MLB news, Tuesday, August 18, 2026
94 full Posterior articles, with the original source linked.
Jacob Wilson scratched from Athletics lineup Monday vs. Royals with left shoulder soreness
Jacob Wilson was a late scratch from Monday's series opener in Kansas City due to left shoulder soreness, per MLB.com. No roster move has been announced.
Source · MLB.com
Grant Taylor unavailable for White Sox in crosstown series game, per Venable
White Sox reliever Grant Taylor was held out of Monday's crosstown series game, manager Venable told reporters, with the reason not yet disclosed.
Source · Scott Merkin · X
Pete Crow-Armstrong records second straight 30-30 season for Cubs
The Chicago center fielder reached the milestone for the second consecutive year, per MLB.com, adding to his National League MVP candidacy.
Source · MLB.com
Cardinals call up outfield prospect Joshua Báez
St. Louis has promoted top prospect Joshua Báez, who hit .287/.384/.500 across High-A and Double-A in 2025, reportedly ahead of a rookie eligibility deadline.
Source · Baseball Prospectus
Trevor Story could be activated Friday after one rehab game with Worcester
The Red Sox shortstop began his rehab assignment with Triple-A Worcester on Sunday and could return as early as Friday against the Giants, per MassLive's Chris Cotillo.
Source · Yahoo Sports
Braves haven't announced starter for Thursday makeup as Smith-Shawver's role unclear
Atlanta has not announced a pitching plan for its Thursday makeup against Chicago; per Mark Bowman, Smith-Shawver's role is unresolved while Hernandez starts at Triple-A Gwinnett.
Source · Mark Bowman · X
Blue Jays sit outside the playoff picture at 72-72 despite World Series Game 7 last year
Toronto entered 2026 with postseason expectations after a World Series Game 7 appearance, but per CBS Sports the Blue Jays have underperformed and currently sit outside the playoff picture.
Source · CBS Sports
Blue Jays sit at .500 in August, a year removed from World Series Game 7
Toronto is 72-72 and one game outside the Wild Card cut line, per CBS Sports, after reaching the final game of the postseason the prior year.
Source · CBS Sports
Blue Jays sit at .500 in August, a year after World Series Game 7
Toronto is 72-72 and outside the playoff picture despite preseason expectations following last October's run, per CBS Sports.
Source · CBS Sports
Drew Sommers called up by Detroit Tigers, records key late-game outs in Pittsburgh win
Per Jason Beck, Tigers prospect Drew Sommers was called up and delivered the 5 biggest outs of Detroit's win at Pittsburgh as part of a broader call-up wave.
Source · Jason Beck · X
Max Fried placed on IL with elbow injury as Yankees rotation faces stretch-run depth test
The Yankees placed Max Fried on the injured list with an elbow injury, per CBS Sports, compounding rotation concerns as the club pursues a Wild Card spot.
Source · CBS Sports
Reds SP Brandon Williamson on rehab assignment, working on stretching in shoulder recovery
Brandon Williamson is on rehab assignment recovering from a shoulder injury, per MLB.com, with stretching a formal part of his return; no timetable has been reported.
Source · MLB.com
Trey Mancini announces retirement after eight major league seasons
The first baseman told MASNsports.com he is stepping away after appearing in five games with the Angels earlier this year.
Source · MLB Trade Rumors
Rays assign No. 2 overall pick Grady Emerson to Single-A for pro debut
Tampa Bay sent its top draft selection to Single-A to begin his professional career, per MLB.com.
Source · MLB.com
Braves recall AJ Smith-Shawver, designate Tyler Kinley for assignment
The club announced the right-hander's return from the minors and the corresponding 40-man roster move on Sunday.
Source · Atlanta Braves · X
Braves designate Tyler Kinley for assignment, recall AJ Smith-Shawver
Atlanta designated reliever Tyler Kinley for assignment Tuesday and recalled righty AJ Smith-Shawver from Triple-A Gwinnett; Smith-Shawver will start Wednesday against Minnesota.
Source · MLB Trade Rumors
AJ Smith-Shawver to start Braves' series finale in Minnesota, giving Chris Sale extra rest
The Braves recalled Smith-Shawver to start Wednesday against the Twins, per Mark Bowman, pushing Sale's next outing back a day.
Source · Mark Bowman · X
Tommy John, pitcher and namesake of elbow surgery, dies at 82
Tommy John, the left-hander who became the first recipient of the elbow ligament replacement surgery that now bears his name, has died at age 82.
