MLB Baseball 8 Hours

Last updated: July 3, 2026, 8:31 PM ET

Pitching Injuries and Roster Moves

The Yankees and Orioles both placed key relievers on the injured list Friday, with New York's Carlos Rodón going on the 15-day IL due to elbow inflammation Yanks place Rodón IL. Baltimore's closer, Ryan Helsley, also landed on the 15-day IL with a similar elbow issue after feeling discomfort during a warm-up O's closer Helsley returns. These moves highlight the fragility of pitching staffs as the All-Star break approaches.

In other roster news, the Chicago Cubs recalled left-hander Drew Pomeranz from Triple-A Iowa before Friday's game against the Cardinals, optioning Jordan Wicks to the minors Cubs recall Pomeranz. The St. Louis Cardinals, meanwhile, reinstated right-hander Ryne Stanek from the paternity list and sent Gordon Graceffo to Triple-A Memphis Cards reinstate Stanek.

All-Star Considerations and Trade Buzz

Milwaukee Brewers ace Jacob Misiorowski's status for the All-Star Game is in doubt due to his scheduled start the Sunday before the midsummer classic, which would make him ineligible to pitch two nights later Misiorowski's ASG status. As the trade deadline looms in about a month, speculation is mounting about potential moves. Players such as Tarik Skubal, Luis Arraez, and Freddy Peralta are among those who could be on the move before the deadline Skubal Peralta Arraez.

Team Performance and Midseason Awards

The Tampa Bay Rays have climbed to the top spot in the American League rankings, knocking the New York Yankees out of first place, according to the Week 14 Power Rankings. The Miami Marlins also cracked the top, signaling strong performance from Florida-based teams Power Ranks: Rays, Marlins. With the All-Star break nearing, midseason award races are taking shape. It's an opportune time to review the leading candidates for MVP, Cy Young, and other major accolades as the season progresses Midseason rankings for awards.

Player and Team News

Shohei Ohtani is slated to be in the Los Angeles Dodgers' lineup Friday for his pitching start against the San Diego Padres, with Dalton Rushing set to catch him Rushing catch Ohtani. In a move signaling a search for offensive help, the Braves signed former NL MVP outfielder Andrew McCutchen to a minor league contract Braves sign McCutchen.

Baseball will celebrate the Fourth of July with specially designed uniforms and caps for all teams across every game on July 4th Special MLB July 4. Ballparks nationwide are also preparing for the holiday, with teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers and Washington Nationals offering unique food items for fans Ballparks serving up for Fourth. June concluded with significant performances and emerging storylines, setting the stage for a busy and pivotal month of July as the league enters its most concentrated period of play Winners losers June.