Tarik Skubal trade rumors: Latest updates, landing spots for Tigers' Cy Young ace

Baseball's eyes are on the Motor City for the next two days with back-to-back Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal widely expected to be traded by the Detroit Tigers ahead of Monday's MLB deadline.

The 29-year-old lefty is a free agent this winter and expected to command a record-breaking contract, but whichever team rents him for the next two months would be giving itself the best chance possible to win a World Series in the fall.

One of the AL favorites heading into the season, the Tigers nearly buried themselves with a 6-22 record in May and enter Saturday six games under .500. Though Detroit is (like most teams) in contention for a wild card spot, the Tigers' devastating loss in what may have been Skubal's final start may have sealed his fate.

Two teams to watch in the Skubal sweepstakes are the Los Angeles Dodgers and Milwaukee Brewers, who happen to have the best records in baseball.

Keep up on the latest rumors and Tigers news:

Tarik Skubal trade odds for next team

Odds via DraftKings, as of 9 a.m. Aug 1

  • Dodgers +140
  • Brewers +280
  • Rays +550
  • Braves +700
  • Tigers +1000
  • Cubs +1100
  • Phillies +1800

Skubal's catcher didn't get to say goodbye

The two-time Cy Young Award winning pitcher and his longtime personal catcher met at the alternate site during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, grew up through Rogers' career-high 21-homer season until the emergence of All-Star Dillon Dingler pushed Rogers to the margins and, finally, resulted in his getting designated for assignment July 28.

"I love Skoob to death," Rogers said Friday at Camden Yards. "He made it known that he was going to miss me, and I made it known I was going to miss him. It’s going to happen eventually. To happen the way it did was a little iffy. It’s all a business and they had to do it.

"I feel like I’ve grown up with him. Met him for the first time at the alternate site. We just had such a good relationship since then. Just a really good human and a hardworking human."

– Gabe Lacques

Max Clark gives Tigers glimpse of post-Skubal future

On a night when former No. 1 overall pick Casey Mize was scratched from his spot in the Tigers rotation as a precaution for Monday’s looming trade deadline, and a touch of surreal hung over the game – the Athletics are sharing their minor-league ballpark with the San Francisco Giants' Triple-A affiliate, after all – Max Clark offered a reminder that there may still be a future out there.

– Shawn Windsor, Detroit Free Press

Skubal trade packages: Brewers

The Brewers’ deep farm system enables them to offer a package perhaps headlined by highly regarded infield prospect Luis Pena and left-hander Robert Gasser, suggests USA TODAY Sports' Steve Gardner.

Tarik Skubal contract details

The Tigers left-hander is eligible for free agency after the 2026 season.

Skubal is pitching on a one-year, $32 million contract after he was awarded a record arbitration salary in February 2026. He earned $10.15 million during the 2025 season when he won the AL Cy Young Award for the second year in a row. 

Tarik Skubal stats

  • 2026: 7–5, 2.79 ERA, 16 GS, 96⅔ IP, 116 SO, 0.91 WHIP
  • 2025: 13–6, 2.21 ERA, 31 GS, 195⅓ IP, 241 SO, 0.89 WHIP, AL Cy Young Award
  • 2024: 18–4, 2.39 ERA, 31 GS, 192 IP, 228 SO, 0.92 WHIP, AL Triple Crown & Cy Young Award
  • 2023: 7–3, 2.80 ERA, 15 GS, 80⅓ IP, 102 SO, 0.90 WHIP
  • 2022: 7–8, 3.52 ERA, 21 GS, 117⅔ IP, 117 SO, 1.16 WHIP
  • 2021: 8–12, 4.34 ERA, 31 G (29 GS), 149⅓ IP, 164 SO, 1.26 WHIP
  • 2020: 1–4, 5.63 ERA, 8 G (7 GS), 32 IP, 37 SO, 1.22 WHIP

When is Tarik Skubal a free agent?

Skubal is eligible for free agency at the conclusion of the 2026 season and will be one the most sought-after player on the market. Turning 30 this offseason, Skubal is likely to break Yoshinobu Yamamoto's $325 million record contract for a pitcher.

Tarik Skubal draft and college

Tarik Skubal played college baseball for the Seattle University Redhawks, earning Freshman All-American honors in 2015 before undergoing Tommy John surgery during his sophomore year in 2016.

Despite missing the 2017 season while recovering, he was selected by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 29th round of the 2017 MLB Draft but chose to return to school. He was ultimately selected by the Detroit Tigers in the ninth round (255th overall) of the 2018 MLB draft and signed for a $350,000 bonus.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tarik Skubal trade rumors: Latest updates, landing spots for Tigers' Cy Young ace

Dodgers notes: Kiké Hernández, Cesar Izturis, Chavez Ravine

Kiké Hernández returned from the injured list on Tuesday after missing 51 games with a strained oblique, and got into his first game on Thursday. He talked Thursday about his anxiety at receiving the news of the oblique injury, his second extended IL stint this season. From Matt Borelli at Dodger Blue:

“I was driving, sitting in traffic, I had to call my wife and I could barely talk but I was like, ‘This is what happened. I don’t know what’s going on with my body. Maybe I’m too old.’ Just hearing her calm me down, I took a couple deep breaths and I was good to go. 

“I did the two months before that and I realized all you can do is take it one day at a time, and the best way you can take things one day at a time is focusing on what you can do today to get better. That’s what I did. I thought about today. I wasn’t really thinking about how far along or anything like that. I was literally just going one day at a time and trying to be the best rehabber I could.

Links

Who do Giants fans think was the Player of the Week?

SAN DIEGO, CA - JULY 30: Luis Arraez #1 of the San Francisco Giants walks to the dugout prior to the game between the San Francisco Giants and the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on Thursday, July 30, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Brendon Baranov/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

Good morning, baseball fans!

Another week of San Francisco Giants baseball comes to an end this weekend, so it’s time to decide who will be your Player of the Week!

There were a few strong candidates this week, but most of them were players I’ve picked fairly often this season so I’m going to go with Luis Arraez! For my purposes, I’m including everything from July 24th through today, and in that time Arraez has racked up 13 hits and six RBI. He may not have had the biggest hits of the week, but that kind of steady and consistent production is definitely worthy of a shout out! (While I can still shout him out, as I assume he will be traded soon and I will be very sad.)

