MLB Baseball 3 Days

Last updated: August 13, 2026, 6:37 PM ET

Game Action & Standings

Alex Bregman crushed three home runs for the first time in his career, driving in a career-high seven runs as the Cubs routed the Nationals 12-6. Blake Snell returned to the Dodgers' rotation after a three-month absence, striking out 10 in six innings. The Dodgers rallied to beat the Tigers 6-5 after Tarik Skubal struggled in his Dodger Stadium debut. Cal Raleigh took the blame for Seattle's fifth straight loss, a 4-1 defeat to the Yankees, after he fell to a .159 batting average. Jackson Kent made a mixed major league debut for the Nationals on Wednesday, going four-plus innings against the Cubs.

The 16-minute delay during a chaotic double play in Toronto resulted in a belated Red Sox run, but Boston still lost 2-1 to the Blue Jays. The White Sox pope hat giveaway drew more than 40,000 fans, capitalizing on the connection to Pope Leo, a Chicago native. The World Series schedule will end in October for the second time since 2020, with Game 7 set for Oct. 31.

Injuries & Roster Moves

Freddie Freeman is "in good spirits" after a frightening fall into the visitors' dugout while chasing a foul popup, apparently avoiding serious injury. Bryce Harper is battling left knee soreness that has flared up since his move back to right field for the first time in four years. Paul Skenes was lifted after just 65 pitches amid another dip in his fastball velocity, fueling health speculation. Hunter Greene will undergo season-ending UCL surgery on a partially torn ligament, sidelining him at least through 2026.

Byron Buxton was activated off the IL after missing 14 games with a right hip injury, in time for Thursday's Field of Dreams game. The Red Sox placed Garrett Whitlock on the 15-day IL with right elbow inflammation and recalled Greg Weissert. The Rockies placed Kyle Karros on the seven-day concussion IL on Wednesday. The Marlins put Kyle Stowers on the 10-day IL with a left hamstring strain. The Athletics fear Nick Kurtz may miss the rest of the season due to a right thumb injury.

Jose Altuve left Tuesday's game after being hit on the left foot by a pitch; imaging was negative. The Rangers placed Nathan Eovaldi on the 15-day IL with elbow inflammation. The Phillies put Caleb Kilian on the 15-day IL with a left oblique strain. The Mets placed Devin Williams on the 15-day IL with a right shoulder strain, though the team does not expect it to be long-term. The Rays put Griffin Jax on the 15-day IL with right elbow discomfort.

Yellow: The Giants confirmed Matt Chapman will undergo season-ending abdominal surgery in Philadelphia on Tuesday. The Diamondbacks' Geraldo Perdomo exited Monday's game early with left knee soreness, though manager Torey Lovullo downplayed the severity. Jameson Taillon left his first home start in Toronto after four scoreless innings due to right forearm discomfort and will have an MRI.

Transactions & Roster News

The Blue Jays claimed Paul Sewald off waivers after the Diamondbacks designated him for assignment. Toronto also announced that Trey Yesavage had knee surgery to repair a left meniscus tear, but the team isn't ruling him out for the season. The Brewers re-signed Bryse Wilson to a one-year deal just days after designating him for assignment. The Diamondbacks added Michael Soroka from the IL and signed Zack Littell to a one-year contract. The Yankees' Carlos Rodón is scheduled for a second minor league rehab start Thursday, while Cody Bellinger is also nearing a return.

The Angels fired Mike Maddux as pitching coach, along with assistant Darryl Scott and bullpen coach Dom Chiti, after the staff posted a 4.51 ERA and an MLB-worst 508 walks. Tim Anderson, a two-time All-Star and former batting champion, announced his retirement after 10 seasons. The Mets' Carson Benge lost the ball from Kodai Senga's first career save by tossing it into the crowd, stunning the pitcher.

Power Rankings & Storylines

For the first time in nearly two months, the Dodgers are not No. 1: the Power Rankings have a new top team, with the Brewers taking the lead. ESPN's 10 storylines to watch include an epic MVP battle, a Triple Crown pursuit, and numerous teams still dreaming of October. The Red Sox turnaround has been historic, with a 27-3 run that could lead to a World Series berth. A feature on the 1994 strike explores what was lost to that labor battle and what it means for potential 2027 implications.

A piece on returning players highlights injured stars expected off the IL who could swing playoff races. U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal has asked MLB to ban betting promos like the one featuring Bryce Harper. The fantasy waiver wire features a trio of prospects who recently debuted and are worth adding.

Records & Milestones

Athletics shortstop Jacob Wilson set an MLB record for his position by playing his 111th consecutive errorless game, surpassing Mike Bordick. The Sewald claim adds veteran depth to Toronto's bullpen.

Injury Roundup (continued)

The Kurtz thumb issue could end his season. The Stowers hamstring strain sent him to the IL. The Yesavage surgery is not season-ending per the team. The Eovaldi IL stint is elbow inflammation. The Kilian oblique strain puts him on the shelf. The Williams shoulder strain is not expected to be long-term. The Jax elbow discomfort is another blow to the Rays' bullpen.

Quick Hits

The White Sox pope hat promotion drew a massive crowd. The 16-minute delay in the Red Sox-Jays game led to a belated run. The Anderson retirement ends a notable career. The Chapman surgery ends his season. The Perdomo knee is considered minor. The Taillon MRI will determine the severity of his forearm issue. The Rodón update has him making another rehab start. The Soroka signing adds depth to Arizona.

The Wilson record is a bright spot for Oakland. The Benge blunder was a rookie mistake. The Maddux firing signals a shakeup in Anaheim. The betting promos controversy continues. The returning players feature highlights key reinforcements. The 10 storylines piece and Power Rankings set the stage for the stretch run.