MLB Baseball 24 Hours

Last updated: July 30, 2026, 5:31 AM ET

Trade Deadline Buzz and Team Needs

Several clubs are signaling significant activity as the trade deadline approaches. The Yankees, despite manager Aaron Boone's confidence in seeing injured stars return, are actively seeking to improve their roster before Monday's deadline. Meanwhile, the Phillies, who have struggled with a 3-8 record since the All-Star break, are acknowledged by Bryce Harper to "need some help" at the deadline. Interim manager Don Mattingly emphasized the critical juncture the team faces, stating, "now's the time that we're going to find out what we're made of" after losing nine of twelve games. NL contenders like Milwaukee and Atlanta are also reportedly evaluating their options to bolster their lineups in pursuit of the Dodgers. Even perennial powerhouses like the Yankees and Red Sox are listed among the teams that "most need to make a deal" by the deadline. For the New York teams specifically, wish lists range from a significant overhaul in Queens to potential acquisitions like Mason Miller for the Bronx Bombers.

Injury Updates and Player Movement

A string of injuries and player transactions are impacting teams around the league. Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to a sore right wrist, having hit .232 with 6 home runs. Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz is set for an MRI after exiting a game with a bruised forearm from a hit-by-pitch. Giants center fielder Harrison Bader is awaiting further evaluation after a scooter accident aggravated a pre-existing left foot injury. In the AL West, the Angels, who hold an AL-worst 42-66 record, have traded reliever Chase Silseth and catcher Logan O'Hoppe to the Rangers for minor league third baseman Angel Arredondo. Twins outfielder Byron Buxton has returned to the injured list with a right hip impingement, the same issue that sidelined him for the All-Star Game, after reaggravating it in a recent victory. Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. departed a recent loss with right hamstring tightness.

Pitching News and Ohtani's Future

Pitching news is dominated by the ongoing situation with Shohei Ohtani and notable performances. Dodgers president Andrew Friedman expressed strong confidence in Shohei Ohtani's eventual return to pitching despite ongoing knee issues. However, Ohtani's mound return remains uncertain for the Dodgers as other key players like Enrique Hernandez and Edwin Diaz continue to progress towards health. In Detroit, ace Tarik Skubal, who recorded his 1,000th career strikeout, was given a standing ovation in what could potentially be his final start for the Tigers before the deadline. Manager A.J. Hinch had previously confirmed Skubal was scheduled to start Wednesday against the Orioles as the deadline loomed. Meanwhile, former Cy Young winner Shane Bieber struggled in his recent outing, issuing six walks in two-thirds of an inning for the Blue Jays. On a brighter note for fantasy managers, Edwin Diaz is reportedly set to return as a closer.

Notable Game Results and Trends

The Marlins staged a dramatic comeback victory, rallying from a 6-0 deficit to defeat the Phillies thanks to a go-ahead pinch-hit homer in the eighth inning by Griffin Conine, marking their 21st comeback win of the season. A concerning trend highlighted in the league is the historic rise in hit batters, attributed to increased velocity, inconsistent control, and a new "just wear it" mentality among hitters. For those interested in the off-field narratives, a podcast detailing the unraveling of Shohei Ohtani's relationship with his interpreter Ippei Mizuhara amid a sports betting scheme is now available.