MLB Baseball 3 Days

Last updated: August 12, 2026, 9:36 AM ET

Standings & Playoff Races

The MLB Power Rankings have shifted dramatically following the trade deadline, with several teams making bold moves. The Red Sox have been the hottest team in baseball, posting a historic 27-3 run that has vaulted them back into playoff contention — a complete turnaround from their early-season struggles. Meanwhile, the Mariners are spiraling in the opposite direction, dropping their fifth straight game Tuesday as catcher Cal Raleigh, hitting just .159, acknowledged his "awful" performance. The Dodgers showed resilience Monday, rallying for a 6-5 win over the Tigers despite Tarik Skubal’s rocky Dodger Stadium debut — a much-needed victory after a seven-game skid that they snapped Saturday with a 2-1, 10-inning win over Arizona. The Braves continue to battle, though ace Chris Sale was ejected before throwing a pitch Sunday in a 2-1 win over the Yankees, still fuming over a balk call from the previous day. The Brewers are dealing with infield depth issues after placing shortstop Cooper Pratt on the IL with a strained right hamstring. For a full look at what’s ahead, check out the 10 storylines that will shape the remainder of the season, including MVP races and Triple Crown pursuits.

Injuries & IL Moves

Injury news has dominated the past three days, with several key players sidelined. The Astros held their breath after second baseman Jose Altuve exited Tuesday’s game after being hit on the left foot by a pitch, though imaging came back negative. The Giants will be without veteran third baseman Matt Chapman, who will undergo season-ending abdominal surgery Tuesday — he had seven home runs and 42 RBIs over 84 games. The Reds right-hander Hunter Greene will miss at least the 2026 season after opting for UCL surgery following a second opinion. The Rangers placed Nathan Eovaldi on the 15-day IL with elbow inflammation. The Blue Jays suffered a double blow: right-hander Trey Yesavage had knee surgery (though he isn’t ruled out for the season), and Jameson Taillon exited his first home start with right forearm discomfort; he will undergo an MRI. The Marlins placed Kyle Stowers on the 10-day IL with a left hamstring strain. The Mets placed reliever Devin Williams on the 15-day IL with a right shoulder strain, though interim manager Andy Green expects it to be short-term. The Rays put Griffin Jax on the 15-day IL with right elbow discomfort. The Diamondbacks shortstop Geraldo Perdomo left Monday’s game early with left knee soreness, though manager Torey Lovullo said he doesn’t believe it’s serious. The Phillies placed Caleb Kilian on the 15-day IL with a left oblique strain. The Athletics fear Nick Kurtz may miss the rest of the season with a right thumb injury. The Yankees are nearing returns: Carlos Rodón will make his second minor league rehab start Thursday, and Cody Bellinger is also closer to returning.

Milestones & Records

Several notable milestones were achieved. Max Scherzer moved into 10th place all time in strikeouts, fanning four Phillies on Saturday to reach 3,516. Jacob Wilson set an MLB record for shortstops with his 111th consecutive errorless game Sunday — but that streak ended Tuesday on an errant throw in the Athletics’ 12-4 loss. Blake Snell made a triumphant return for the Dodgers, striking out 10 in six innings after a three-month layoff due to loose bodies in his left elbow. The World Series will end in October for only the second time since 2020; MLB announced the postseason schedule beginning Oct. 23, with Game 7 on Oct. 31.

Transactions & Roster Moves

The transaction wire was active. The Padres signed veteran outfielder Austin Hays, who promptly hit a home run in his first at-bat Sunday. The Brewers brought back pitcher Bryse Wilson on a one-year deal just two days after designating him for assignment. The Diamondbacks added Michael Soroka from the IL and signed Zack Littell to a one-year contract. The Rangers promoted infielder Jonah Bride from Triple-A and optioned Alejandro Osuna. The Angels fired pitching coach Mike Maddux, along with assistant Darryl Scott and bullpen coach Dom Chiti, after their staff posted a 4.51 ERA and an MLB-worst 508 walks. The Phillies recalled Casey Shugart to replace Kilian on the roster.

Game Recaps & Notable Performances

Beyond the big wins, several games had extraordinary moments. The Dodgers snapped a seven-game skid Saturday with a 2-1, 10-inning win over the Diamondbacks. The Tigers got an "electrifying" performance from Jackson Jobe in his first MLB outing in over 14 months following Tommy John surgery; he led Detroit to an 8-0 victory over the Giants. The Red Sox endured a 16-minute delay after a chaotic, inning-ending double play that eventually led to a belated run in their 2-1 loss to the Blue Jays Monday. The Mets saw rookie Carson Benge toss Kodai Senga's first career save ball into the crowd, leaving the pitcher aghast. Bryce Harper has been battling left knee soreness since moving back to right field for the first time in four years. Cal Raleigh took full blame for the Mariners' fifth straight loss, a 4-1 defeat to the Yankees.

Off-field News & Other Headlines

Several off-field stories emerged. U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal and two House representatives urged MLB to ban promotional deals with betting operators, citing a personalized betting video featuring Bryce Harper. The White Sox drew over 40,000 fans for a pope hat giveaway — a nod to Pope Leo, a Chicago native and Sox fan. Two-time All-Star and former batting champion Tim Anderson announced his retirement after 10 major league seasons. On the prospect front, Kiley McDaniel’s updated top 10 prospect rankings highlight who is rising and falling after the trade deadline. Fantasy baseball managers should check this week’s waiver-wire picks, which feature a trio of debutants. Finally, a reflection on the 1994 strike examines what home run history and .400 seasons were lost — and what a looming labor battle in 2027 could mean.