MLB Baseball 3 Days

Last updated: August 15, 2026, 11:02 PM ET

MLB News

Cardinals rookie Joshua Baez made history by becoming the first player ever to hit three home runs in his first three major league at-bats during Saturday's game. The 22-year-old left fielder launched solo shots in the third, fifth, and seventh innings, establishing himself as baseball's newest power threat. Meanwhile, Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge began his rehab on Friday, playing catch and running the bases as he works his way back from a broken right rib. Manager Aaron Boone indicated that Judge's timeline remains fluid, but the seven-time All-Star's participation in field activities marks meaningful progress in his recovery.

Injuries & IL Moves

The Blue Jays placed first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. on the 7-day concussion IL after he was evaluated for a concussion following a collision at third base. Guerrero left Thursday's 3-1 win over the Yankees after crashing into rookie shortstop George Lombard Jr. during a play at the hot corner, and the six-time All-Star underwent testing before being officially placed on the injured list. In Milwaukee, reliever Abner Uribe landed on the 15-day IL with a forearm flexor strain, dealing a significant blow to the Brewers' bullpen depth. The Athletics also suffered a season-ending loss as Justin Sterner underwent knee surgery and will miss the remainder of the year, removing a key left-handed option from Oakland's relief corps.

Dodgers Updates

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed cautious optimism about Shohei Ohtani's mound return, stating he feels "pretty confident" the two-way star will pitch again this season after a 35-pitch bullpen session showed encouraging results. However, a report revealed that Ohtani likely wouldn't opt out if the Dodgers were sold, as a "key man" clause in his contract would only be triggered under specific ownership conditions. The team's confidence in Edwin Diaz remains unwavering despite recent struggles; after blowing his third save in four chances, Roberts affirmed that Diaz stays closer because the organization lacks superior alternatives at the back end of the bullpen.

Field of Dreams Highlights

Kyle Schwarber delivered a memorable performance at the Field of Dreams game, launching two home runs into the iconic cornfield to extend his major-league-leading total to 37 and lead the Phillies to a 7-1 victory over the Twins. The pregame ceremony reached star-studded proportions as 26 Hall of Famers emerged from the outfield corn in a tribute to the classic film, creating one of the most memorable pageantry moments in recent All-Star history. Byron Buxton was activated by the Twins in time for the game after missing 14 days with a right hip injury, providing Minnesota with a boost to their outfield defense and lineup depth.

Rangers & Rotation News

The Rangers continue to grapple with pitching adversity after Jacob deGrom exited early during Thursday's start against the Angels due to right triceps fatigue. The veteran right-hander lasted just two innings before being pulled, raising fresh concerns about his availability and the team's rotation stability. In Washington, Cade Cavalli carried a no-hitter into the seventh inning before settling for a dominant 7-0 win over the Cubs that kept the Nationals from a three-game sweep. Rookie Jackson Kent made his MLB debut in that series, delivering a mixed but promising start against Chicago as the Nationals continue developing young arms amid their rebuilding efforts.

NL Central Standouts

Alex Bregman authored a career night for the Cubs, launching his first career three-homer game while driving in a career-high seven runs in Chicago's 12-6 rout of the Nationals. The performance underscored Bregman's resurgence in his first season outside of Houston, where he has emerged as the offensive cornerstone of a rebuilding Cubs squad. Meanwhile, the Brewers faced a lineup shuffle as Brice Turang sat out Thursday's series opener against the Dodgers due to a knee issue, with the second baseman scheduled for an MRI to determine the severity of his ailment and potential impact on Milwaukee's playoff push.

AL East Developments

The Mariners made a difficult decision to option rookie shortstop Colt Emerson to Triple-A Tacoma after the 21-year-old struggled to a .190 batting average with 23 RBIs in 69 games. The move signals Seattle's commitment to winning now while allowing Emerson to refine his approach at the highest level of the minors. Across the division, the Red Sox continue their remarkable turnaround, riding a 27-3 run that has revitalized their playoff hopes and prompted serious discussions about a potential World Series berth in what many are calling one of the most dramatic single-season transformations in recent memory.

Nationals Moves

The Nationals made a positional shift with All-Star shortstop CJ Abrams moving to second base, with manager Davey Johnson describing the transition as "the best thing for our team " The move addresses defensive metrics while potentially unlocking more offensive production from Abrams, who earned All-Star honors at shortstop this season. In Colorado, third baseman Kyle Karros was placed on the concussion IL after exhibiting symptoms that required immediate evaluation, marking another setback for the Rockies' infield as they navigate a challenging season marked by injuries to key contributors.

Pirates & Diamondbacks

Pirates third baseman Nick Gonzales took a pitch to the helmet during the fifth inning against the Red Sox, suffering a facial contusion that leaves him day-to-day heading into the weekend. The scary moment highlighted ongoing concerns about catcher safety and protective equipment standards across the league. In Arizona, Ketel Marte departed with knee soreness during the Diamondbacks' 2-0 win over Atlanta, with the All-Star second baseman listed as day-to-day pending further evaluation. Marte's potential absence would significantly impact Arizona's lineup as they battle for playoff positioning in the competitive NL West race.

Red Sox & Mariners

Boston's stunning reversal of fortune has captured the attention of baseball analysts nationwide, with the team's 27-3 surge representing one of the most dominant stretches in recent MLB history. The turnaround has revitalized Fenway Park and positioned the Red Sox squarely in the AL Wild Card conversation. Meanwhile, the Mariners continue to evaluate their options following the Emerson demotion, as Seattle balances developing young talent with the urgency of competing in a stacked American League playoff field.

Phillies & Twins

Philadelphia's offense surged behind Schwarber's two-homer performance at the Field of Dreams, extending their lead in the NL East while demonstrating their championship mettle on baseball's biggest stages. The Twins, despite activating Buxton for the showcase event, continue to struggle with consistency in the AL Central, where their playoff aspirations face mounting pressure as the calendar turns toward September.

MLB Power Rankings Shift

For the first time in nearly two months, the Dodgers relinquished the top spot in ESPN's weekly power rankings, with the Brewers ascending to No. 1 following their strong play and Milwaukee's continued excellence on the mound. The shift reflects the fluid nature of the 2024 season, where injuries, trades, and hot streaks have reshaped the hierarchy of contenders just as the playoff races intensify across both leagues.

As the regular season enters its final months, storylines continue to multiply with the Red Sox resurgence, the Dodgers' pitching concerns, and the emergence of young stars like Baez providing compelling narratives for fans. With September baseball approaching, every game carries heightened stakes as teams jockey for playoff positioning while managing the physical toll of a grueling 162-game schedule. The confluence of injury updates, power rankings shakeups, and historic individual performances ensures that the final two months of the regular season will deliver drama worthy of baseball's storied tradition.