MLB Baseball 3 Days

Last updated: August 14, 2026, 11:44 AM ET

Alex Bregman's Historic Power Surge

Alex Bregman had a career night, crushing three home runs and driving in a personal-best seven runs to lead the Cubs to a decisive 12-6 victory over the Nationals. This remarkable performance marks the first time in Bregman's 3-HR game he has hit three homers in a single game, continuing a torrid stretch of offensive production. In other news, Washington Nationals pitching prospect Jackson Kent had a mixed major league debut against the Cubs, showcasing some promise despite the loss.

Byron Buxton Activated, Injury Updates Across the League

The Minnesota Twins received a significant boost with the activation of outfielder Byron Buxton from the injured list. Buxton, who had missed 14 games with a hip injury, is now available for Thursday's Field of Dreams game against the Phillies. Meanwhile, the Red Sox placed reliever Garrett Whitlock on the 15-day injured list due to elbow inflammation and recalled Greg Weissert. The Blue Jays continued to bolster their pitching depth by claiming veteran Paul Sewald off waivers after he was designated for assignment by the Diamondbacks. In more concerning injury news, Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz may be facing a season-ending thumb injury. The Giants will be without veteran third baseman Matt Chapman, who is set to undergo season-ending abdominal surgery.

Pitching News and Notable Performances

In a significant return, Blake Snell struck out 10 batters over six innings for the Dodgers, showcasing "electric stuff" in his first start back after a three-month layoff due to elbow issues. Meanwhile, Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes was lifted after only 65 pitches in a start against the Marlins, with questions arising about a dip in his fastball velocity. The Blue Jays' pitching staff also saw updates, with right-hander Trey Yesavage undergoing knee surgery, though the team has not ruled him out for the season. Jameson Taillon is also dealing with forearm discomfort and will undergo an MRI.

Team Standings and Storylines to Watch

For the first time in nearly two months, the Los Angeles Dodgers have been dethroned from the top spot in the MLB Power Rankings, with the Brewers now holding the No. 1 position. The Red Sox are being highlighted for their incredible turnaround, having achieved a remarkable 27-3 run that has dramatically shifted their season's trajectory. As the season progresses, several key storylines are emerging, including an intense MVP battle and a potential Triple Crown pursuit, with many teams still harboring hopes for an October playoff berth. The World Series is scheduled to begin on October 23rd, with a potential Game 7 on October 31st.

Player Milestones and Setbacks

Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman reportedly avoided serious injury after a scary fall into the dugout while attempting to catch a foul popup. In other news, Bryce Harper has been battling left knee soreness since returning to an outfield role. The Astros received some positive news regarding Jose Altuve, who exited a game after being hit by a pitch, as imaging revealed no significant damage to his foot. The Marlins placed outfielder Kyle Stowers on the 10-day injured list with a hamstring strain.

Retirements and Roster Moves

Veteran shortstop Tim Anderson, a two-time All-Star and former batting champion, announced his retirement from Major League Baseball after a decade in the league. In a roster move, pitcher Bryse Wilson has returned to the Brewers on a one-year deal after being designated for assignment by the team just days earlier.

League-Wide News and Fan Engagement

The White Sox drew a crowd of 40,000 fans for a promotional giveaway, capitalizing on a connection to a Chicago native and White Sox fan who is now Pope Leo. The White Sox's pope hat giveaway drew a large crowd. In a strange turn of events, a chaotic double play in a game between the Red Sox and Blue Jays resulted in a 16-minute delay and a belated run for Boston. Mets rookie Carson Benge inadvertently tossed the ball used for Kodai Senga's first career save into the crowd, much to Senga's dismay.

Labor Relations Echoes of the Past

A U.S. Senator has called on Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association to prohibit promotional deals with betting operators, citing a personalized greeting featuring Phillies star Bryce Harper as an example. The current labor climate is drawing comparisons to the 1994 MLB strike, prompting reflection on what was lost during that work stoppage and its potential implications for the future of the sport.