Who is your pick for Player of the Week?

What time do the Giants play today?

The Giants continue this four-game road series against the Padres tonight at 5:40 p.m. PT.

Chicago Cubs news — Bregman, Hoerner, Boyd, PCA, Happ, Assad

Today’s Reflections

What an interesting way to end a series — consecutive extra-inning games. With the Manfred Man, the 10th inning is a toss-up, which was evident as the Cubs and Cardinals split the games in extra time (World Cup, go away!). That gave Chicago the three-games-to-one win in the series.

The MVP of the series has to be Alex Bregman, who really stepped up to be the team’s table setter, going 10-for-18 with a walk, seven runs scored, 3 RBI, a home run and six doubles. For Wednesday and Thursday, he combined for 3-for-8 with a walk, two runs scored, two doubles and an RBI, including his game-winning RBI-double on Thursday.

Nico Hoerner also had a big series, going 6-for-16 with three runs scored, six RBI, a home run and a stolen base. After having a hitless pinch-hitting appearance on Wednesday on a day-off, Hoerner went 3-for-5 with the stolen base on Thursday.

Seiya Suzuki had a solid series, also going 6-for-16 with three walks, four runs scored, two RBI and two doubles. Most of that was in the first two games as he went for 1-for-6 with two walks and a run scored in the final two.

Pete Crow-Armstrong and Ian Happ get mentions for their extra-inning contributions. PCA drove in two runs with a home run in the 10th inning on Wednesday, while on Thursday, Happ added an insurance run with an RBI-double.

The Cubs had a 5-2 roadtrip. PCA had a drastically different pair of series. Against the Pirates, he went 7-for-14 with a walk, four runs scored, five RBI, two home runs, three doubles and a triple. Meanwhile, in the Cardinals’ series, PCA went 3-for-17 with just one walk, a run scored, 3 RBI, and the home run as his only extra-base hit.

I bring that up because the Cubs took three-of-four from the Cards without much contribution from PCA. If that sinks in for the rest of the team, that has to be an extra boost for them. And I’m sure PCA noticed it for sure.

On Wednesday and Thursday, the Cubs almost wasted a pair of pitching performances — one excellent and one solid. Both kept the Cubs in the games with a chance to win in extras.

Matthew Boyd put together what I think was his best performance of the year Wednesday with seven shutout innings, stranding four hits and two walks while striking out five. That’s the first time since April that he’s pitched back-to-back homerless games.

Javier Assad also kept the ball in the ballpark as he stepped into the open spot in the Cubs rotation Thursday. He managed 4.1 innings and had to work out of some jams due to allowing six hits and two walks. Assad used his defense and six strikeouts hold the Cards to one run. His 83 pitches were the most he has thrown since June 17th.

So it was a good series and road trip with two winnable games the team dropped. But there were a lot of overall very positive performances for the team to build on heading into the dog days of August.


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Thurday’s Game Stories:

Wednesday’s Game Stories:


Down-the-Stretch Trade Deadline Stories:








Assorted Stories:



Food For Thought:

Joanne Shaw Taylor, discovered by Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics at the age of 16, has carved out an impressive niche for herself in the world of blues-rock. After witnessing her remarkable guitar playing, Stewart immediately invited her to join his supergroup, D.U.P., setting the wheels in motion for a flourishing musical career. Her prodigious talent on the guitar earned her accolades from several industry giants, including Jimmy Cliff, Joe Bonamassa, Stevie Wonder, and Annie Lennox.

Now in her 30s, Joanne has emerged as one of the most coveted guitarists in the rock domain. The journey over the past two decades has seen her evolve into a prolific songwriter, with each of her acclaimed albums being more successful than the last. Her 2019 album, Reckless Heart, broke into the UK Top 20 Album Chart, solidifying her standing as one of the most important British blues-rock exports.

Please be reminded that Cub Tracks and Bleed Cubbie Blue do not necessarily endorse the content of articles, podcasts, or videos that are linked to in this series.

Mets Daily Prospect Report, 8/1/26: A rough night across the system

PORT ST. LUCIE, FL - MARCH 19: Mitch Voit #55 of the New York Mets smiles in the dugout prior to the game between the Tampa Bay Rays and the New York Mets at Clover Park on Thursday, March 19, 2026 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. (Photo by Scott Audette/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

Triple A: Syracuse Mets (51 – 54)

ROCHESTER 10, SYRACUSE 1 (BOX)

Jack Weisenburger got shelled for six runs over two innings pitched, and the Mets could only muster one run. That run, driven in by domestic abuser Ji Hwan Bae, was scored by Cristian Pache. If you’re looking for a bright spot, Syracuse walked four times and stole two bases.

Double-A: Binghamton Rumble Ponies (36 – 63)

READING 6, BINGHAMTON 5 (BOX)

Chris Suero, Nick Lorusso, and JT Schwartz all homered in a walk-off loss to Reading. R.J. Gordon went seven innings, striking out seven while giving up three earned runs. The newly called up Mitch voit with two for four with walk.

High-A: Brooklyn Cyclones (41 – 57)

WINSTON-SALEM 14, BROOKLYN 4 (BOX)

The Cyclones got shellacked behind a series of poor pitching performances, including both Frank Camarillo and Josh Blum giving up four earned runs. Blum managed to do so in just two-thirds of an inning.

Low-A: St. Lucie Mets (45 – 54)

DUNDEIN 5, ST. LUCIE 0 (BOX)

St. Lucie was blanked, and wasted a good start from Ethan Lanthier, who went four innings of one-hit ball before Christian Rodriguez coughed up five runs in the bottom of the eighth in just a disaster of an inning.

Rookie: FCL Mets (24-32)

NO GAME

Rookie: DSL Mets Orange (22 – 22)

DSL METS ORANGE 9, DSL TIGERS 2 (BOX)

Rookie: DSL Mets Blue (16 – 27)

DSL MARLINS 10, DSL METS BLUE 6 (BOX)

STAR OF THE NIGHT

Ethan Lanthier

GOAT OF THE NIGHT

Christian Rodriguez

MLB trade deadline updates: Rumors, news and latest hot stove intel

Two days out from the 2026 Major League Baseball trade deadline and things are still quiet, but the impending move of back-to-back Cy Young winner has the league on the edge of its seat.

Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal appears likely to be traded in the 48 hours to come, a deal that could potentially shift power with just two months until the playoffs begin. Other big names said to be on the trading block include the New York Mets' Freddy Peralta, San Francisco Giants' Luis Arraez and perhaps All-Star closer Mason Miller of the San Diego Padres.

The trade deadline is set for 6 p.m. ET on Monday, August 3.

Stay with USA TODAY Sports as the deadline draws near for the latest rumors, news and deals:

When is MLB trade deadline?

Teams must have their trade details finalized and submitted to the league office by the deadline in order for any acquired players to be eligible for the playoffs. After that, players on 40-man rosters can't be traded.

  • Time: 6 p.m. ET
  • Date: Monday, Aug. 3

Freddy Peralta, Mets bracing for trades

As the first pitch between the Mets and Marlins reached home plate, Freddy Peralta was not at his expected post. The right-hander was along the dugout railing, all smiles in a black Mets hoodie as Kodai Senga unfurled an opening strike.

Peralta was a late scratch from Friday's start as trade talks intensified with teams across Major League Baseball with Monday's trade deadline on the horizon. The Mets saw it in their best interest to protect their asset in Peralta.

"That doesn't mean something is going to materialize tonight, but once talks got to the level that they're at, it just became the prudent path for us," Mets interim manager Andy Green said.

– Andrew Tredinnick, NorthJersey.com

Adley Rutschman trade rumors in Baltimore?

Before Baltimore begins a crucial series against the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday, July 31, GM Mike Elias expressed his appreciation for Rutschman — while noting he cannot rule out moving him should the 53-56 Orioles slip further behind in the American League playoff slog.

“We love him. You feel it when he's gone from the team,” Elias says of Rutschman, currently on the injured list with left wrist inflammation, yet expected to go on a rehab assignment early next week. “Absolutely love Adley and having him as long as we can.”

“But, as I mentioned, I think we put ourselves in a position where we've got to be pretty open-minded here as we go into these (deadline) talks. But Adley is one of the best things we have going for us.”

– Gabe Lacques

Tarik Skubal next team odds

Odds via DraftKings, as of 9 a.m. Aug 1

  • Dodgers +140
  • Brewers +280
  • Rays +550
  • Braves +700
  • Tigers +1000
  • Cubs +1100
  • Phillies +1800

Hunter Greene rumors continue

Hunter Greene, the Reds' two-time Opening Day starter, said trade rumors have not been a distraction.

“Because I can’t do anything about it,” he said. “Obviously, I’ve grown to have a strong connection with the city and the fan base, with my teammates here, with the staff over the years. But to rack my brain over something I can’t control and to put energy and put stress into it doesn’t make any sense to me.”

With the days ticking down to hours before the Aug. 3 MLB trade deadline and the buzz around his name increasing, Greene made his fifth overall start of this season since returning from the injured list on Friday.

“I have no control over this,” when asked after the Reds’ eventual 8-7 win over the Pirates whether this might be his last start with the team. “I’m not on the business side, so…”

– Gordon Wittenmyer, Cincinnati Enquirer

Jake Rogers reflects on Skubal friendship

Tarik Skubal and longtime personal catcher Jake Rogers met at the alternate site during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, grew up through Rogers' career-high 21-homer season until the emergence of All-Star Dillon Dingler pushed Rogers to the margins and, finally, resulted in his getting designated for assignment July 28.

"I love Skoob to death," Rogers said Friday at Camden Yards. "He made it known that he was going to miss me, and I made it known I was going to miss him. It’s going to happen eventually. To happen the way it did was a little iffy. It’s all a business and they had to do it.

"I feel like I’ve grown up with him. Met him for the first time at the alternate site. We just had such a good relationship since then. Just a really good human and a hardworking human."

– Gabe Lacques

Top MLB trade candidates

Some of the the best players thought to be available, in no particular order:

  • Tarik Skubal, Tigers
  • Luis Arraez, Giants
  • Freddy Peralta, Mets
  • Mason Miller, Padres
  • Casey Mize, Tigers
  • Luke Weaver, Mets
  • Robbie Ray, Giants

Top non-Skubal pitching trade candidates

There's no question two-time defending AL Cy Young award winner Tarik Skubal is the top pitcher available on the trade market. The rumors and reported landing spots are everywhere you look.

But only one team can get him ... which forces everyone else looking to upgrade their rotation to turn elsewhere.

USA TODAY Sports' Gabe Lacques has ranked the top 11 non-Skubal trade targets who could also be on the move. The list starts with another left-hander, Robbie Ray of the San Francisco Giants. Who else might be that missing piece for a playoff contender? Freddy Peralta? Kevin Gausman? Or what about another Tiger?

MLB schedule, Saturday games

All times Eastern

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: MLB trade deadline updates: Rumors, news and latest hot stove intel

MLB Predictions and Moneyline Picks for Saturday, August 1

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Saturday is upon us, and that means we have a full, 15-game MLB slate to attack.

I've scoured the MLB odds and have found a nice mix of underdogs and short favorites that will hopefully help you increase your bankrolls. 

Read on for our MLB moneyline predictions and MLB picks for Saturday, August 1. 

MLB moneyline picks for August 1

MatchupPick
Cardinals Cardinals
vs
Blue Jays Blue Jays
Blue Jays
-127
Marlins Marlins
vs
Mets Mets
Mets
-122
White Sox White Sox
vs
Rays Rays
Rays
-144
Twins Twins
vs
Mariners Mariners
Twins
+144
Pirates Pirates
vs
Reds Reds
Pirates
-117
Phillies Phillies
vs
Orioles Orioles
Phillies
-127
Rangers Rangers
vs
Astros Astros
Rangers
-113
Diamondbacks Diamondbacks
vs
Guardians Guardians
Guardians
-138
Nationals Nationals
vs
Braves Braves
Nationals
+178
Yankees Yankees
vs
Cubs Cubs
Cubs
+104
Royals Royals
vs
Rockies Rockies
Royals
-108
Giants Giants
vs
Padres Padres
Padres
-122
Red Sox Red Sox
vs
Dodgers Dodgers
Red Sox
+156
Brewers Brewers
vs
Angels Angels
Brewers
-122
Tigers Tigers
vs
Athletics Athletics
Tigers
-122

Prices courtesy of Polymarket as of August 1.