Source · FanGraphs
Reds recall C Will Banfield, option OF Noelvi Marte to Triple-A Louisville
Cincinnati recalled catcher Will Banfield from Triple-A Louisville and optioned outfielder Noelvi Marte post-game on August 17, per the club.
Source · Cincinnati Reds · X
Grant Holmes gets Thursday start as Braves push Chris Sale to Friday
The Braves adjusted their rotation, per Mark Bowman, with Holmes now starting Thursday at Chicago and Sale moved to Friday's series opener against Milwaukee.
Source · Mark Bowman · X
Trey Mancini announces retirement from MLB
The former Orioles first baseman and outfielder has officially retired after two comebacks, per MLB.com.
Source · MLB.com
Ketel Marte placed on restricted list, heading for MRI on knee
The D-backs placed Ketel Marte on the restricted list, per MLB.com, with the second baseman heading for an MRI on his knee.
Source · MLB.com
Edward Cabrera briefly off the IL but reportedly expected to return shortly
Miami's Edward Cabrera came off the injured list for a short window, per Baseball Prospectus, but is expected to return to it — leaving his status unresolved.
Source · Baseball Prospectus
Chris Sale's start pushed back; Grant Holmes to start Thursday vs. Twins
Atlanta has shifted its rotation so Grant Holmes starts Thursday against Minnesota, with Chris Sale now lined up for Friday's series opener against Milwaukee, per Dan Hayes.
Source · Dan Hayes · X
Jose Iglesias to throw ceremonial first pitch at Citi Field for the Mets
Fan favorite Jose Iglesias is headed back to Citi Field for a pre-game appearance, per MLB.com, though the specific game date has not been announced.
Source · MLB.com
Jake Bauers extends on-base streak to 19 games for the Brewers
The Milwaukee first baseman is slashing .369/.481/.585 during the streak with more walks than strikeouts, per the team's beat reporter.
Source · Adam McCalvy · X
Padres minor-league catching coordinator Oswaldo Pirela detained by ICE in Texas
San Diego's minor-league catching coordinator Oswaldo Pirela was detained by ICE in Texas, per CBS Sports; the Padres say they are working to gather more information.
Source · CBS Sports
Pirates recall Antwone Kelly from Triple-A Indianapolis
The club announced the right-hander's return to the active roster, with Isaac Mattson optioned to Indianapolis in the corresponding move.
Source · Pittsburgh Pirates · X
Red Sox No. 2 prospect Justin Gonzales promoted to Double-A after first multi-homer game
Boston's No. 2 prospect Justin Gonzales has been promoted to Double-A, per MLB.com, following his first career multi-homer game.
Source · MLB.com
Carlos Rodón reinstated by Yankees from 15-day IL ahead of Baltimore series
The Yankees reinstated LHP Carlos Rodón from the 15-day injured list prior to Tuesday's game, per the club's official announcement, after he completed his rehab assignment.
Source · New York Yankees · X
Red Sox lineup vs. D-backs Tuesday: Suarez starts, Gasper at DH
Ian Browne posted Boston's Tuesday lineup against Arizona, with Ranger Suarez on the mound and Gasper slotting in at designated hitter at Fenway Park.
Source · Ian Browne · X
Blue Jays outright Lenyn Sosa to Triple-A after he clears waivers
The infielder, acquired from the White Sox in April, may elect free agency after passing three years of service time while on the injured list.
Source · MLB Trade Rumors
Kansas City Royals announce roster moves; details not yet disclosed
The Royals posted a roster-move announcement Tuesday, but the club has not yet disclosed which players or transactions were involved.
Source · Kansas City Royals · X
Astros call up prospect Ethan Pecko for MLB debut Wednesday vs. Angels
The Astros' No. 9 prospect is expected to pitch Wednesday at Daikin Park, per Brian McTaggart.
Source · Brian McTaggart · X
Red Sox place Eduardo Rivera on restricted list for personal matter
The left-hander was already on the Triple-A injured list with back inflammation as of August 13 and is not expected to miss additional time beyond that placement.
Source · MLB Trade Rumors
Konnor Griffin no longer needs finger splint, could return within three weeks
Pirates prospect Konnor Griffin has shed his finger splint and could return to action within three weeks, per MLB.com.
Source · MLB.com
Beck Way begins rehab assignment with Double-A Northwest Arkansas
The Kansas City Royals anticipate RHP Beck Way will begin a rehab assignment at the Double-A level, per the club, as he works toward a potential MLB return.
