MLB Baseball 24 Hours

Last updated: July 18, 2026, 5:30 AM ET

National League Notes

The Arizona Diamondbacks to the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday, a loss compounded by a questionable strike-three call against Ketel Marte. Replays indicated the pitch was outside the zone, but Marte did not appeal the call, ending the game. In other NL news, the Pittsburgh Pirates and Cleveland Guardians saw their Friday matchup stemming from Canadian wildfires. The Philadelphia Phillies received grim news regarding reliever Brad Keller, who and is likely out for the remainder of the season, marking a significant blow to their bullpen.

American League Standings and Transactions

The New York Yankees are still awaiting the return of star outfielder Aaron Judge, whose broken rib has not fully healed, preventing him from resuming baseball activities. Manager Aaron Boone expressed regret over his decision to leave Gerrit Cole in during Friday's 2-1 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers, a game that saw the Yankees offense struggle mightily. The Oakland Athletics announced that designated hitter Brent Rooker on Friday, a significant loss for the club. The Seattle Mariners, however, are hopeful that center fielder Julio Rodriguez on Saturday. In a notable transaction, the Milwaukee Brewers acquired Lance McCullers Jr. from the Houston Astros, with the right-hander expected to begin his tenure in relief as the team manages existing injuries.

Player Health and Contract Updates

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way sensation Shohei Ohtani received a lubricant injection in his left knee, not a drainage, according to manager Dave Roberts, and was in the lineup for Friday's game. The Cincinnati Reds have secured a key piece of their rotation, agreeing to a seven-year, $105 million extension with All-Star right-hander Chase Burns, who boasts an impressive 11-1 record and a 2.54 ERA this season. This deal.

League-Wide Buzz and Future Outlook

With the MLB trade deadline approaching, speculation is rife about potential blockbuster moves. Insiders are discussing which teams might go all-in, with teams like the Mets and Red Sox being mentioned as potential players in the market. The Boston Red Sox's situation is further complicated by the potential for starting pitcher Nick Pivetta to be traded. Meanwhile, the league is preparing for an unusually early Opening Day next season, scheduled for March 24, pending any labor disputes. The possibility of a work stoppage in Philadelphia, casting a shadow on the sport's future. Fantasy managers are also with predictions on potential rookie standouts and end-of-season awards. Betting markets are seeing shifts, with bettors reportedly favoring the Chicago White Sox while moving away from the New York Mets as the second half of the season gets underway.