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Expert MLB moneyline picks for August 1

Cardinals vs Blue Jays: Blue Jays (-127)

Blue Jays win probability: 55.9%

St. Louis enters cold, dead last in MLB over the past 14 days with a paltry 67 wRC+ and .588 OPS. Kevin Gausman gives Toronto the edge on the mound over Quinn Mathews, while Toronto’s 3.49 SIERA bullpen should suppress the recently anemic Cardinals lineup.

Marlins vs New York Mets: Mets (-122)

Mets win probability: 55%

The Mets hold a distinct advantage across overall run creation and run prevention. New York’s pitching staff ranks eighth in SIERA (3.40) while posting a sparkling 2.00 ERA recently. Miami’s lineup remains stagnant (84 wRC+), giving Zac Thornton and the Mets bullpen the edge over Tyler Phillips.

White Sox vs Rays: Rays (-144)

Rays win probability: 59%

Drew Rasmussen and the Rays bullpen continue to stifle opposing bats, carrying a dominant 0.85 WHIP and 2.17 ERA over their last two weeks. While Chicago’s offense has lagged at an 89 wRC+, Tampa Bay’s elite run suppression creates strong value on the home team. 

Twins vs Mariners: Twins (+144)

Twins win probability: 41%

The Twins are undervalued here. While Logan Gilbert presents a tough matchup, Minnesota offers prime plus-money value. Connor Prielipp can keep this game close against a Mariners offense that ranks 17th in wRC+ (94) with a subpar .295 OBP.

Pirates vs Reds: Pirates (-117)

Pirates win probability: 53.9%

Pittsburgh’s pitching efficiency carries the day here, posting a sixth-ranked 3.10 SIERA alongside a robust 19.7% K-BB% rate. Braxton Ashcraft matches up against Andrew Abbott, where Cincinnati’s offensive struggles (83 wRC+) and high strikeout tendency (26.4% K%) over the past 14 days make the Pirates a strong road target.

Phillies vs Orioles: Phillies (-127)

Phillies win probability: 55.9%

Cristopher Sánchez gives Philadelphia a steady starting baseline against Shane Baz. Baltimore’s pitching results look highly fraudulent; despite a 2.18 ERA, their 4.91 FIP and 4.40 SIERA point toward massive regression. Philadelphia’s league-average bats (99 wRC+) across the past 14 days should capitalize on Baltimore’s flawed bullpen.

Rangers vs Astros: Rangers (-113)

Rangers win probability: 53%

Jacob deGrom on the mound at close-to-pick-'em odds is prime MLB moneyline value. Texas features a surging offense over the past two weeks, ranking sixth in MLB with a 112 wRC+ and .453 SLG. Expect deGrom to outperform Ronel Blanco in this divisional clash.

Diamondbacks vs Guardians: Guardians (-138)

Guardians win probability: 58%

Cleveland’s pitching staff remains lethal, missing bats at a league-leading 31.8% strikeout rate alongside a 3.01 SIERA. Parker Messick gets a favorable home environment to neutralize Arizona’s hot bats, making Cleveland a solid choice at reasonable juice below the -150 threshold.

Nationals vs Braves: Nationals (+178)

Nationals win probability: 36%

Atlanta’s heavy -186 line automatically rules them out, but Washington is a live dog regardless. The Nationals represent MLB’s top offense over the last 14 days, pounding out a 143 wRC+, .369 OBP, and .893 OPS. Miles Mikolas needs only a modest outing to cash this prediction.

Yankees vs Cubs: Cubs (+104)

Cubs win probability: 49%

The Cubs offer exceptional home underdog value against a reeling Yankees squad. Chicago ranks third in MLB hitting over the last two weeks (127 wRC+, .814 OPS), whereas New York’s offense has collapsed to a .206 average and 70 wRC+. Back David Peterson and Chicago’s bats.

Royals vs Rockies: Royals (-108)

Royals win probability: 52%

Coors Field games carry variance, but Colorado remains one of the coldest lineups in baseball (73 wRC+, 28th). Luinder Avila and Kansas City get a fair price against Ryan Feltner and a Rockies pitching unit surrendering a 1.60 WHIP and .346 BABIP over their last two weeks.

Giants vs Padres: Padres (-122)

Padres win probability: 55%

San Diego is clicking on all cylinders, boasting the second-best offense (138 wRC+, .856 OPS) and second-best bullpen (2.82 SIERA) over the past 14 days. Walker Buehler gets prime run support against Tyler Mahle and a Giants lineup operating below league average (98 wRC+).

Red Sox vs Dodgers: Red Sox (+156)

Red Sox win probability: 39%

With Los Angeles priced at -163, market discipline forces a play on Boston. However, the Red Sox present real analytical value: their pitching staff boasts an MLB-best 1.63 ERA and 3.02 SIERA over the last two weeks. Expect prospect Payton Tolle to compete and beat the Dodgers. 

Brewers vs Angels: Brewers (-122)

Brewers win probability: 55%

Milwaukee’s lineup is in form, producing a 110 wRC+ with high-level plate discipline (10.3% BB%). Robert Gasser takes the mound against Jose Soriano and an Angels lineup generating just an 84 wRC+ and a .330 SLG. The Brewers hold the clear edge, and should get over the line. 

Tigers vs Athletics: Tigers (-122)

Tigers win probability: 55%

Framber Valdez gives Detroit a major starting pitcher advantage over Jack Perkins. While Detroit’s staff carries regression warnings (4.50 SIERA), the Athletics feature the second-worst underlying pitching profile in MLB with a 4.71 SIERA, 1.88 WHIP, and an 8.19 ERA over their last two weeks.

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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Phillies news: Brandon Marsh, Andrew Painter, Tarik Skubal

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JULY 25: Brandon Marsh #16 of the Philadelphia Phillies meets with fans prior to the game between the New York Yankees and the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on Saturday, July 25, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Denis Kennedy/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

The trade deadline draws nearer and it feels like we are all in a holding pattern talking about anything else in regards to the team. We want to see what the roster looks like post deadline as soon as possible, so let’s just get it over with.

On to the links.

Phillies news:

MLB news:

Rules for Little League Softball. What to know for World Series

The Little League Softball World Series isn’t just about the talented athletes on the field – it’s also about strategy.Every Little League softball manager must juggle rosters, creating a batting order, knowing pitching restrictions and making crucial decisions while the game is going on. That delicate balance requires a deep understanding of the Little League rulebook and also quick instincts on when try something – or not – in a game.

