MLB Baseball 24 Hours

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

Walk-Offs and Trade Buzz Dominate MLB Landscape

Kody Clemens with two outs and two strikes in the ninth inning, propelling the Twins to a dramatic 4-3 victory over the Royals. This clutch hit came after the Twins had been no-hit through six innings by Royals pitcher Noah Cameron. In other Twins news, the club from the Mets in what is expected to be the first of many deals for the struggling New York squad, sending prospects Bruin Agbayani and Billy Amick to Queens. Outfielder Byron Buxton, however, returned to the injured list due to a recurring right hip impingement.

Injury Concerns and Player Updates Emerge

Shohei Ohtani was absent from the Dodgers' lineup for Thursday's 5-2 win against the Mariners as a precautionary measure due to lingering left knee soreness, though manager Dave Roberts anticipates his return on Friday. The Dodgers remain "very confident" Ohtani despite his current knee issues. Meanwhile, Rays pitcher Shane McClanahan with back tightness and is considered day-to-day. Red Sox infielder Curtis Mead will be reevaluated in four weeks after sustaining a non-displaced fracture in his left wrist. Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz on his forearm after being hit by a pitch. Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino was placed on the injured list with a sore right wrist, impacting his season where he had hit .232 with 6 home runs.

Trade Deadline Speculation Heats Up as Teams Assess Needs

With the trade deadline approaching, several teams are actively looking to make moves or are in need of reinforcements. The Orioles, facing catcher injuries from the Tigers for minor league pitcher Zane Barnhart. The AL-worst Angels, with a 42-66 record to the Rangers for prospect Angel Arredondo. Speculation continues around potential moves for the Yankees and Mets, with Mason Miller in the Bronx and a potential "extreme makeover" in Queens being discussed. Teams like the Yankees, Red Sox, Phillies, and Cubs are identified as clubs that before the deadline. Even with player absences and injuries, Yankees manager Aaron Boone expressed confidence in getting his stars back and improving the team. MLB Power Rankings showed movement among wild-card contenders as the deadline looms.

Player Milestones and Notable Transactions

Tarik Skubal, in what might be his final start for the Tigers after recording his 1,000th career strikeout during a game against the Orioles. Despite the milestone, the Tigers in the contest. In a remarkable memorabilia sale, a collector and sold it for $11 million. The story of Ohtani's relationship with his former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, amid a sports betting scheme, is now available in the "30 for 30" podcast, "'The Betrayal of Shohei Ohtani.'" Fantasy managers are advised to monitor closer stock, with Edwin Diaz. Phillies interim manager Don Mattingly acknowledged the team's struggles, stating, "We've got to do better" after the club games since the All-Star break.