MLB Baseball 24 Hours

Last updated: August 12, 2026, 9:39 AM ET

MLB Season Storylines

As the second half heats up, 10 storylines from an epic MVP battle to a Triple Crown pursuit will define the stretch run. Meanwhile, a labor battle that echoes 32 years ago has historians revisiting what was lost to the 1994 strike — including home run history and .400 seasons — and what that could mean for a potential work stoppage in 2027.

Playoff Races & Surging Teams

Several injured stars could swing playoff races as they near returns from the IL, potentially proving as valuable as any trade deadline blockbuster. One club that has already transformed its season is Boston: the Red Sox have gone on a historic 27-3 run, and our experts break down what that epic comeback means for their World Series hopes.

Notable Games & Performances

In Los Angeles, the Dodgers rallied for a 6-5 come-from-behind win over the Tigers in Skubal's rocky home debut at Dodger Stadium. Blake Snell made a triumphant return from a three-month layoff, striking out 10 batters over six innings in his first start back for the Dodgers. In Seattle, catcher Cal Raleigh took the blame after the Mariners lost their fifth straight game, 4-1 to the Yankees, with his average sitting at .159 a year after finishing second in AL MVP voting; Raleigh acknowledged his awful struggles. Meanwhile, Athletics shortstop Jacob Wilson saw his major-league record errorless streak at the position end at 112 games on an errant throw in the eighth inning of a 12-4 loss; Wilson's record streak had been one of the season's bright spots. In Toronto, a chaotic, inning-ending double play created a 16-minute delay and a belated run during Boston's 2-1 loss to the Blue Jays — a bizarre sequence that led to a belated run.

Injury Report

Astros second baseman Jose Altuve exited Tuesday's game after being hit on the left foot by a pitch; imaging was negative, but the team will monitor his bruised foot. Phillies star Bryce Harper has been battling left knee soreness since moving back to right field for the first time in four years, with the knee soreness limiting him. Giants third baseman Matt Chapman will undergo season-ending abdominal surgery; the 33-year-old had seven homers and 42 RBIs in 84 games before being sidelined by the abdominal issue. Blue Jays right-hander Jameson Taillon exited his first home start after four scoreless innings due to right forearm discomfort and will have an MRI on his forearm. Toronto also announced that prospect Trey Yesavage underwent surgery to repair his left meniscus, though the team hasn't ruled him out for the season; Yesavage's knee surgery was successful. Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz may miss the rest of the season due to a right thumb injury, as the team fears Kurtz could miss time. The Marlins placed first baseman/outfielder Kyle Stowers on the 10-day IL with a left hamstring strain, adding another hamstring strain to the list. The Yankees expect Carlos Rodón to make a second minor-league rehab start and have Cody Bellinger nearing a return, with manager Aaron Boone providing updates on Rodón and Bellinger.

Roster Moves & Transactions

The Angels fired pitching coach Mike Maddux, assistant Darryl Scott and bullpen coach Dom Chiti after a staff ERA of 4.51 and an MLB-worst 508 walks, cleaning house on the pitching staff. Pitcher Bryse Wilson, who was designated for assignment by the Brewers on Saturday, quickly signed a one-year deal to return to Milwaukee; Wilson's new deal keeps him in the organization. Two-time All-Star shortstop and former batting champion Tim Anderson announced his retirement after 10 major league seasons, bringing a close to a career that included a batting title.

Other Headlines

Major League Baseball announced the postseason schedule, with the World Series set to begin Oct. 23 and Game 7 on Oct. 31 — only the second time since 2020 that the Fall Classic will end in October. The World Series date was confirmed Monday. A controversy off the field: U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal and two House representatives urged MLB and the MLBPA to prohibit promotional deals with betting operators, sparked by a personalized gambling greeting featuring Bryce Harper. The lawmakers want a ban on betting promos. In a lighter moment, the Chicago White Sox drew a massive crowd for their pope hat giveaway, capitalizing on the election of Pope Leo, a Chicago native and fan. The pope hat giveaway brought in over 40,000 fans. Meanwhile, Mets rookie Carson Benge inadvertently tossed the ball from Kodai Senga's first career save into the crowd, leaving Senga aghast; the rookie's ball blunder went viral.

Prospect Watch & Fantasy

Kiley McDaniel updated his top 10 MLB prospect rankings, analyzing who is rising and falling in every farm system after the trade deadline. Check the full prospect rankings for future stars. For fantasy managers, a trio of waiver-worthy prospects debuted this week; our free-agent pickups column highlights the top prospect debuts to consider adding.