MLB Baseball 24 Hours

Last updated: July 20, 2026, 2:30 AM ET

Power Hitters Shine Amidst Injury Concerns

Hunter Goodman on Sunday, marking his second multi-homer game this season and etching his name into the Colorado Rockies record books. Rookie Esmerlyn Valdez for the Pirates, hitting his 12th home run in just 31 games and driving in 31 RBIs, placing him among rare company in MLB history. Drake Baldwin returned from injury with a bang for the Braves, going a perfect 5-for-5 at the plate with two home runs in their 8-5 victory. Meanwhile, the Boston Red Sox to 13 games, fueled by a two-run homer from Willson Contreras and a solid outing from pitcher Sonny Gray.

However, the league is also grappling with several key player absences. Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo with right shoulder discomfort. Superstar outfielder Aaron Judge, already sidelined since May 31 on his fractured rib and has been moved to the 60-day injured list by the Yankees. The Astros will be without shortstop Jeremy Peña and first baseman Christian Walker, both of whom were due to injuries. Shohei Ohtani also in Philadelphia as scheduled due to left knee irritation.

Transactions and Personnel Moves

The Chicago Cubs by acquiring right-hander Aaron Civale from the Athletics. In other roster moves, the Braves to Triple-A Gwinnett and selected veteran right-hander Elieser Hernández. On the international front, Rintaro Sasaki is set to join the Miami Marlins, forgoing a professional career in Japan.

A Look Back and a Fond Farewell

The Chicago Cubs with a ceremony unveiling the "Champions Gate." During the event, former Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo, who was in attendance after the ceremony hit by current Cubs player Michael Busch. Tragically, the baseball world mourns the loss of Duane Ward, a key reliever for the Blue Jays' back-to-back World Series teams in the early 1990s, who died at the age of 62.