MLB Baseball 8 Hours

Last updated: July 4, 2026, 2:35 AM ET

MLB Midseason Awards Watch & Player Moves

As the All-Star break nears, the MVP and Cy Young races are heating up, with current leaders in contention for baseball's top honors midseason rankings. However, some stars face schedule challenges; Dodgers manager Dave Roberts indicated it's "hard to imagine" Shohei Ohtani pitching in the All-Star Game due to a carefully managed workload Ohtani unlikely pitch. In player personnel moves, the Atlanta Braves signed former NL MVP Andrew McCutchen to a minor league deal as they seek offensive reinforcement Braves sign McCutchen.

Injuries Continue to Mount Across Leagues

Several key players landed on the injured list, impacting team rosters. Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez was placed on the seven-day IL with a concussion after a blow to the helmet Mariners put J-Rod on IL. The San Diego Padres will be without pitcher Randy Vásquez for at least 15 days due to a bruised ankle Padres pitcher Vásquez on IL. Meanwhile, the New York Yankees are dealing with elbow inflammation that sent lefty Carlos Rodón to the 15-day IL Yanks place Rodón IL, and St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley is also sidelined with elbow discomfort Orioles closer Helsley returns to IL. On a positive note, Cincinnati Reds pitcher Hunter Greene is set to return from the 60-day IL and make his season debut Saturday against the Baltimore Orioles Reds' Greene to come.

Ballpark Fare and June's Winners

Major League ballparks are preparing for the Fourth of July with special culinary offerings, from the Los Angeles Dodgers to the Washington Nationals ballpark foods for the Fourth. Reflecting on the past month, several teams and players emerged as winners in June, setting the stage for a busy July as baseball heads into its most packed stretch of the season June winners and losers.