Source · Kansas City Royals · X
Giancarlo Stanton nearing end of running program, no return timeline set
The Yankees designated hitter is progressing through rehab work, manager Aaron Boone told reporters, but the club has not yet established a target date.
Source · Bryan Hoch · X
Kerry Carpenter's plantar fasciitis rehab hits a setback, foot to be partially immobilized
Kerry Carpenter's plantar fasciitis rehab is on pause after a setback, per Tigers beat reporter Jason Beck; his foot will be partially immobilized before progressing as symptoms allow.
Source · Jason Beck · X
Pittsburgh Pirates welcome back #15, suggesting IL return or rehab activation
The Pirates' official account posted "Welcome back, 15," indicating player #15 has rejoined the club, though the exact nature of the move has not been detailed.
Source · Pittsburgh Pirates · X
Yoshida pushing to return before end of regular season with significant hamstring strain
Red Sox outfielder Masataka Yoshida has a significant hamstring strain and is targeting a return before the regular season ends, per bench coach Chad Tracy.
Source · Ian Browne · X
Cristian Javier starts tonight for Houston against the Angels
The Astros announced Javier as Tuesday's starter at Daikin Park; Houston holds first place in the AL West with a division magic number of 17.
Source · Houston Astros · X
Trey Mancini retires; Baltimore Orioles mark the end of his MLB career
The Baltimore Orioles announced Trey Mancini's retirement, thanking him for what he meant to Baltimore and Birdland.
Source · Baltimore Orioles · X
Noelvi Marte optioned to Triple-A Louisville by Reds
The Reds sent the struggling infielder to Triple-A Louisville, opening a roster spot ahead of a three-game set with St. Louis.
Source · MLB.com
Red Sox player Anthony on rehab assignment at Double-A
Boston's Anthony is rehabbing at Double-A per MLB.com, though his injury specifics and a return timeline remain unconfirmed.
Source · MLB.com
Cleveland Guardians welcome 'Big Sam' back to Progressive Field
The club posted a greeting for the player nicknamed Big Sam, suggesting a roster move, though the Guardians have not yet disclosed the transaction or identified the player.
Source · Cleveland Guardians · X
Lenyn Sosa removed from Blue Jays 60-day IL, outrighted to Triple-A Buffalo
The infielder was taken off the injured list and sent to the minors, per Yahoo Sports, clearing a 40-man roster spot as Toronto sits at .500 in mid-August.
Source · Yahoo Sports
Max Fried placed on IL as Yankees express optimism about minimum absence
Max Fried has been placed on the injured list, though MLB.com reports the Yankees are optimistic he will miss only the minimum time required.
Source · MLB.com
Dodgers post lineup for Tuesday night's game at Colorado Rockies
The Los Angeles Dodgers club account posted Tuesday's lineup for the game at Coors Field, with Eric Lauer reportedly set to face Ryan Feltner.
Source · Los Angeles Dodgers · X
Royals option Lucas Erceg to Triple-A Omaha in first minor-league assignment of his career
Kansas City optioned RHP Lucas Erceg to Triple-A Omaha and recalled Carlos Durán; Erceg posted a 6.23 ERA this season.
Source · MLB Trade Rumors
Tyler Soderstrom to have season-ending hip surgery Friday, per Martín Gallegos
Athletics catcher Tyler Soderstrom is expected to undergo season-ending hip surgery Friday, per beat reporter Martín Gallegos.
Source · Martín Gallegos · X
Kyle Leahy is the probable starter for Cardinals against Reds in game 3 Tuesday
Kyle Leahy is the probable starter for St. Louis against Cincinnati's Andrew Abbott on Tuesday night at Great American Ball Park, per Yahoo Sports.
Source · Yahoo Sports
Aaron Judge moving through rehab stages, pool work ahead of hitting progression
The Yankees outfielder is advancing through recovery exercises, with aquatic work potentially the final step before structured batting activity, per MLB.com.
Source · MLB.com
Aaron Judge begins pool work as Yankees await hitting progression start
MLB.com reports Judge is moving through injury recovery, with pool work potentially the last step before a hitting progression begins — no timetable has been reported.
Source · MLB.com
Edwin Díaz placed on 15-day IL with neck inflammation, Emmet Sheehan recalled
The Dodgers are placing Edwin Díaz on the 15-day IL with neck inflammation, per The Athletic's Katie Woo, with Emmet Sheehan reportedly set to join the bullpen.
