MLB Baseball 8 Hours

Last updated: July 7, 2026, 11:31 PM ET

MLB Player News and Notes

The upcoming MLB draft continues to be a topic of discussion, with Kiley McDaniel offering insights into team strategies, particularly for the Chicago White Sox's anticipated No. 1 overall selection. Meanwhile, current major leaguers reflected on their own draft experiences, recalling moments ranging from being first-round picks to selections from now-defunct rounds while recalling their draft day. Fantasy baseball managers are advised to monitor closer stock, with Aroldis Chapman's situation noted as a potential trade candidate before the deadline.

All-Star and Rosters Moves

The All-Star Game rosters have seen some adjustments, with Willson Contreras headlining a list of notable replacements. On the injury front, the Pittsburgh Pirates placed rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin on the injured list with a finger injury. The Minnesota Twins also made a roster move, placing Byron Buxton on the 10-day injured list due to a lingering hip issue that has hampered him for much of the season after aggravating the injury. Outfielder Luis Lara, was called up by the Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday before their doubleheader with the Cardinals, following a seven-year deal with the club as a prospect.

Player Milestones and Returns

Ryan O'Hearn made franchise history for the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday night, driving in an astounding 10 runs on three home runs in a decisive 12-4 victory, setting a new club record. In other player news, Shohei Ohtani is expected to make his scheduled start on Friday, having fully recovered from a biceps injury that previously forced him to exit a game early and is cleared to pitch. Jorge Polanco returned to the New York Mets' lineup on Tuesday after an extensive nearly three-month rehabilitation period for right wrist and left Achilles injuries back in the lineup.

Home Run Derby and Midseason Assessments

The field for the upcoming Home Run Derby in Philadelphia on July 13 is beginning to take shape, with New York Yankees slugger Ben Rice, who leads the team with 26 home runs, confirmed to be participating swinging for the fences. Other sluggers are also being named to the event, with analysis provided on how they match up against each other. As the season progresses, midseason grades have been issued for every club, examining performances from contenders to surprise teams and early-season failures across the league.

Coaching and Player Discipline

Detroit Tigers third base coach Joey Cora has departed the club in the midst of his third season, with manager A.J. Hinch citing unspecified reasons for his exit leaving the team. In disciplinary news, Nationals pitcher Cade Cavalli's suspension stemming from a brawl in Boston has been reduced on appeal, as announced by Major League Baseball on Monday following the incident. The Houston Astros have optioned right-hander Mike Burrows to Triple-A Sugar Land after a difficult start to his season sent to the minors.