Before the first pitch of the Little League Softball World Series, here are some basic rules that every softball fan should know as you are watching – or streaming – the games this year.

How many innings are in a Little League Softball World Series game?

A regulation Little League Softball World Series game is typically six innings long – as long as neither team amasses a 10-run lead or more before the sixth inning.

When is a Little League Softball game considered official?

A game becomes an official, legally complete game after four full innings (or three and a half innings if the home team is leading, according to Little League.

Is there extra innings in the Little League Softball World Series?

Yes, there can be extra innings –  if a regulation Little League Softball World Series game is still tied after six innings. According to Little League, the tiebreaker will begin immediately in the seventh inning by placing the player who is scheduled to bat last in that respective half inning on second base to begin each extra inning.

Toms River Little League beat Minersville, PA to win the Mid-Atlantic Region and advance to the Little League Softball World Series.

How many video replay challenges do teams get in the Little League Softball World Series?

Team managers get up to two unsuccessful video replay challenges during a regulation six-inning game in the Little League Softball World Series. Also, managers are granted one additional video replay challenge specifically for use during extra innings, regardless of whether they used their challenge allocation during regulation play.

Is there a 'mercy rule' in the Little League Softball?

Yes, but Little League refers to it as the “Run Rule,” and that’s how you’ll hear it announced on television during the event. Here’s how the 10-Run Rule and 15-Run Rule works in postseason games.

  • The 15-Run Rule: If a team has a lead of 15 runs or more after three complete innings (or two and one-half innings if the home team is ahead), the manager of the team with fewer runs must concede the victory, according to Little League.
  • The 10-Run Rule: If a team has a lead of 10 runs or more after four complete innings (or three and one-half innings if the home team is ahead), the game is officially ended and the trailing manager concedes, according to Little League.

What does 'continuous batting order' mean?

The continuous batting order (CBO) in the Little League Softball World Series is a tournament mandate where every eligible player on a team’s roster must be placed in the batting order to hit sequentially throughout the entire game. It replaced traditional 9-player baseball/softball lineups for all World Series divisions below the Senior Division level.

How many players can a manager carry on a Little League Softball World Series roster?

A manager can carry a minimum of 12 players and a maximum of 14 players on the Little League Softball World Series roster.

What age are the players in the Little League Softball World Series?

Softball players must be ages 10-12 to participate in the Little League Softball World Series, according to Little League.

What is a courtesy runner in Little League Softball?

A courtesy runner is used strictly for the pitcher or catcher of record. That courtesy runner can enter only when there are exactly two outs in the half-inning. Also, the courtesy runner is in the continuous batting lineup and must be the player who made the last official out.

Analeise Curley gets a double in the fourth innings. Toms River defeats Elmora in Little League State Softball Tournament at Toms River on July 10, 2026.

What are the pitching restrictions for Little League softball?

A pitcher is strictly limited to throwing a maximum of 12 innings per day and 12 innings per game. If a pitcher throws six or fewer innings in a single calendar day – that requires zero days of rest. If a pitcher throws seven or more innings in a single day – that player must observe one full calendar day of rest before pitching again.

How can I see all the Little League baseball and softball rules for the World Series?

Anyone can check the Little League rule book for baseball or softball right from your phone by downloading the Little League Rulebook App.

Sherlon Christie is a USA TODAY Sports senior trending editor and an expert on Little League Baseball and Little League Softball. You can reach him by email at schristie@usatoday.com. Follow him on X at @sherlonchristie, on Bluesky at @sherlonchristie.bsky.social.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Rules for Little League Softball. What to know for World Series

Today on Pinstripe Alley – 8/1/26

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JULY 31: Spencer Jones #78 of the New York Yankees hits a solo home run in the fifth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on July 31, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Sage Zipeto/Getty Images) | Getty Images

I’m not going to act as though I’m extremely impressed by the Yankees belting a couple solo homers and winning yesterday by a slim 2-0 margin. OK, that’s half-untrue. I was impressed by Will Warren’s best start of the season, which helped keep the game scoreless for 6.2 innings against a pretty good Cubs lineup. Credit goes out to him and the bullpen for making tha nrrow margin stand up. But they have to do more with the bats. I’m really glad that it worked out yesterday! It’s a tough road to hoe though, and the bar is higher than “solo shots and pray for minimal resistance.”

Today on the site, Nick and Sam will cover a couple late potential trade targets with Angels starter José Soriano and Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar. Matt will tackle the Rivalry Roundup and he’ll also cover a near-literal giant of his time for Yankees Birthdays: 6-foot-7 Deadball Era pitcher Slim Love. Peter will run our monthly GM poll, and Sam will look back at the Yankees’ best defensive plays of July.

Today’s Matchup:

New York Yankees at Chicago Cubs

Time: 7:15 p.m. EST

TV: FOX

Venue: Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL

Questions/Prompts:

1. Who is the first big name of relative notoriety dealt today by any MLB team? (Yes, this is guesswork, just go for it!)

2. Do you think the Cubs will make the playoffs? If so, how far do you think they will make it?

Thayron Liranzo’s late homer powers Erie

Columbus Clippers 9, Toledo Mud Hens 4 (box)

Lael Lockhart Jr. and Beau Brieske were both hit hard in this one and the deficit was too much to overcome.

Max Anderson walked, stole second for his fourth swipe of the year, and scored on a Corey Julks single in the top of the first. Lockhart then gave up two in the bottom half, and three more in the third.

It was 6-1 Columbus in the top of the eighth when the Hens finally made a push. Trei Cruz led off with a swinging bunt single. Jace Jung singled and Anderson walked to load the bases. Once again, Julks came through with a single that scored two runs. A double play ball from Gage Workman got Anderson home, and it was 6-4 Clippers.

Unfortunately, Brieske gave up two homers in the bottom half, one a two-run shot, to snuff the momentum, and the Hens went quietly in the ninth.

Julks: 2-4, 3 RBI, CS

Cruz: 2-4, R, K

Anderson: 0-0, 2 R, 4 BB, SB

Lockhart (L, 2-2): 3.0 IP, 5 ER, 5 H, 3 BB, 2 K

Coming Up Next: It’s a 7:05 p.m. ET start on Saturday.

