MLB Baseball 3 Days

Last updated: July 28, 2026, 2:31 PM ET

Trade Deadline Buzz and Roster Moves

The MLB trade deadline is generating considerable discussion, with ESPN experts proposing blockbuster deals that could reshape contender rosters. Meanwhile, several teams are making roster adjustments ahead of the deadline. The Athletics have been busy, with All-Star catcher Shea Langeliers and pitcher Mark Leiter Jr. both facing season-ending surgeries. Langeliers' injury is particularly concerning, as sources suggest he might miss the remainder of the 2026 season due to a torn meniscus. Adding to their injury woes, Athletics prospect Ryan Lasko is showing signs of recovery from a back injury sustained four weeks ago, reporting feeling returning in his legs. In other team news, veteran pitcher Jameson Taillon was designated for assignment by the Cubs after struggling, giving up seven runs in four innings against the Pirates. The Brewers also DFA'd recently acquired righty Lance McCullers Jr. less than two weeks after acquiring him.

Injury Updates and Player Status

Several key players are dealing with injuries, impacting their teams' outlooks. Yankees All-Star outfielder Cody Bellinger will be sidelined for four to six weeks with a Grade 2 left hamstring strain. The Giants' Casey Schmitt will undergo evaluation for an apparent leg injury and is likely to miss significant time. Pirates rookie Esmerlyn Valdez exited Monday's game after being hit in the left hand by a pitch. Red Sox infielder Curtis Mead, acquired from the Nationals, left his debut game with a contusion after being hit on the left wrist by a pitch. Mets All-Star Juan Soto has been placed on the 10-day injured list with a Grade 2 left calf strain and is expected to miss a significant period, though he "100%" expects to return this year. Reds utility man Spencer Steer landed on the IL with a right wrist sprain. Rangers shortstop Corey Seager took live batting practice for the first time since his back injury on July 1. Third baseman Josh Jung was placed on the 10-day injured list with a left calf strain, and the Rangers recalled Josh Smith. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts indicated Shohei Ohtani experienced "a little bit of regression" after his last bullpen session and skipped a subsequent one as the team remains cautious.

Hall of Fame Induction and Player Milestones

Baseball's Hall of Fame welcomed its newest class on Sunday, with Andruw Jones, Carlos Beltran, and Jeff Kent officially enshrined in Cooperstown. The induction highlights diverse paths to greatness, representing multiple countries and numerous teams. On the field, Mike Trout achieved his first four-hit game in over five years, also moving up the Angels' all-time lists for doubles and singles. Salvador Perez hit his 318th career home run, surpassing George Brett's franchise record for the Royals. In a notable performance, Pirates rookie Jacob Misiorowski set a franchise record by striking out the first seven Colorado Rockies batters on Sunday, ultimately fanning 12 of the first 13 he faced.

MLB Trade Deadline Outlook and Draft Signings

With the MLB trade deadline approaching, speculation about potential deals is rife, with experts outlining "blockbuster" moves that could shake up the league. National League contenders are also firming up their deadline plans, with teams like Milwaukee and Atlanta assessing their needs as they chase the Dodgers. The draft also saw its share of movement, with pitchers Logan Schmidt and Aidan Knaak being the only players selected in the first 10 rounds who did not sign by Monday's deadline.

Team Struggles and Rare Victories

The Miami Marlins extended their losing streak to a franchise-record 12 games after being swept by the San Diego Padres. However, Griffin Conine broke the streak with a walk-off single against the Phillies. The Braves secured an 11-inning victory over their opponent, with manager Walt Weiss's intentional walk strategy paying off in the bottom of the 11th. The Orioles also saw a walk-off win thanks to Dylan Beavers' RBI single in the ninth inning. The Pittsburgh Pirates avoided a sweep against the Cubs, with Ryan O'Hearn hitting a birthday grand slam in an 8-7 victory.

Ohtani Interpreter Case Continues to Unfold

New audio has emerged shedding further light on the Shohei Ohtani interpreter scandal. Ohtani's former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, initially told a reporter that the Dodgers slugger agreed to cover his substantial gambling debt but reversed his statement less than 24 hours later, according to newly released information. The unfolding story is the subject of the ESPN podcast "The Betrayal of Shohei Ohtani".

Pitching News and Roster Changes

Max Scherzer is set to come off the injured list and make his birthday start on Monday against the Nationals. The Red Sox were expected to activate and start left-hander Ranger Suarez on Sunday. Twins right-hander Mike Paredes was scratched from his scheduled start due to a left oblique strain just before the game. The Astros placed right-handed starter on the 15-day injured list with nerve irritation in his right foot. The Athletics reinstated Nick Kurtz from the injured list and optioned him to Triple-A.

Fantasy Baseball Notes

Fantasy baseball managers are advised to monitor closer situations, with Edwin Diaz nearing a return. Additionally, several players are highlighted as waiver wire targets for fantasy owners this week.