Marlin outfield miscue, and Matt Olson added a blast as Atlanta swept Miami 11‑3. The Braves have also been buoyed by Bryce Elder and Grant Holmes stepping up after the club failed to land a top starter at the deadline. The latest MLB Power Rankings assess every team’s post‑deadline standing. In New York, the Yankees’ quiet deadline drew scrutiny; a detailed breakdown examines what they did—and didn’t do. A separate analysis hands out trade deadline awards, including the “worst team money could buy.”

Injuries, Returns & Roster Moves

Yankees left‑hander Carlos Rodón (elbow inflammation) will begin a rehab assignment Saturday at Triple‑A. Mets rookie Carson Benge left Friday’s win with left wrist soreness, but X‑rays were negative. Twins ace Joe Ryan was placed on the 15‑day IL with a left glute strain. Reds right‑hander Hunter Greene returns to the IL with right elbow soreness. The Padres’ Nick Pivetta exited a rehab outing with minor elbow tightness. Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing has a slight UCL tear in his right elbow. Red Sox first baseman Triston Casas underwent arthroscopic left wrist surgery. The White Sox recalled catcher Edgar Quero after placing Joey Bart on the IL with a fracture. The Rangers activated veteran lefty Jordan Montgomery from the 60‑day IL; he will pitch out of the bullpen.

Transactions, Suspensions & Futures

The Athletics and longtime GM David Forst mutually parted ways ahead of the franchise’s move to Las Vegas. The Mets claimed infielder Gabriel Arias off waivers from Cleveland. The Guardians countered by calling up top prospect Angel Genao and designating Arias for assignment. The Pirates released designated hitter Marcell Ozuna, who was hitting .203. Mariners reliever Gabe Speier received a three‑game suspension and manager Dan Wilson one game after a dust‑up with the Tigers. Kevin Gausman is expected to make his Cubs debut on Friday and said he’s happy to be in Chicago. Longtime Giants broadcaster Mike Krukow will retire after this season. Tarik Skubal, despite a loss in his Dodgers debut, was “plenty good” according to the club. Adley Rutschman said he’s “trying to fit in” with a red‑hot Red Sox team after his trade. A report details how Freddy Peralta mediated a meeting between Mets stars Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor to air out their relationship. Garrett Crochet is open to a relief role if he can return for Boston’s stretch run. Finally, a fantasy baseball column highlights six late‑season heroes to target, starting with Atlanta’s emerging arms.