Erie SeaWolves 3, Akron RubberDucks 2 (box)

After a close, well pitched game, Thayron Liranzo came though with a solo shot in the eighth that was the difference in this one.

The SeaWolves took an early lead in this one when Andrew Jenkins singled in the bottom of the second and then rode home on yet another homer from E.J. Exposito. That was the utility infielder’s 18th long ball of the season already.

Andrew Sears got the start, and he spun four strong innings before getting jumped for two runs in the fifth after issuing a leadoff walk to Alex Mooney.

The SeaWolves had extra base hits in the fifth and sixth, but couldn’t score the runs. Finally, leading off the eighth inning, Liranzo got a first pitch heater batting right-handed and torched a deep drive to left center field that flew deep into the night for his 10th homer of the season.

Yosber Sanchez and Wandisson Charles were excellent in relief, allowing just two baserunners in 3.2 combined innings. Trevin Michael closed it out for his sixth save.

Exposito: 2-4, R, 2 RBI, HR, K

Graham: 2-4, 2B, K, SB

Liranzo: 1-4, R, RBI, HR, 3 K

Sears: 4.1 IP, 2 ER, 3 H, 3 BB, 4 K

Coming Up Next: It’s a 6:05 p.m. ET start on Saturday.

West Michigan Whitecaps 4, Beloit Sky Carp 3 (box)

Lefty Joe Miller was knocked around in a rehab outing, but the Whitecaps bullpen was sharp as they fought back to take this one on Friday night.

Miller allowed a two-run homer and got a little wild, allowing another run before Eliseo Mota took over. The Whitecaps answered right back in the third though.

Juan Hernandez got them started with a leadoff single, and Woody Hadeen and Bryce Rainer drew one-out walks to load the bases. An Edian Espinal ground out scored Hernandez, and Clayton Campbell came through with a two-run single to tie the game.

Mota did a nice job and turned things over to Win Scott in the fourth. He got into a jam, but escaped and then settled into his outing.

In the bottom of the fourth, Cristian Santana was hit by a pitch and then balked to second with one out. Hernandez singled him to third, but Santana was cut down at home trying to score on a Caleb Shpur ground out. Woody Hadeen took care of that by cracking an automatic double to right center to score Hernandez.

That was all they got, but Scott, Luke Stofel, and Zack Lee each fired two scoreless innings to lock it down with Lee earning his fourth save.

Hernandez: 2-3, 2 R

Hadeen: 1-3, R, RBI, 2B, BB, K

Rainer: 1-3, R, BB, K

Coming Up Next: It’s a 7:05 p.m. ET start at LMCU Park on Saturday.

Tampa Tarpons 8, Lakeland Flying Tigers 2 (box)

Cash Kuiper put together a pretty good start, but the bullpen was shelled in this one as Tampa took a 3-1 lead in the series.

The Flying Tigers jumped out to an early lead when Jordan Yost and Michael Oliveto started the game with singles. Nick Dumesnil singled in Yost for a 1-0 lead. Kuiper allowed a solo home run in the bottom half, but then tossed three scoreless frames while his team took another slim lead.

With two outs in the top of the third, Dumesnil doubled, and Ronald Ramirez smashed a drive to the center field wall for an RBI triple. 2-1 Lakeland.

Unfortunately, Pedro Garcia gave up five runs in relief, and Jan Carabello surrendered two more.

Dumesnil: 2-4, R, RBI, 2B

Ramirez: 1-3, RBI, 3B, BB, K

Oliveto: 2-4, 2B, K

Kuiper: 4.0 IP, ER, 3 H, 0 BB, 3 K

Coming Up Next: It’s a 6:30 p.m. ET start on Saturday.

Yankees news: New York still in on Goodman, Ward

TAMPA, FLORIDA - MARCH 14: Brian Cashman, general manager and senior vice president of the New York Yankees, before a spring training game against the Philadelphia Phillies at George M. Steinbrenner Field on March 14, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mark Taylor/Getty Images) | Getty Images

MLB Trade Rumors | Darragh McDonald: It’s no secret the Yankees want another bat, and Ken Rosenthal and Jayson Stark of The Athletic reported yesterday that New York is among the teams interested in Orioles outfielder Taylor Ward. Suitors for Ward reportedly include the Yankees, the Phillies, the Rangers and the Guardians, but it’s unclear whether Baltimore intends to deal the impending free agent.

Thanks to a remarkably soft American League, the disappointing O’s are just 1.5 games back of a playoff spot, which means that Ward could be staying put this deadline no matter how badly the Yankees want him. They did trade stumbling fifth starter Dean Kremer to the Twins, but they also affirmed that reliever Yennier Cano wasn’t going anywhere, extending him through 2028 with a club option for 2029.

New York Post | Greg Joyce: The Yankees had another injury concern pop up on Thursday, Jazz Chisholm Jr. dealing with what was described as hamstring cramps. The infielder sat out Friday’s game against the Cubs, but Aaron Boone and the team still weren’t too concerned. “He is OK,” Boone said in Chicago. “I think just felt like wanting to be a little cautious dealing with it, but it does seem like it was just cramps. He gave me the thumbs up today. With a lefty going, the turnaround for a day game, I just didn’t want to risk anything.”

Jon Heyman via X/Twitter: Jon Heyman reported yesterday that the Yankees remain interested in Rockies catcher Hunter Goodman, but that a deal is still viewed as unlikely. Goodman’s price just may be too much for any acquiring team to stomach; the 26-year-old has been one of the game’s better catchers the last two years and has three years of arbitration remaining, meaning the Rockies can hold the line unless they’re blown away by an offer.

MLB Trade Rumors | Anthony Franco: Also on the docket, we saw some actual movement on the trade market that’s at least worth nothing. The Mets started their sale, sending reliever A.J. Minter to the Twins early Friday morning in exchange for prospect Bruin Agbayani, the son of former Met Benny Agbayani. That takes one pitcher off the market, and also strongly signals the Twins’ intent to stay in the race, decreasing the odds the Yankees or anyone else will be able to plumb the Minnesota roster for upgrades. The Mets also scratched Freddy Peralta from his scheduled start last night, indicating that the market for the starting pitcher is heating up.

