MLB Baseball 24 Hours

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

Trade Deadline Buzz Intensifies as Teams Seek Reinforcements

As the trade deadline looms, several prominent clubs are signaling a need for reinforcements. The Philadelphia Phillies, struggling with a 3-8 record since the All-Star break, are among the teams identified as needing to make moves, with Bryce Harper candidly stating the club "needs some help". The need for upgrades is also highlighted for clubs like the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox. Meanwhile, the New York Mets are reportedly looking for significant changes, with suggestions including the acquisition of pitcher Mason Miller Mason Miller.

Injury Bug Bites Key Players Across the League

Several notable players have recently exited games due to injury, adding to team concerns as the trade deadline approaches. Twins outfielder Byron Buxton reaggravated a hip injury and left Tuesday's victory in the fifth inning. Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. departed Tuesday night's loss with right hamstring tightness. In San Francisco, center fielder Harrison Bader sustained further damage to an already injured left foot in a scooter crash and is awaiting evaluation. Giants infielder Casey Schmitt will also miss time after an MRI revealed a torn meniscus in his left knee, with no timetable for his return. Brewers first baseman Jake Bauers is out with a broken toe on his right foot after fouling a ball off it.

Pitching News and Player Performances

Tigers ace Tarik Skubal is still scheduled to start Wednesday against the Orioles, manager A.J. Hinch confirmed Tuesday, despite the approaching trade deadline is still scheduled to start. Skubal was also recognized during his start for achieving his 1,000th career strikeout, receiving a standing ovation. In a less fortunate outing, former Cy Young winner Shane Bieber issued six walks in his first two-thirds of an inning for the Toronto Blue Jays, exiting after facing just nine batters. The Mariners activated outfielder Rob Refsnyder from the injured list on Tuesday.

Ohtani's Pitching Return Remains Uncertain Amid Off-Field Developments

The return of Shohei Ohtani to the mound for the Los Angeles Dodgers remains in question as the team continues to get healthier with other players like Enrique Hernandez and Will Smith returning from injuries remains in question. Meanwhile, new audio has emerged shedding light on the case involving Ohtani's former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, with reports indicating the interpreter initially told a reporter that Ohtani agreed to cover his gambling debt before reversing course shedding light on the case. A podcast titled "The Betrayal of Shohei Ohtani" from 30 for 30 Podcasts is also available for listeners to explore the unraveling of Ohtani's relationship with Mizuhara amid the sports betting scheme explore the unraveling.

Hit By Pitch Phenomenon and Player Designations

The league is experiencing a rise in hit batters, attributed to a focus on velocity, less control, and a new "just wear it" mentality among hitters a rise in hit batters. Pirates rookie slugger Esmerlyn Valdez, who was hit in the left hand by a pitch on Monday, was back in the lineup Tuesday night was back in the lineup. Red Sox infielder Curtis Mead exited his debut game after being hit on the left wrist by a pitch in the fourth inning. In other player news, Jameson Taillon was designated for assignment by the Chicago Cubs on Monday following a difficult outing where he surrendered seven runs in four innings was designated for assignment.

Late-Game Drama and Streaks

The Miami Marlins secured a comeback victory against the Philadelphia Phillies, rallying from a 6-0 deficit to win on Griffin Conine's go-ahead pinch-hit homer in the eighth inning rallied from a 6-0 deficit. This win also ended the Marlins' franchise-record 12-game losing streak, with manager Clayton McCullough referencing "The Odyssey" to describe their challenging period. Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber is expected to miss Tuesday night's game against Miami due to illness.

Potential Blockbuster Trades and Future Outlooks

Experts are envisioning potential blockbuster deals that could significantly alter the MLB landscape as the Aug. 3 deadline approaches, with hypothetical scenarios including Francisco Lindor moving across New York or Tarik Skubal and Mason Miller being traded being traded. The Yankees are facing a potential significant loss with All-Star outfielder Cody Bellinger expected to be sidelined for four to six weeks due to a Grade 2 left hamstring strain expected to be sidelined. Fantasy baseball managers are also advised to monitor closer stock, with Edwin Diaz reportedly set to return.