MLB Baseball 3 Hours

Last updated: July 30, 2026, 11:34 AM ET

Trade Deadline Buzz Intensifies as Teams Assess Needs

Several clubs are feeling the pressure to make moves before the upcoming trade deadline, with the among the prominent franchises needing to act. The Phillies Cubs also fall into this category of teams needing to address their rosters. For the New York teams, a wish list includes potential upgrades for the Yankees and a significant overhaul for the Mets. Meanwhile, MLB Power Rankings saw little change at the top in Week, but teams on the periphery of the playoff picture experienced notable shifts as the deadline approaches.

Injury Bug Continues to Bite Key Players

The injury bug has continued to affect several teams, with Byron Buxton returning to the injured list for the Twins due to a hip impingement, the same issue that kept him out of the All-Star Game. In Kansas City, Vinnie Pasquantino has been placed on the 10-day IL with a sore right wrist, having hit .232 with six home runs. The Athletics are facing uncertainty after Nick Kurtz exited a game following a hit-by-pitch to his forearm and is set for an MRI. On the pitching front is reportedly set to return, offering a potential boost for fantasy managers assessing their closer options.

Managerial Pressure Mounts Amid Slumps and Confidence

The pressure is mounting on some managers as their teams navigate challenging stretches. Don Mattingly acknowledged the Phillies' slide, stating, "We've got to do better," after they dropped nine of twelve games since the All-Star break, emphasizing that "now's the time that we're going to find out what we're made of." Conversely, Yankees manager Aaron Boone expressed confidence in getting his injured stars back this season, regardless of any potential trade deadline acquisitions. In a potentially significant development, Tarik Skubal received a standing ovation in what may have been his final start for the Tigers, marking his 1,000th career strikeout, while the team blew a 7-0 lead. The Dodgers, meanwhile, are "" Shohei Ohtani will return to pitch despite his ongoing knee issues.

Late-Night Transactions and Off-Field Developments

In terms of transactions, the Angels, holding an AL-worst 42-66 record, have traded reliever Chase Silseth and catcher Logan O'Hoppe to the Rangers for minor league third baseman Angel Arredondo. Off the field, fans can now listen to ESPN's 30 for 30 Podcast, "The Betrayal of Shohei Ohtani," detailing the unraveling of his relationship with interpreter Ippei Mizuhara amid a sports betting scheme.