Beloved Met Benny Agbayani swells with pride as son joins team he once played for

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Benny Agbayani acknowledges the Mets fans during Old Timers' Day on Aug. 7, 2022 at Citi Field, Image 2 shows St. Louis School (Hawaii) shortstop Bruin Agbayani during the MLB Draft Combine high school baseball game

Benny Agbayani was shocked.

He did not expect his 19-year-old son, Bruin, would be traded by the Twins ahead of Monday’s deadline, and the former Met couldn’t even conceive that a prospective trade would be to the team and city to which he endeared himself a quarter century ago.

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“It means a lot,” said the 54-year-old on a conference call Friday, hours after his youngest of three children — and the only boy — was dealt to the Mets in Minnesota’s trade for reliever A.J. Minter. “He wanted to get drafted by the Mets when he was first coming out of high school. That’s all he knew, and that’s all we talked about. It’s a great opportunity for him. I’m just going to support him as much as I can.

“I’m going to tell him the ins and outs of playing in New York because it’s tough.”

The elder Agbayani couldn’t be more proud of his son potentially continuing his Mets legacy, one cemented by the home run he hit in the 13th inning of Game 3 in the 2000 NL Division Series against the Giants.

Benny Agbayani acknowledges the Mets fans during Old Timers’ Day on Aug. 7, 2022 at Citi Field. Corey Sipkin for New York Post

The Mets had scouted Bruin a bit during his draft year, including at an organizationally run workout in California, according to his dad.

Ultimately, the Twins selected him last year in the sixth round out of St. Louis School in Honolulu.

Bruin Agbayani in 2025. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Benny’s support of his son’s dream reached new heights when he began a taxing job as a ramp agent at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in 2014. The unlimited free flights he received from his company helped fund his children’s athletic pursuits. He still works there to this day.

(https://nypost.com/2024/10/07/sports/mets-hero-benny-agbayani-now-works-in-hawaii-coaches-his-kids)

“They started playing ball in the mainland, and we wanted them to get exposed,” Benny said of his job. “Just experience the growing up and just competing. I told them that’s what they needed. They needed to know how to compete. I’m glad it paid off.”

Just the thought of his son taking the field in a Mets jersey made Agbayani emotional.

Though he inherited his dad’s power hitting, Bruin is a left-handed infielder rather than a right-handed outfielder like his father. Benny believes he’s “growing into his swing” and is “a better hitter than me.”

Considering Agbayani hit .282 with an .833 OPS over 322 games with the Mets, the organization sure hopes his assessment of his son — who was named the Hawaii Gatorade Player of the Year prior to being drafted — is accurate.

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While the family surely is enjoying this moment, the prospect has been limited to only 10 games this season due to a right shoulder injury. His dad assured on Friday that he’s “on his way back.”

Until then, the famous “Hawaiian Punch” has plenty of advice to share with his son from his days playing in Flushing.

“He couldn’t believe how the Mets fans treated me and things like that,” Benny said of his son’s perception of his time as a Met. “I was like, ‘Sonny, you just got to play good.’ The Mets fans want to win, and that’s what you go out there for. You’re going to lose some; you’re going to win some. Just as long as you know that you’re giving your best effort out there every day.”

Mariners write some sad, bad poetry, lose to Twins 5-3

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JULY 31: Cole Young #2 of the Seattle Mariners reacts after getting a pitch challenge incorrect during the fifth inning against the Minnesota Twins at T-Mobile Park on July 31, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Olivia Vanni/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Hello and welcome to Lookout Landing. If you’re new here and/or don’t hang out in the game threads, well, I can’t blame you, because this team is zero fun right now. Tonight the Mariners showed that home cooking isn’t any better and carried their miserable 2-6 road trip back to a long homestand, starting it off with a loss to the Twins where the Mariners scored all three of their runs in the first two innings of the game and then did nothing else. But for as much fun as watching this team is not, hanging out in the game threads can be quite fun, especially when the organic energy (read: specific kind of madness induced by watching hundreds or thousands of games of Mariners baseball) takes over and we get themed threads like the Night of 1000 Fart Jars or tonight, LL’s Poetry Corner.

Tonight’s game – and subsequently the game thread – started out well. Bryce Miller did what other Mariners pitchers have not been able to do lately, and spun a scoreless first inning. The Mariners hitters then did what the Mariners offense has not been able to do lately, and scored in the first inning. The Mariners were able to get some traffic early against Twins starter Zebby Matthews; after Cole Young struck out chasing after a slider, Randy Arozarena worked a four-pitch walk, punishing Matthews for refusing to put a fastball on the plate against him. Dom Canzone followed up with a sharp ground-ball double down the right field line, pulling a cutter at the top of the zone 106.7 mph, but Julio Rodríguez got too aggressive on the same slider that got Young and struck out, chasing after three pitches not in the zone. Matthews also seemed unwilling to give Josh Naylor anything on the plate, walking him on three pitches to load the bases, bringing up Cal Raleigh, who had one of his best plate appearances of the year: a nine-pitch battle where he fell down 0-2, fouled off a bunch of pitches on the plate, spat on the same slider that gave his teammates trouble as well as some high heat, and eventually got a changeup dead red that he almost hit out of the park, settling instead for a two-run ground rule double.

Historians tell us the Poem Thread of 2026 began with JPSG’s pair of poems early in the game:

It’s always threading a needle to do a bit here on LL. Many people overcorrect and think the best way to get everyone on a certain train is to hammer the bit home. But we are not a Netflix series being second-screened against TikTok dances (although many of us might have had the Mariners relegated to a second screen lately), needing every beat sounded out. The best bits emerge organically, sweeping up some of the thread energy and encapsulating it, providing a baseline for other players to riff on.

Sorry, that poem should have come with a spoiler alert, as unfortunately, Miller gave those runs right back: one that was not his fault, as Josh Bell managed a weak-contact base hit on a splitter that was an infuriating at-bat to witness, and one that was: with two outs (argh), Miller suddenly started spiking balls up to seven-hole hitter Brooks Lee, falling behind 3-1 before grooving an absolutely awful cutter dead-red for a game-tying home run.

“The worst cutter I’ve thrown all year, down the middle” said the always-honest Miller, who also said he was working a lot on his splitter shapes trying to get it back below the zone, which might have explained all the balls in dirt (“bounce passes”) early on. Miller also said he woke up this morning with his back locked up on him, which might have explained why he took a little while to settle in.

