MLB Baseball 24 Hours

Last updated: August 4, 2026, 11:31 PM ET

Dodgers and Skubal: A New Beginning

Tarik Skubal pitched six effective innings in his Dodgers debut, but he was ultimately tagged with the loss in a 5-1 defeat against the Cubs. Despite the outcome Skubal's performance was a positive sign for Los Angeles acquired Skubal on Saturday, are now considered heavy favorites to win the World Series, significantly ahead of the second-closest team, the Yankees. Skubal, a two-time Cy Young winner, addressed criticism by stating he doesn't "really sympathize with people that blame the Dodgers for anything they've done," adding, "Every team could trade for me". Tigers president Harris defended the team's decision to trade Skubal before the deadline, stating that "That's not how markets for the top players work". Skubal now in Los Angeles, fantasy managers might consider picking up other Tigers players.

Injury Bug Continues to Bite Around the League

Several teams are dealing with significant injury concerns impacting their rosters. Padres RHP Pivetta exited his rehab outing on Tuesday with what manager Craig Stammen described as minor tightness in his right elbow. Jays pitcher Trey Yesavage didn't last long in his start against the Astros, leaving after only two innings due to left knee discomfort. Cardinals All-Star fielder Jordan Walker was scratched from Tuesday night's lineup against the Yankees because of right knee inflammation. Nationals All-Star James Wood was placed on the 10-day injured list after suffering a left oblique strain while batting Monday night. The Athletics also placed first baseman Nick Kurtz on the 10-day IL with a strained thumb, and left-hander Jeffrey Springs went on the 15-day IL with hip discomfort.

Roster Moves and Player Transactions

The Seattle Mariners made a series of roster moves on Tuesday afternoon, releasing veteran catcher Mitch Garver, who had appeared in 50 games this season, and outfielder Rob Refsnyder, who had played in 53 games. In other transactions the Milwaukee Brewers sent rookie right-hander Brandon Sproat to Triple-A following their trade-deadline acquisition of veteran starter Dustin May, making Sproat the odd man out of the rotation. The Padres continued to address their rotation needs by acquiring left-hander Robbie Ray from the Giants and right-hander Casey Mize from the Tigers. The Guardians also made moves, trading for Nationals left-hander Foster Griffin, outfielder Jo Adell, and first baseman Nathaniel Lowe.

Player Returns and Contract Extensions

There were positive developments for some teams with players returning from the injured list and key players signing extensions. The Kansas City Royals activated All-Star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. from the injured list on Tuesday, ending his two-week absence due to back tightness. In a contract update, left fielder Mickey Moniak, who is hitting .277 with 18 home runs and 49 RBIs this season, has reached a two-year extension with the Colorado Rockies through 2028.

Trade Deadline Fallout and Prospect Movement

The fallout from the 2026 MLB trade deadline continues to be analyzed, with discussions focusing on both major leaguers and prospects involved in the deals their roster by acquiring right-hander Clay Holmes and outfielder Tyrone Taylor from the Mets in exchange for infielder Jefferson Rojas on Monday. Red Sox were active at the deadline, acquiring three-time All-Star catcher Adley Rutschman in a significant trade with the Baltimore Orioles, moves that manager Alex Breslow stated the team deserved. Rutschman, recently expressed his desire to "fit in" with the surging Red Sox team. Bryce Harper is expected to move to right field for the remainder of the season as the Phillies shuffle their lineup following their acquisition of Luis Arraez.

Player Loyalty and Debut Notes

Two-time Cy Award winner Jacob de Grom, informed the Texas Rangers prior to Monday's trade deadline that he wished to remain with the team. Yankees top prospect George Lombard Jr. is set to make his major league debut against the Cardinals on Tuesday, following the optioning of shortstop Anthony Volpe to Triple-A. Spain World Cup hero Ferran Torres will throw out the first pitch at Yankee Stadium.