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Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Christian Walker was removed from Wednesday's game against the Minnesota Twins due to lower-back stiffness, according to Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. The Astros have not yet provided a timeline for his return or further details regarding the severity of the injury. His status remains day-to-day as the team monitors his condition following his early departure from the contest.
Pirates ace Paul Skenes endured a career-worst performance Wednesday, allowing eight runs (seven earned) on six hits and two walks over four innings in a 10-6 loss to the Phillies. The reigning NL Cy Young winner, who has not won in nine starts, saw his previous career high of five earned runs surpassed. Skenes lamented his lack of execution as analysts continue to monitor his performance slump, which remains a focal point for the Pirates' rotation.
Athletics prospect Ryan Lasko is in stable condition following surgery to repair a fractured vertebra. Lasko sustained the injury on Tuesday following an outfield collision with a teammate.
Zack Wheeler did not factor into the decision in Wednesday's marquee matchup against the Pirates. The Phillies starter allowed four runs on nine hits and one walk across 4.2 innings of work while recording 10 strikeouts. Analysts highlighted the outing as the premier pitching duel of the evening.
Atlanta’s top prospect, Cam Caminiti, has been selected to the National League roster for the 2026 All-Star Futures Game in Philadelphia. The recognition highlights his status as a key rising talent within the Braves organization.
Tarik Skubal delivered his best performance since returning from the injured list, anchoring a 9-3 victory over the Yankees on Tuesday. The Tigers' ace is fueling a high-scoring offense, but he is increasingly mentioned in MLB trade rumors as a potential All-Star candidate to be moved before the deadline. The Braves are currently cited as favorites to acquire the left-hander.
The Atlanta Braves have decided to skip Bryce Elder's next turn through the starting rotation, according to Mark Bowman of MLB.com. No further details regarding the reasoning for the move or his status were provided.
Rays slugger Junior Caminero has been confirmed as the first competitor for the 2026 T-Mobile MLB Home Run Derby. The 22-year-old third baseman is the youngest player since at least 1900 to homer in six straight games, hitting eight home runs during this stretch. In Wednesday's 4-0 win over the Royals, he went 1-for-4 with a 425-foot, two-run homer off Seth Lugo. Caminero remains a central highlight of the Rays' offense as he prepares for his Derby appearance.
Ozzie Albies provided a key spark for the Atlanta Braves in their 5-1 win over the St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday, contributing to a performance defined by excellent pitching and timely late-inning offense.
Freddy Peralta (5-7) took the loss in Wednesday's 9-3 defeat to the Blue Jays, allowing five runs on seven hits and three walks over four innings with four strikeouts. Describing his recent stretch as 'crazy,' Peralta is now being identified as a potential trade target as the Mets look to retool before the deadline. His miserable season continued as he failed to provide length, cutting his outing short after four frames.
Shane McClanahan was scheduled to take the mound for the Tampa Bay Rays in the middle game of their three-game series against the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday.
Jonathan Aranda recorded a single during the Rays' Wednesday matchup against the Kansas City Royals, contributing to the team's ongoing momentum as they look to secure a series win.
Royals right-hander Seth Lugo surrendered a 425-foot home run to Rays slugger Junior Caminero in the first inning of Wednesday's game. Lugo, who previously allowed seven runs to the Rays in a matchup last week, continues to face challenges on the mound as the Royals navigate their series against Tampa Bay.
Michael McGreevy started for the St. Louis Cardinals in their Wednesday night matchup against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park. McGreevy managed to keep the Cardinals close through the first seven innings, but the St. Louis bats went quiet in a 5-1 defeat, failing to provide the necessary support to overcome the Braves' late offense.
Payton Tolle (4-6) took the loss Wednesday as the Red Sox were routed 10-2 by the Nationals. He was chased early, coughing up six runs on seven hits and three walks over three-plus innings while striking out five. Tolle was originally slated to start the final home game before the All-Star break.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed Wednesday that catcher Will Smith is expected to remain sidelined due to a neck injury until after the All-Star break. The team will continue to monitor his recovery as he works toward returning to the lineup in the second half of the season. Roberts noted that it is improbable that Smith returns to action before the mid-July festivities.
Kevin McGonigle went 1-for-5 with a solo home run and an additional run scored in Wednesday's 6-2, extra-innings win over the Yankees.
James Wood had a big day at Fenway, going 2-for-4 with two walks, a three-run home run, and two runs scored in Wednesday's 10-2 victory over the Red Sox. Wood and the Nationals offense made a statement in the win.
Nationals pitcher Cade Cavalli delivered a career-best start against the Red Sox, striking out 13 hitters. The game was marred by a heated exchange where Cavalli shouted "sit down, boy" at Willson Contreras, leading to benches clearing and Contreras's ejection. Cavalli has since apologized, stating, "I’m extremely torn up about the way that things were perceived" and "It'll never happen again," emphasizing there was no ill intention behind his words.
Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras was ejected for the second consecutive game after throwing his helmet at Nationals pitcher Cade Cavalli, triggering a benches-clearing incident. The confrontation followed Cavalli shouting "sit down, boy" at Contreras. While Cavalli has apologized for the remark, Contreras remains in the Red Sox lineup as the team awaits potential league discipline regarding his conduct during the game.
