MLB news, Thursday, August 20, 2026
72 full Posterior articles, with the original source linked.
Cubs to activate Daniel Palencia from 60-day IL before Friday's series opener in Seattle
Chicago is expected to activate reliever Daniel Palencia before Friday's game at Seattle, per Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune, though a roster spot must first be cleared.
Source · MLB Trade Rumors
A's fire GM David Forst amid 49-77 season, Dan Feinstein interim
The club moved on from Forst in mid-August after a last-place showing; longtime assistant GM Feinstein runs the front office while owner John Fisher seeks an outside hire.
Source · MLB Trade Rumors
Kyle Freeland exits Rockies-Dodgers game with neck tightness in fourth inning
Kyle Freeland left Colorado's game against Los Angeles in the fourth inning with neck tightness, per MLB.com; no further diagnosis or timetable has been reported.
Source · MLB.com
Kyle Freeland exits Rockies game with neck tightness in fourth inning
The left-hander departed during Colorado's game against the Dodgers with neck tightness, per MLB.com, with no further detail yet available.
Source · MLB.com
Athletics part ways with GM David Forst, leaving front office direction uncertain
The Athletics have parted ways with general manager David Forst, per MLB Trade Rumors, with the organization's front office direction now unclear.
Source · MLB Trade Rumors
Ketel Marte's availability for rest of D-backs season described as uncertain
Yahoo Sports reports Marte's status for the remainder of Arizona's 2026 season is uncertain, leaving the Diamondbacks without clarity on a key contributor.
Source · