MLB Baseball 24 Hours

Last updated: July 29, 2026, 5:31 AM ET

Trade Deadline Buzz and Contender Needs

As the August 3rd trade deadline looms, several National League contenders are eyeing reinforcements. The Milwaukee Brewers are reportedly considering making significant moves, while the Atlanta Braves appear to be all-in on their pursuit of a championship ESPN MLB. Meanwhile, Philadelphia Phillies slugger Bryce Harper acknowledged the team's need for help, stating they "need some help" at the deadline following a recent 3-8 stretch since the All-Star break ESPN MLB. The depth of the NL powerhouses chasing the Dodgers is a key storyline heading into the final stretch ESPN MLB.

Injury Updates and Player Setbacks

Several players are facing significant time on the injured list. Boston Red Sox infielder Curtis Mead fractured his left wrist in his debut with the team after being hit by a pitch, requiring follow-up tests ESPN MLB. San Francisco Giants infielder Casey Schmitt will undergo season-ending surgery for a torn meniscus in his left knee, with no timetable for his return ESPN MLB. New York Yankees All-Star outfielder Cody Bellinger is expected to miss four to six weeks with a Grade 2 left hamstring strain ESPN MLB. Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. exited Tuesday night's game with right hamstring tightness ESPN MLBtightness. Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton also reaggravated a hip injury and left Tuesday's victory ESPN MLB. Athletics catcher Shea Langeliers and pitcher Mark Leiter Jr. will both undergo season-ending surgeries ESPN MLB.

Pitching News and Performance Notes

Tigers ace Tarik Skubal is still scheduled to start Wednesday against the Orioles as the trade deadline approaches ESPN MLB. In a concerning outing, Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Shane Bieber, a former Cy Young winner, issued six walks to nine batters faced, including three with the bases loaded, before exiting after just two-thirds of an inning ESPN MLB. The Chicago Cubs designated veteran pitcher Jameson Taillon for assignment after he surrendered seven runs in four innings against the Pirates ESPN MLB.

Player Health and Injury Management

Pirates rookie slugger Esmerlyn Valdez was back in the lineup Tuesday after being hit in the left hand by a pitch on Monday ESPN MLB. However, he had exited Monday night's game after the incident ESPN MLB. In other injury news, Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Jake Bauers has a broken big toe on his right foot and was out of Tuesday's lineup ESPN MLB. Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber is expected to miss Tuesday night's game in Miami due to illness ESPN MLB.

The Shohei Ohtani Situation

Shohei Ohtani's return to the mound for the Dodgers remains uncertain as the team navigates other player health developments ESPN MLB. New audio has surfaced shedding further light on the case involving Ohtani's former interpreter, who reportedly initially claimed the Dodgers slugger would cover his gambling debts before retracting his statement ESPN MLB. A podcast exploring "The Betrayal of Shohei Ohtani" is also available for listening ESPN MLB.

Other Roster Moves and League Trends

The Seattle Mariners activated outfielder Rob Refsnyder from the injured list on Tuesday ESPN MLB. The Marlins ended their franchise-record 12-game losing streak with a walk-off win against the Phillies ESPN MLB. There's a noted rise in hit batters across MLB, with a new "just wear it" philosophy emerging amidst a hunt for velocity and weak control ESPN MLB. Fantasy baseball managers are advised to monitor closer stock, with Edwin Diaz reportedly set to return ESPN MLB, and consider waiver wire additions as Boston's offense remains hot ESPN MLB.