MLB Baseball 3 Days

Last updated: August 5, 2026, 5:30 PM ET

Trade Deadline Frenzy and Blockbuster Moves

The MLB trade deadline saw significant activity across the league, with teams looking to bolster their rosters for the postseason push. The Dodgers emerged as major players, acquiring ace Tarik Skubal in a blockbuster deal that immediately positioned them as World Series favorites on the odds board. Red Sox were also active, acquiring three-time All-Star catcher Adley Rutschman from the Baltimore Orioles as part of a flurry of deadline moves. Rutschman noted he's simply "trying to fit in" with the surging Red Sox.

The Padres made moves to address their rotation woes, bringing in left-hander Robbie Ray from the Giants and right-hander Casey Mize from the Tigers. Cleveland also bolstered its pitching staff, acquiring left-hander Foster Griffin from the Nationals, along with outfielder Jo Adell and first baseman Nathaniel Lowe. The Blue Jays targeted rotation help by acquiring right-hander Jose Soriano from the Angels. Meanwhile, the Astros acquired center fielder Daulton Varsho from the Blue Jays, a move that comes as Houston has surged into first place in the AL West. The Brewers bolstered their pitching staff by acquiring right-hander Dustin May and left-hander JoJo Romero from the Cardinals, as well as right-hander Antonio Sentazela from the Rockies.

Several teams also addressed their bullpens and outfield depth. The Phillies acquired left-hander Brooks Raley from the Mets to strengthen their struggling bullpen. Yankees added veteran outfielder Heliot Ramos from the San Francisco Giants, bolstering their depth as they lead the American League wild-card race. The Mariners acquired outfielder Taylor Ward from the Orioles to add a right-handed bat to their lineup. The White Sox are acquiring right-handed reliever Huascar Brazobán from the Mets in exchange for minor league pitchers Gabe Davis and Zach Franklin. The Mets continued to move relief pitchers, sending right-hander Luke Weaver to the Pirates for infield prospect Sammy Stafura.

Player Movements and Roster Updates

Beyond the major trades, several other player movements and roster updates occurred. Infielder Angel Genao, Cleveland's top prospect per ESPN rankings, has been called up by the Guardians, sporting a .309 average at Triple-A Columbus. The Pirates released veteran designated hitter Marcell Ozuna, who was hitting just .203 with eight home runs. Kevin Gausman is expected to make his Cubs debut on Friday and expressed happiness about joining the team in Chicago. Padres RHP Nick Pivetta exited his first rehab outing with minor tightness in his right elbow. George Lombard Jr. had a notable MLB debut for the Yankees, hitting a home run in his first game and joining his brother, who also homered in his professional debut on the same night.

Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing has a slight tear in the UCL in his right elbow, according to follow-up testing. Cody Bradford a left-hander, is set to make his first start for the Rangers since the end of the 2024 season on Wednesday against the Giants, marking his return from elbow surgery. Blue Jays pitcher Trey Yesavage left his start against the Houston Astros after only two innings due to left knee discomfort. Following the Brewers' acquisition of Dustin May, rookie right-hander Brandon Sproat has been moved out of the rotation and sent to Triple-A. The Seattle Mariners released veteran catcher Mitch Garver and outfielder Rob Refsnyder as part of seven roster moves. Cardinals All-Star fielder Jordan Walker was scratched from the lineup due to right knee inflammation.

All-Star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. has been activated from the injured list by the Royals after a two-week absence due to back tightness. Nationals All-Star outfielder James Wood was placed on the 10-day injured list with a left oblique strain. Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz was placed on the 10-day IL with a strained thumb, and left-hander Jeffrey Springs went on the 15-day IL with hip discomfort. Athletics slugger Nick Kurtz will also see a hand specialist regarding his injured thumb. Left fielder Mickey Moniak, who is hitting .277 with 18 home runs and 49 RBIs, has signed a two-year contract extension with the Rockies through 2028.

Team Performance and Standings Insights

The Dodgers, bolstered by the addition of Tarik Skubal, are now considered strong favorites to win the World Series, significantly ahead of the Yankees in betting odds. Red Sox have been on a roll over the last month, a surge that manager Alex Cora believes justified significant trade deadline acquisitions. The Astros have climbed into first place in the AL West. Yankees are currently leading the American League wild-card race.

In other team news, the Brewers acquired pitchers Dustin May and JoJo Romero from the Cardinals. The Padres, aiming to improve their rotation, traded for Robbie Ray and Casey Mize. The Guardians also made moves to acquire pitching and outfield talent, trading for Foster Griffin, Jo Adell, and Nathaniel Lowe. The Blue Jays acquired Jose Soriano to bolster their rotation. The San Francisco Giants traded veteran pitcher Tyler Mahle to the Atlanta Braves. The Rays acquired Freddy Peralta from the Mets, enhancing their rotation for the stretch run. White Sox acquired pitcher Luis Castillo from the Mariners.

Player Health and Injury Updates

Several players are currently dealing with injuries that have impacted their teams. Padres RHP Nick Pivetta exited his rehab outing due to minor elbow tightness. Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing is dealing with a slight tear in the UCL of his right elbow. Cody Bradford is returning for the Rangers after recovering from elbow surgery. Jays pitcher Trey Yesavage left his start with left knee discomfort. Cardinals All-Star Jordan Walker was scratched from the lineup with right knee inflammation. Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. returned after a two-week absence for back tightness. Nationals outfielder James Wood was placed on the injured list with a left oblique strain. Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz is on the injured list with a strained thumb and will see a specialist Springs of the Athletics is on the injured list with hip discomfort.

Notable Performances and Individual Notes

George Lombard Jr. had a memorable MLB debut for the Yankees, hitting a home run in his first game and joining his brother, who also homered in his professional debut. Infielder Angel Genao has been called up by the Guardians, hitting .309 at Triple-A Columbus. Mickey Moniak, who is hitting .277 with 18 home runs and 49 RBIs, has signed a contract extension with the Rockies. Two-time Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal made his debut for the Dodgers, and despite not having his best stuff, the team's lack of run support was noted commented on the Dodgers' acquisitions, stating, "Every team could trade for me". Two-time Cy Young Award winner Jacob de Grom expressed his desire to stay with the Texas Rangers before the trade deadline. Brewers ace Jacob Misiorowski described the Angel Stadium pitching mound as "awful".