MLB Baseball 8 Hours

Last updated: July 20, 2026, 8:31 PM ET

Player Movement and Injuries Shake Up Rosters

The Miami Marlins have placed All-Star right-hander Max Meyer on the injured list with a neck strain, while shortstop Otto Lopez for a second consecutive game. In New York, the Mets have activated outfielder Luis Robert Jr. from the injured list after a three-month absence due to a back issue. The Baltimore Orioles have also been hit with a significant injury, placing All-Star catcher Adley Rutschman on the 10-day IL with left wrist inflammation. Orioles rookie catcher Samuel Basallo during Monday's game against the Astros. Meanwhile, the Houston Astros saw shortstop Jeremy Peña return to the lineup, but first baseman Christian Walker remains out of the starting lineup for a second straight game. The Colorado Rockies have to the Dodgers in exchange for two minor league players.

Notable Player Returns and Milestones

The Minnesota Twins have welcomed back All-Star outfielder Byron Buxton, who is sixth in the majors with 25 home runs. The Boston Red Sox captured their 13th consecutive victory, with a 6-1 defeat of the Rays. Willson Contreras contributed a two-run homer in the win, and Sonny Gray, allowing just one run. In a remarkable offensive display, Rockies' Hunter Goodman for the second time this season, joining an exclusive club in Colorado. Pirates rookie outfielder Esmerlyn Valdez continues to impress in just 31 games, becoming the fourth player in MLB history with at least 12 homers and 31 RBIs through their first 31 career games. Braves catcher Drake Baldwin, returning from an oblique injury, had a career-best 5-for-5 performance with two home runs in Atlanta's 8-5 win.

League News and Prospect Watch

Rintaro Sasaki will sign with the Miami Marlins, forgoing a professional career in Japan. Shohei Ohtani will not pitch in Philadelphia against the Phillies due to left knee irritation, stalling his mound return. ESPN's Kiley McDaniel has for all 30 MLB teams, detailing which players are rising and falling in farm systems following the MLB draft. The league also mourns the passing of Duane Ward, a key reliever on the Blue Jays' back-to-back World Series championship teams in the early 1990s, who died at the age of 62. The league is also to potential future stars, with discussions about a potential bat flip champion for 2026.