MLB Baseball 8 Hours

Last updated: July 9, 2026, 8:33 PM ET

AL STAR GAME AND PLAYER NEWS

The MLB All-Star Game will feature Alan Porter as the crew chief and home plate umpire for Tuesday's contest in Philadelphia. Red Sox pitcher Ranger Suarez will miss the event due to a left groin strain, landing him on the 15-day injured list on Thursday. Willson Contreras of the Red Sox had his suspension reduced from seven games to five, allowing him to participate in both the All-Star Game and the Home Run Derby after the reduction. Cardinals outfielder Jordan Walker is confirmed to participate in the Home Run Derby in Philadelphia on Monday.

INJURY UPDATES AND RETURN NOTES

Munetaka Murakami is expected to rejoin the White Sox on Friday after being sidelined with a strained right hamstring as he returns. Mets infielder Mark Vientos will be placed on the injured list after fracturing his right hand when he was hit by a pitch during the Mets' victory on Thursday in the win. The Brewers announced that an MRI revealed a new injury to Brandon Woodruff's shoulder, with the team seeking a second opinion after initially diagnosing inflammation revealed by an MRI. Yankees slugger Aaron Judge will have his injured rib further examined during the All-Star break, with the team hopeful for positive healing results for the three-time AL MVP during the break.

CONTRACT AND REPORT BRIEFS

Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe strongly denied a report that he refused to play second base earlier this season, calling the since-retracted story "B.S." and saying he was caught off guard he was caught. Interim manager Don Mattingly expressed his interest in managing the Phillies full time, with the club in strong playoff contention heading into the All-Star break managing the club.

SEASON AND DRAFT PROSPECTS

Justin Verlander, the oldest active player in the majors at, announced he will retire after the 2026 season, concluding a career that includes three Cy Young awards and an AL MVP will retire. The MLB draft is scheduled for Saturday, and the top 250 prospects have been ranked. The Blue Jays' Dylan Cease lost his no-hit bid against the Giants in the ninth inning Wednesday when Heliot Ramos broke it up with a line-drive single to center field. MLB's power rankings have been updated, showing which teams are performing well and which are struggling as the season approaches its mid-point break. The publication also offers speculative "dream moves" for every World Series hopeful, considering potential trade deadline additions.