MLB Baseball 8 Hours

Last updated: July 7, 2026, 8:32 AM ET

MLB Midseason Standings & Awards Watch

With the All-Star break approaching, the league's top clubs are solidifying their positions, though some have underperformed expectations. The Arizona Diamondbacks, despite a notable absence, saw veteran outfielder Max Kepler hit his first home run since his 80-game ban concluded, contributing to their 8-0 shutout of the San Diego Padres. Meanwhile, in the American League, the New York Yankees secured a 5-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays, with pitcher Cam Schlittler delivering a strong eight-inning performance after a recent setback. Awards races are heating up, with current leaders for MVP and Cy Young to be closely watched as the season progresses.

Pitching Injuries & Transactions

Pitching rosters saw significant movement on Monday. The Atlanta Braves placed left-hander Martín Pérez on the 15-day injured list due to a left forearm contusion, while also designating Carrasco for assignment. In a welcome return for the Los Angeles Dodgers, reliever Evan Phillips was reinstated from the injured list, rejoining the team 13 months after undergoing Tommy John surgery. However, the draft class took a hit as potential high-round pick Brody Bumila revealed a UCL injury to MLB teams, sharing MRI results that confirmed damage to his left elbow.

Fantasy & Prospect Updates

Fantasy managers are eyeing potential waiver wire pickups as pitching talent dominates the available landscape. For teams looking to bolster their rosters, assessing the performance of various clubs and individual players is paramount. Meanwhile, the draft landscape is shifting, with news of Bumila's injury impacting prospect rankings. Many current major leaguers reflected on their own draft experiences, recalling moments from first-round selections to players picked in rounds that no longer exist.

Trade Deadline Buzz & Player Performances

The trade deadline is shaping up to be a busy period, with a revised ranking of top trade candidates highlighting significant names that could be on the move. The availability of new star closers and established arms is already creating speculation around potential blockbuster deals. In a stark contrast to strong performances, Philadelphia ace Cristopher Sanchez endured a career-worst outing, allowing nine earned runs in just 3 1/3 innings during the Phillies' lopsided 15-1 defeat to Kansas City. The fallout from such performances will undoubtedly factor into team strategies as the deadline approaches.