MLB Baseball 24 Hours

Last updated: July 31, 2026, 11:54 AM ET

Trade Deadline Buzz and Roster Moves

The MLB trade deadline is approaching, and several teams are making moves. The Mets, currently in last place, have begun dealing, sending left-handed relief pitcher A.J. Minter to the Twins in exchange for prospects Bruin Agbayani and Billy Amick. The Orioles, facing catcher injuries, acquired Jake Rogers from the Tigers for minor league right-hander Zane Barnhart. Meanwhile, the Angels, who have the AL's worst record at 42-66, traded reliever Chase Silseth and catcher Logan O'Hoppe to the Rangers for minor league infielder Angel Arredondo. The Red Sox will reevaluate infielder Curtis Mead in four weeks as he nurses a non-displaced fracture in his left wrist. Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz will undergo an MRI on his forearm after being hit by a pitch.

Injury Updates and Player Returns

Several key players are dealing with injuries or nearing returns. Shohei Ohtani sat out the Dodgers' 5-2 victory over the Mariners as a precaution due to lingering left knee soreness, but manager Dave Roberts indicated he will be back in the lineup Friday. Dodgers president Andrew Friedman expressed confidence in Ohtani's eventual return to pitching despite his ongoing knee issues expressed confidence. Twins outfielder Byron Buxton has landed back on the injured list with a right hip impingement, the same injury that kept him out of the All-Star Game. Rays starting pitcher Shane McClanahan is listed as day-to-day after exiting his start with back tightness.

Fantasy Baseball and Player Notes

Fantasy baseball managers are keeping an eye on closer situations, with Edwin Diaz reportedly set to return. In a dramatic turn of events, Kody Clemens hit a walk-off grand slam with two outs and two strikes in the ninth inning to lift the Twins to a 4-3 victory over the Royals, who had been no-hit through six innings. Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal received a standing ovation during his start against the Orioles, which may have been his final outing for the team, as he recorded his 1,000th career strikeout. Yankees manager Aaron Boone remains confident that his injured stars will return before the season concludes, even as the team aims to bolster its roster before the trade deadline. Phillies interim manager Don Mattingly acknowledged the team's struggles, stating "now's the time that we're going to find out what we're made of" after a difficult stretch since the All-Star break.

Trade Deadline Needs and Market Trends

With the trade deadline just days away, several teams are identified as needing to make significant moves. The Yankees and Red Sox are among the clubs that need to take action, with speculation ranging from potential acquisitions like Mason Miller for the Bronx Bombers to a general roster overhaul for the team in Queens. Power Rankings show little change at the top, but teams on the fringe of the wild-card race are experiencing movement as the deadline approaches. The unique market for Shohei Ohtani continues to generate headlines, with one collector pulling a 1-of-1 autographed card that sold for $11 million. The unraveling of Ohtani's relationship with his former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, amid a sports betting scheme is also detailed in a new "30 for 30" podcast relationship unraveled.