MLB Baseball 8 Hours

Last updated: August 13, 2026, 12:32 AM ET

NL East & Central Action

Alex Bregman hit three home runs for the first time in his career, driving in a career-high seven runs as the Cubs routed the Nationals 12-6 on Wednesday night. Jackson Kent made his major league debut for Washington in that game, allowing four runs over five innings. Bryce Harper's knee soreness has persisted since his return to right field, raising concerns in Philadelphia. Paul Skenes was lifted after just 65 pitches amid another dip in fastball velocity, fueling speculation about his health. Kyle Karros landed on the seven-day concussion IL for the Rockies.

AL News & Trends

The Red Sox's historic run has transformed their season, as they ride a 27-3 stretch into contention. In Seattle, Cal Raleigh's struggles continued as the Mariners lost their fifth straight game, 4-1 to the Yankees. The White Sox's pope hat giveaway drew over 40,000 fans, celebrating the election of Pope Leo. The Blue Jays claimed Paul Sewald after the Diamondbacks designated him for assignment, adding veteran bullpen depth.

Broader MLB Storylines

ESPN's experts break down 10 MLB storylines to watch for the rest of the season, including an epic MVP battle and a Triple Crown pursuit. Additionally, an analysis of the 1994 strike losses examines what was lost that season and how it relates to the potential 2027 labor landscape.