MLB Baseball 3 Days

Last updated: August 2, 2026, 2:30 PM ET

Trade Deadline Frenzy: Aces and Prospects on the Move

The Los Angeles Dodgers have significantly bolstered their rotation by acquiring two-time AL Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal from the Detroit Tigers in a blockbuster trade. This move sent shockwaves through the league, with the Dodgers sending prospects Zyhir Hope, River Ryan, and Brady Smith to Detroit. impressions suggest the Dodgers are now nearly unstoppable with this addition. Meanwhile, White Sox have acquired right-handed pitcher Luis Castillo from the Mariners in exchange for Seranthony Dominguez, Nolan Jones, and prospect Boston Smith. The Atlanta Braves have also been active, acquiring outfielder Lane Thomas and left-hander Bailey Falter from the Kansas City Royals for two minor league pitchers. Seeking to bolster their bullpen, the Pittsburgh Pirates have traded for reliever Camilo Doval from the New York Yankees. The Minnesota Twins have acquired starting pitcher Dean Kremer from the Baltimore Orioles. Additionally, Cleveland Guardians have acquired right-handed pitcher Craig Yoho and switch-hitter Blake Perkins from the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for minor league catcher Bo Naylor. The Oakland Athletics who entered Wednesday with an AL-worst 42-66 record, traded reliever Chase Silseth and catcher Logan O'Hoppe to the Texas Rangers for minor league third baseman Angel Arredondo.

Injuries and Roster Moves Impact Teams

The Pittsburgh Pirates have placed Ryan O'Hearn on the 10-day injured list due to a strained left quad, with an expected absence of six to eight weeks. Braves right-handed Reynaldo Lopez was scratched from Saturday night's game against the Nationals and subsequently placed on the injured list with left knee inflammation. Giants second Luis Arraez was scratched from the lineup as a precaution due to cramps. The Seattle Mariners placed outfielder Luke Raley on the 10-day injured list with a left forearm strain. The Giants are suspending payment to outfielder Harrison Bader after he aggravated an injured left foot in a scooter crash. Astros starter Tatsuya Imai will move to the bullpen for the team's weekend series against the Texas Rangers after struggling in his recent starts. The Mariners have placed third baseman J.P. Crawford on the 10-day injured list with left wrist inflammation. The Chicago Cubs placed reliever Gavin Hollowell on the 15-day injured list with right shoulder inflammation and recalled left-hander Antoine Kelly from Triple-A Iowa. Orioles first Ryan Mountcastle's season is in doubt due to a torn oblique suffered during his recovery from an earlier left foot fracture. The Orioles, dealing with catcher injuries, acquired Jake Rogers from the Tigers in exchange for minor league right-hander Zane Barnhart. Rays starting Shane McClanahan is listed as day-to-day after leaving Thursday's game with back tightness. Twins outfielder Buxton has returned to the injured list with a right hip impingement, the same injury that caused him to miss the All-Star Game. Athletics first Nick Kurtz will undergo an MRI on his forearm after exiting Wednesday night's game due to being hit by a pitch.

Trade Deadline Speculation and Team Needs

There is significant speculation surrounding potential trade deadline moves, with Buster Olney and Jeff Passan sharing the latest intel. Questions linger whether the Red Sox will acquire their desired shortstop and which top starting pitchers will be dealt following the Skubal blockbuster. Several teams are identified as needing to make deals before the Monday deadline, including the Yankees, Red Sox, Phillies, and Cubs. The New York Mets, currently in last place, have begun dealing by trading left-handed relief pitcher A.J. Minter to the Twins for prospects Bruin Agbayani and Billy Amick. Manager Aaron expressed confidence that the Yankees will get their injured stars back this season, even as the front office works to improve the team before the deadline. Dodgers reportedly very confident that Shohei Ohtani will return to pitch, despite his ongoing knee issues. Rankings show little change at the top, but teams on the fringe of the playoff race have seen movement as the trade deadline approaches.

Prospect Watch and Notable Performances

trade deadline is not only about current major leaguers but also about the potential stars of tomorrow who are being moved in deals. Rankings of top trade deadline candidates and best fits for acquiring difference-makers have been updated, with new additions near the top. The Tigers called up prized outfield prospect Max Clark from the minor leagues for his MLB debut, and he recorded three hits and an RBI in their win. A collector in Florida pulled a rare 1-of-1 Shohei Ohtani Dual Gold Logoman autographed card and sold it for $11 million to high-end sports card collector Matthew Allen. Clemens hit a walk-off grand slam with two outs and two strikes in the ninth inning, leading the Twins to a 4-3 victory over the Royals after being no-hit through six innings.

Milestone Moments and Anniversaries

Tarik Skubal a standing ovation in what might have been his final start for the Tigers, marking his 1,000th career strikeout during a game against the Orioles. The New York Mets celebrated the 40th anniversary of their 1986 World Series championship on Saturday. The Baltimore Orioles signed right-handed reliever Yennier Cano to a two-year contract extension covering the 2027 and 2028 seasons, with a club option for 2029.

Player Health and Return Updates

Willson Contreras expected to return for the Red Sox on Sunday after undergoing concussion testing following Saturday night's 3-2 win over the Dodgers. Carlos Correa's from ankle surgery is progressing faster than anticipated, and the Astros infielder has not ruled out a return this season. Edwin Diaz reportedly set to return, providing important updates for fantasy baseball managers regarding closers. Phillies interim 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 losing nine of twelve games since the All-Star break.

Other News and Notes

A podcast detailing "The Betrayal of Shohei Ohtani" and the unravelling of his relationship with his interpreter amid a sports betting scheme is now available. The Twins beat the Royals 4-3 on a walk-off grand slam by Kody Clemens.