MLB Baseball 24 Hours

Last updated: July 29, 2026, 8:31 AM ET

Trade Deadline Buzz Heats Up

With the MLB trade deadline looming, several teams are reportedly eyeing reinforcements. The Yankees and Mets are both on the radar for potential major moves, with fantasy suggestions ranging from a blockbuster trade involving Shohei Ohtani to acquiring Mason Miller for the Bronx team's bullpen. Both New York clubs, along with the Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs, are considered among the 12 teams most desperate to make a deal. Meanwhile, National League contenders like the Milwaukee Brewers and Atlanta Braves are also assessing their needs as they chase the Dodgers, with speculation swirling about whether Milwaukee will make a significant splash this year. Phillies slugger Bryce Harper has been vocal, stating the team "needs some help" as they've struggled since the All-Star break, going 3-8 in recent games.

Injury Bug Bites Several Teams

A rash of injuries continues to impact MLB rosters. Giants center fielder Harrison Bader is undergoing evaluation after a scooter crash exacerbated a pre-existing foot injury. In Boston, new infielder Curtis Mead fractured his left wrist during his Red Sox debut and will require extended time off after follow-up tests confirmed the break. The Giants also placed infielder Casey Schmitt on the injured list with a torn meniscus in his left knee, with no immediate timetable for his return after an MRI. Twins outfielder Byron Buxton reaggravated a hip injury during Tuesday's victory, forcing him to exit the game in the fifth inning. Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. left Tuesday's loss with right hamstring tightness, and Athletics catcher Shea Langeliers and pitcher Mark Leiter Jr. will undergo season-ending surgeries this week. Yankees All-Star outfielder Cody Bellinger is expected to miss four to six weeks with a Grade 2 left hamstring strain that developed recently.

Pitching News and Notes

Tigers ace Tarik Skubal is still on track to start Wednesday against the Orioles as the trade deadline approaches this week. Blue Jays pitcher Shane Bieber had a rough outing Tuesday, issuing six walks to nine batters faced, including three with the bases loaded, before exiting after just two-thirds of an inning in the second inning. Cubs manager Craig Counsell designated veteran pitcher Jameson Taillon for assignment Monday following a difficult start where he surrendered seven runs in four innings against the Pirates earlier this week. On the injury front, Shohei Ohtani's return to the mound for the Dodgers remains uncertain amidst ongoing health improvements for other key players like Edwin Diaz and Blake Snell on the roster. Mariners outfielder Rob Refsnyder was activated from the injured list Tuesday, while pitcher Nick Kennedy was designated for assignment by the club.

Other Notable Stories

The Marlins ended their franchise-record 12-game losing streak Monday with a walk-off single against the Phillies, with manager Clayton McCullough referencing "The Odyssey" to describe the team's difficult stretch of play. Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber is expected to miss Tuesday night's game against Miami due to illness according to reports. Pirates rookie slugger Esmerlyn Valdez, who was hit by a pitch on his left hand Monday, was back in the lineup Tuesday night against the Diamondbacks as scheduled. A new report sheds further light on the Shohei Ohtani interpreter case, with new audio suggesting his former interpreter initially claimed Ohtani agreed to cover his gambling debts before retracting the statement. Fantasy baseball managers are advised to monitor closer stock, with Edwin Diaz reportedly set to return to the mound soon.