MLB Baseball 24 Hours

Last updated: September 11, 2026, 11:33 PM ET

Injury Wave Hits Contenders

The Chicago Cubs are hopeful that shortstop Dansby Swanson can return from his oblique injury within a week, manager Craig Counsell said before Friday's game against Pittsburgh. Minnesota's season took a far grimmer turn, as outfielder Byron Buxton will undergo surgery on his right hip and miss the remainder of the year after sitting on the injured list since Aug. 30. The Braves lost outfielder Lane Thomas to the 15-day IL with an intercostal injury suffered in the batting cage before Thursday's game against the Rays. Pittsburgh absorbed two more blows: rookie outfielder Esmerlyn Valdez limped off Friday against the Cubs after injuring his left hamstring while running to first base, and All-Star right-hander Braxton Ashcraft, a 14-game winner, landed on the 15-day IL with right arm discomfort.

Dodgers Lose Ohtani to IL

The Dodgers are placing Shohei Ohtani on the 15-day injured list and calling up top prospect Josue De Paula from Double-A to temporarily fill his spot at designated hitter, manager Dave Roberts said. The move strips Los Angeles of its most dangerous bat for at least two weeks as the postseason picture tightens.

Volpe Powers Yankees in Return

Anthony Volpe made his comeback from Triple-A count in a major way, smacking a grand slam and driving in a career-high five runs as the Yankees beat the Rockies. The shortstop's explosive night offered exactly the jolt New York's lineup needed down the stretch.

Yankees Honor 9/11 Victims

Derek Jeter reunited with the daughter of a 9/11 victim as the Yankees paid tribute during a pregame ceremony Friday night at Yankee Stadium. Members of the 2001 Yankees were on hand to honor the victims, and the ceremony concluded with first pitches from Brielle Saracini and Sean McGuire.

Brewers Option Sproat After Wild Ninth

Milwaukee sent pitcher Brandon Sproat back to Triple-A Nashville after he allowed four runs in the ninth inning of an 8-6 victory over the Cubs. The demotion signals little patience for late-inning meltdowns as the Brewers manage their bullpen depth.

Pirates Activate O'Hearn

Pittsburgh activated infielder/outfielder Ryan O'Hearn from the 10-day injured list before Friday's game against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. His return gives the Pirates a veteran bat as they navigate a crowded injury list.

Japanese Legend Harimoto Dies at 86

Isao Harimoto, the Japanese baseball great who survived the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and still holds Japan's all-time hits record, has died at 86. Known as the "Hit Machine," Harimoto remains one of the most revered figures in the sport's international history.

Power Rankings and Breakout Stars

With a few weeks left in the regular season, the 2026 postseason picture is taking shape, and one team has jumped up our mid-September rankings amid a playoff push. A separate look at the 10 players who leveled up this season — from Cam Schlittler to Miz and PCA — shows how those leaps changed their clubs' fortunes. Meanwhile, our core rankings weigh whether the Dodgers or Brewers, Red Sox or Yankees, boast the most star talent under control through 2028.

Free Agency Intel Builds

Front offices are already thinking ahead to the offseason, with early intel surfacing on the storylines and names to know — including Tarik Skubal and a wave of Japanese stars expected to draw heavy interest.