Thankfully, Cole Young – Dutiful Young Man – read our series preview where Jake talked about how Zebby Matthews is grooving too many fastballs to be successful, and in the very next inning, pounced on a first-pitch fastball for what has to be one of the lowest home runs at T-Mobile Park by launch angle, at just 16 degrees. But ball hit low does not matter when ball absolutely scalded (110.2 EV).

The only other good thing that can be said about the Mariners offense over the next seven innings was that they put some pitches on Matthews and by “they” I mostly mean Cole Young, who made sure Matthews ended the fifth at 93 pitches with a nine-pitch at-bat which unfortunately ended on a called strike three that also cost the Mariners their second challenge (it was a close one, to be fair to the Young Master). Unfortunately, Bryce Miller had pitch count issues of his own and pitched to only one batter in the sixth before being lifted for the lefty Jose Ferrer to face Kody Clemens, who promptly grounded out. Josh Bell turned around to bat righty (I always forget Bell is a switch hitter) and Ferrer made Bell—who is below replacement level when hitting as a righty—look very silly on a changeup, so that was fun. That would be all that was left of fun.

In the game, at least. Over in the game thread, we were still having fun.

Matthews came back out for the sixth and promptly gave up a broken-bat single to Julio, prompting Derek Shelton to go to the bullpen for Kody Funderburk, which is the most left-handed reliever name of all time, to pitch to Josh Naylor. Naylor, who is legitimately the smartest Mariner, went to bunt, getting in catcher Ryan Jeffers’s eyeline just enough for Julio to swipe second without a throw. Naylor then grounded out, meaning Julio got essentially two bases on one out, which is a tradeoff we’ll make every time. Unfortunately, with the lefty up, now it was the Mariners’ turn to have their switch hitter turn around, and while Cal Raleigh has been rough in all forms this season, he is historically not as good from his right side as his left, popping up on the infield rather than getting the necessary sac fly. Weston Wilson wasn’t able to get the job done either even with the handedness advantage, and the Mariners let a golden opportunity for an insurance run pass them by.

The would come to hurt the Mariners when Ferrer, out for another inning, grooved a sinker right into righty Royce Lewis’s go zone for a game-tying no-doubt homer. Ferrer then gave up an infield hit to lefty Alan Roden before getting Brooks Lee to fly out harmlessly. Wilson went to Eduard Bazardo to deal with Luke Keaschall, a new member of Kate’s Least Favorite Batting Stances club, who dunked in a double to left field to give the Twins the go-ahead run.

Here is a very quick poem I like quite a bit, called “Motto” by Bertolt Brecht. “In the dark times,/will there also be singing?/Yes, there will be singing/about the dark times.” Here, then, some singing:

The hole got deeper in the eighth when Bazardo, out there for another inning, allowed a leadoff home run to Jeffers, making the score 5-3 and getting up human white flag Michael Rucker. To his credit, Rucker actually pitched well, helped out by another Gold Glove level play by Cole Young, who was the bright spot of this game as well as the season. The Mariners don’t win any games on that road trip without Dom Canzone, but they possibly don’t win any games this season without Cole Young (shhh this is hyperbole let me have this).

But the Mariners were punchless again, going down in the ninth with no more of a fight than back-to-back walks from Cal Raleigh and Weston Wilson. If we’re looking for bright spots Cal’s night is one of them. Cal and Cole. And although the energy went pear-shaped at the end, Cal and Cole and the game thread where people wrote silly poems all night are the things I’ll be thinking about tonight instead of this dreadful game.

I am not a poet, or at least not a good one despite multiple attempts, but I read a lot of poetry. I like poetry because, despite being made of language, it exists in a space that language alone can’t quite touch, getting its arms around emotions that feel too big for words. Sadness, sure, and maybe most famously. But also beauty, and joy, and – tonight, in a game thread about a bad baseball team playing a bad game in a bad season, with silly limericks and haiku and people generally trying to find a response to this team that isn’t just disappointed sadness – community. A community of 42,000-plus at the ballpark, still on their feet in the ninth as the Mariners tried to make those two walks turn into an improbable, but still possible, win; and a community here, and the threads that bind us in a world that often feels unfriendly or indifferent – a silly poem for a silly game for a very real reason.

Twins acquire Dean Kremer from Orioles ahead of deadline

Dean Kremer is heading to the Minnesota Twins.
Dean Kremer is heading to the Minnesota Twins.

The Minnesota Twins took another step in their desire to contend this week.

One day after acquiring A.J. Minter from the New York Mets, the Twins added Dean Kremer from the Baltimore Orioles, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.

Rosenthal noted that Kremer is owed about $1.7 million the rest of the 2026 MLB season.

Dean Kremer is heading to the Twins ahead of the 2026 MLB trade deadline. MLB Photos via Getty Images

The Twins also had agreed to take on approximately $3.37 million of Minter’s salary.

Dan Hayes of The Athletic notes that 18-year-old prospect Jhonmardo Reyes is going back to Baltimore in the deal.

MLB Pipeline rated Reyes as the No. 24 prospect in their farm system before the deal.

Kremer, 30, has made just seven starts this season because he has battled a right quad strain.

In his seven starts, Kremer has posted a 6.50 ERA, allowing 26 runs in just 36 innings.

Kremer, who has been with the Orioles for the entirety of his pro career, has a lifetime 4.37 ERA in the majors across seven seasons of pro baseball.

Former Met A.J. Minter was acquired by the Twins on July 30, 2026, in an effort to fortify their pitching. Robert Sabo for the NY Post

The Stockton, California native started in 29 of his 31 appearances last season, finishing with 4.19 ERA, striking out 142 hitters in 171 innings pitched.a

Reyes, while at the Rookie Ball level for the Twins in the Florida Complex League, posted a .950 OPS with seven home runs and 44 RBIs in just 49 games.

The Dominican outfielder has also played six A-ball level games this season, though he has gone just 2-for-19 in those games.

At 56-55, the Twins aren’t exactly juggernauts, but they’re just three games behind the Chicago White Sox for the Al Central lead. The Twins are tied with the Guardians for the final AL wild-card spot.

The Orioles, at 54-56, are still in the hunt, too, and remain just 1.5 games out of a playoff spot.