Source · MLB Trade Rumors
Matt 'Tugboat' Wilkinson called up by Giants, set to start Wednesday
The left-hander joins San Francisco and is slated to take the mound in Cleveland on Wednesday, per the club's announcement and probable-pitcher schedule.
Source · MLB.com
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hits from cage during concussion recovery
The Blue Jays first baseman worked out on the field before Tuesday's series opener at Tampa Bay, per MLB.com, but no return timetable has been announced.
Source · MLB.com
Joe Ryan throws off mound for first time since injured list placement
Twins starter Joe Ryan completed a mound session in an early stage of his recovery, MLB.com reported, with no timetable announced.
Source · MLB.com
Edwin Díaz heading back to injured list with neck inflammation
The Dodgers closer is returning to the IL with neck inflammation, per the club, removing him from availability as Los Angeles holds a four-game winning streak.
Source · MLB.com
Max Fried placed on IL, Yankees optimistic he'll miss minimum time
The left-hander landed on the injured list, but the club announced it expects him to return after the minimum stint.
Source · MLB.com
Ketel Marte placed on restricted list, returning to Phoenix for knee MRI
Marte is heading back to Arizona for knee imaging after being placed on the restricted list, with availability concerns unresolved, per MLB.com.
Source · MLB.com
Ketel Marte placed on restricted list, returning to Phoenix for MRI on knee
Ketel Marte is on the restricted list and heading to Phoenix for a knee MRI, MLB.com reported, with his availability for the Diamondbacks now in question.
Source · MLB.com
Masataka Yoshida injury update discouraging, Red Sox await clearer return timeline
MLB.com reports Yoshida received a discouraging injury update, with his return timeline potentially pushed back; Boston holds a Wild Card position while awaiting clarity.
Source · MLB.com
Masataka Yoshida's return timeline may be extended after discouraging injury update
MLB.com reported a setback in Yoshida's recovery, suggesting the Red Sox left fielder's return could come later than previously expected.
Source · MLB.com
Tyler Soderstrom to undergo season-ending hip surgery, closing out his 2025 season
MLB.com reported that Tyler Soderstrom will have season-ending hip surgery; no diagnosis, timetable, or further details have been announced.
Source · MLB.com
Tyler Soderstrom to undergo season-ending hip surgery, closing out his 2025 campaign
MLB.com reported that Athletics catcher Tyler Soderstrom will have season-ending hip surgery; no timetable or procedural detail has been reported.
Source · MLB.com
Brice Turang returns to Brewers lineup vs. Mariners after missing 4 games
Brice Turang is back in Milwaukee's lineup Tuesday against Seattle, MLB.com reported, after a 4-game absence whose cause has not been detailed.
Source · MLB.com
Jose Iglesias returns to Citi Field to throw ceremonial first pitch for Mets
The infielder who became a fan favorite during his time with the club is coming back to throw out the first pitch, the Mets announced.
Source · MLB.com
Hunter Goodman placed on 10-day IL with left shoulder strain
The Rockies placed their star catcher on the injured list retroactive to Aug. 15; manager Warren Schaeffer expects him back when first eligible.
Source · MLB Trade Rumors
Brett Callahan hits first career home run for Tigers
Detroit's Brett Callahan connected for his first big-league homer, per the Tigers' official account, with game details not disclosed.
Source · Detroit Tigers · X
Braves sign Chuckie Robinson to minor league deal for Triple-A Gwinnett depth
Atlanta reportedly signed catcher Chuckie Robinson to a minor league contract; he is in the Gwinnett lineup and joins the organization as depth behind Drake Baldwin and Sean Murphy.
Source · MLB Trade Rumors
Edwin Díaz placed on injured list by Dodgers with 11.85 ERA in 16 appearances
The Dodgers are placing closer Edwin Díaz on the injured list, per CBS Sports, as he carries an 11.85 ERA, 2.56 WHIP, and -1.4 WAR across 16 outings this season.
Source · CBS Sports
Carlos Rodón activated from IL and starts vs. Orioles in strong return
The Yankees activated Rodón from the injured list ahead of his start against Baltimore, which MLB.com described as a strong return from injury.
Source · MLB.com
Oneil Cruz activated from injured list, homers in return for Pirates
The Pittsburgh shortstop was activated and homered in his first game back, per MLB.com, which did not specify the length or nature of his absence.
Source · MLB.com
Tyler Soderstrom to undergo left hip surgery, out for remainder of season
The Angels outfielder will have the procedure Friday to address a hip impingement lingering since late June, per manager Mark Kotsay.
