MLB Baseball 3 Hours

Last updated: July 7, 2026, 2:31 PM ET

MLB Midseason Report & All-Star Buzz

As the MLB season hits its midpoint, teams are receiving their performance reviews, with some contenders excelling while others falter midseason grades. The American League Central remains a tight race, with the Brewers calling up outfield prospect Luis Lara, ahead of a doubleheader with the Cardinals, signaling a push for contention. Meanwhile, veteran outfielder Max Kepler, marked his return from an 80-game suspension with his first home run in the Diamondbacks' 8-0 victory over the Padres homered since ban, a bright spot for Arizona.

Pitching Woes and Returns

Pitching has been a mixed bag across the league. Philadelphia ace Cristopher Sanchez endured a difficult outing, allowing a career-worst nine earned runs in just 3 1/3 innings during the Phillies' 15-1 drubbing by Kansas City allowed career-worst 9 ER. In contrast, the New York Yankees saw a strong performance from Cam Schlittler, who bounced back from a previous loss to the Detroit Tigers by pitching eight innings for the second time this season in a 5-1 win over the Tampa Bay Rays bounces back strong. On the injury front, the Dodgers welcomed back reliever Evan Phillips, reinstated off the injured list Monday after a 13-month recovery from Tommy John surgery back from surgery.

All-Star Selections and Derby Field

With the All-Star Game approaching, the rosters are being finalized, featuring many of baseball's biggest names but also leaving some deserving stars on the outside looking in All-Star rosters, snubs. Anticipation is also building for the Home Run Derby in Philadelphia, with the sluggers set to compete now being named, offering a preview of the power display to come Home Run Derby field. Fantasy baseball managers are also closely watching closer situations, with advice circulating on which relief pitchers are trending up or down due to potential trades or performance shifts closer stock watch.