MLB Baseball 3 Days

Last updated: August 13, 2026, 9:21 PM ET

Power Rankings & Playoff Races

For the first time in nearly two months, the Dodgers aren't the top team in baseball, as our latest MLB Power Rankings crown the Brewers as the new No. 1. The race for October is wide open, with 10 storylines that will shape the rest of the season including an epic MVP battle and a Triple Crown pursuit. A historic run by the Red Sox—they have gone 27-3—could lead to a World Series appearance; we break down the hottest team ever and what it means. Meanwhile, the Mariners dropped their fifth straight game, with Cal Raleigh taking the blame after Seattle's 4-1 loss to the Yankees; a struggling Raleigh said his performance has been "awful." The World Series is scheduled to end in October for just the second time since 2020, with Game 7 slated for Oct. 31; the full postseason schedule was announced Monday.

Game Highlights & Performances

Alex Bregman put on a show, hitting three homers in a game for the first time and driving in a career-high seven runs as the Cubs rolled over the Nationals 12-6 on Wednesday night. Bregman's torrid stretch continued with the first 3-homer game of his career. Blake Snell showed "electric stuff" for the Dodgers, striking out 10 batters in six innings in his return from a three-month absence due to loose bodies in his left elbow. Snell made a strong case for a playoff rotation spot. Tarik Skubal wasn't his usual dominant self in his rocky home debut, but the Dodgers rallied to win 6-5 as their offense answered manager Dave Roberts' challenge. Skubal struggled as Los Angeles came from behind. Jackson Kent made his MLB debut, going four-plus innings in a start against the Cubs. Kent's debut was mixed after his contract was selected from Triple-A. Carson Benge tossed the ball from Kodai Senga's first career save into the crowd, leaving Senga aghast in a bizarre moment. The rookie move cost the team the souvenir. There was also a chaotic double play that caused a 16-minute delay and a belated Red Sox run in Boston's 2-1 loss to the Blue Jays; the delay was one of the strangest of the season.

Injury Updates

Several key players are dealing with injuries, a situation that could swing playoff races. Freddie Freeman avoided serious injury after a frightening fall into the visitors' dugout while trying to catch a foul popup; Freeman is reportedly in "good spirits." The dugout fall was a scary moment for the Dodgers. Bryce Harper has been battling left knee soreness since moving back to right field for the first time in four years; the knee soreness is something to monitor. Paul Skenes was lifted after just 65 pitches amid another dip in his fastball velocity, raising questions about his health. Skenes mum on velo drop after the Marlins loss. The Giants will be without third baseman Matt Chapman for the rest of the season after he underwent abdominal surgery; Chapman, who had 7 homers and 42 RBIs in 84 games, will have season-ending surgery. Hunter Greene will have season-ending UCL surgery after a partially torn ligament; Greene is out at least through 2026. Greene's surgery is a major blow to Cincinnati's rotation. The Rangers placed Nathan Eovaldi on the 15-day injured list with elbow inflammation; Eovaldi joins a long list of Texas pitchers on the shelf. Jose Altuve left Tuesday's game after taking a pitch to the left foot; imaging was negative, but Altuve exited with a bruised foot. The Athletics fear first baseman Nick Kurtz could miss the rest of the season due to his injured right thumb; Kurtz's thumb is a major concern. Geraldo Perdomo left Monday's game with left knee soreness, but manager Torey Lovullo doesn't believe it's serious. Perdomo exited before the fifth inning.

Roster Moves & Transactions

Byron Buxton was activated off the IL for Thursday's Field of Dreams game against the Phillies; Buxton missed 14 games with a right hip injury. Buxton activated is a boost for Minnesota. Garrett Whitlock was placed on the 15-day IL with right elbow inflammation, and Greg Weissert was recalled from Triple-A. Whitlock on IL adds to Boston's bullpen woes. Paul Sewald was claimed by the Blue Jays after being designated for assignment by the Diamondbacks. Sewald claimed by Toronto. Kyle Karros was placed on the seven-day concussion injured list, and Adael Amador was recalled. Karros concussion IL is a short-term issue. Kyle Stowers was placed on the 10-day IL with a left hamstring strain. Stowers IL adds to Miami's injury list. Bryse Wilson was re-signed by the Brewers to a one-year deal just days after being designated for assignment. Wilson is back with Milwaukee. Jameson Taillon was placed on the IL with forearm discomfort after leaving his first home start early; he is scheduled for an MRI. Taillon to IL is a concern for Toronto. Trey Yesavage had knee surgery to repair a damaged left meniscus, but the team isn't ruling him out for the season. Yesavage surgery. Mike Maddux was fired as pitching coach along with assistant Darryl Scott and bullpen coach Dom Chiti after a staff ERA of 4.51 and MLB-worst 508 walks. Maddux fired as Los Angeles shakes up its coaching staff. Two-time All-Star shortstop Tim Anderson announced his retirement after 10 major league seasons; the former batting champion Anderson retires.

Injury Returns & Updates

Carlos Rodón is scheduled for his second rehab start Thursday night as the Yankees get closer to having him and Cody Bellinger back. Rodón, Bellinger closer to return, according to manager Aaron Boone. A look at key injured stars expected to come off the IL—players who could swing the playoff races—highlights the returning players as valuable as any trade deadline acquisition.

News & Off-Field

The White Sox's pope hat giveaway drew over 40,000 fans, embracing the connection ever since the election of Pope Leo, a Chicago native and White Sox fan. Pope hat giveaway was a massive hit. U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal and two House representatives are urging MLB to ban betting promos after a video featuring Phillies star Bryce Harper. The senator asks MLB to prohibit promotional deals with betting operators. Reflecting on the 1994 strike, we explore what was lost—home run history, .400 seasons and more—and what it means for 2027. 1994 strike losses resonate 32 years later.

Fantasy & Waiver Wire

For fantasy managers, a trio of waiver-worthy prospects debuted this week; the top players to consider claiming are highlighted in this week's free agent pickups column.