Source · MLB Trade Rumors
Shohei Ohtani completes bullpen session in pitching rehab, live hitters could follow
Shohei Ohtani threw a bullpen session as part of his pitching rehab, per MLB.com, with a potential next step toward facing live hitters — no timetable announced.
Source · MLB.com
Josiah Gray begins minor-league rehab assignment for Nationals
The right-hander, sidelined with a right flexor strain, has started a rehab assignment with Washington's minor-league affiliate, the club announced.
Source · MLB.com
Kazuma Okamoto hits 25th homer, breaking Blue Jays' all-time rookie home run record
Kazuma Okamoto hit his 25th home run of the season, per MLB.com, setting a new Toronto Blue Jays franchise record for home runs by a rookie.
Source · MLB.com
CJ Abrams transitioning from shortstop to second base for the Nationals
MLB.com reports the Washington Nationals are moving CJ Abrams from shortstop to second base, with timeline and full context still unreported.
Source · MLB.com
Kevin Gausman exits Cubs game with left hand cramp
The right-hander departed early, per the club, with no further detail yet on severity or his next scheduled start.
Source · Chicago Cubs · X
Luis Lara hits first career MLB home run for Milwaukee Brewers
Luis Lara hit his first career MLB home run, per the official Milwaukee Brewers club account, as Milwaukee holds first place in the NL Central with a magic number of 12.
Source · Milwaukee Brewers · X
Brewers 22, Mariners 0: Seattle's difficult season reaches a historically lopsided low
Milwaukee defeated Seattle 22-0 in what Bob Nightengale described as a new humiliating low in an already embarrassing Mariners season.
Source · Bob Nightengale · X
Logan Gilbert gets the start Wednesday for Mariners at Milwaukee
The club announced Gilbert for the 4:40 p.m. game against the Brewers, with Dustin May listed as the opposing starter.
Source · Seattle Mariners · X
Chase DeLauter out of Guardians lineup vs. Giants with left hamstring tightness
DeLauter is sidelined for Cleveland's series opener against San Francisco due to left hamstring tightness, though MLB.com reports his condition is improving.
Source · MLB.com
Carlos Rodón activated from IL and starts against Orioles in strong return
The Yankees activated left-hander Carlos Rodón from the injured list to start against Baltimore; MLB.com described the outing as a strong return.
Source · MLB.com
Astros offense slashes .186/.249/.326 with 3 HR over last 9 games
Houston's bats have gone quiet, per Astros beat reporter Brian McTaggart, posting a .186/.249/.326 line with just 3 home runs over their last 9 games.
Source · Brian McTaggart · X
Cam Smith posts .356/.383/.689 line with 4 homers in August for Houston
Per Brian McTaggart, Smith has outpaced Houston's established lineup core this month with 4 home runs and 8 RBI.
Source · Brian McTaggart · X
Kazuma Okamoto breaks Blue Jays' rookie home run record with 25th homer
The first-year slugger set a new franchise mark for rookies, per the club, as Toronto sits at .500 in the Wild Card race.
Source · MLB.com
Ethan Pecko set to make MLB debut Wednesday for Astros against Angels
Houston's No. 9 prospect Ethan Pecko has been promoted to the MLB roster and is scheduled to start Wednesday vs. the Los Angeles Angels, per MLB.com.
Source · MLB.com
Luis Lara hits first MLB home run at 21, per Brewers
The official Brewers account announced that 21-year-old Luis Lara hit his first big-league home run.
Source · Milwaukee Brewers · X
Paul Skenes starts Wednesday vs. Detroit in what could be his final outing of 2025
Paul Skenes is scheduled to start Wednesday against Detroit, but CBS Sports reported the outing may be his last of the 2025 season amid recent struggles.
Source · CBS Sports
Rain delay halts White Sox game with eclectic playlist
A rain delay interrupted a Chicago White Sox game, per beat reporter Scott Merkin, who documented five songs played during the stoppage.
Source · Scott Merkin · X
Tarp removed at Wrigley Field as weather delay appears to be ending
Scott Merkin reported the tarp coming off at Wrigley Field Wednesday, suggesting a weather delay may be lifting — no resumption has been attributed to the club.
Source · Scott Merkin · X
Justin Martinez returns to D-backs bullpen after second Tommy John surgery
The Arizona right-hander rejoins the roster 435 days after his last MLB appearance, having recovered from his second elbow reconstruction.
Source · MLB.com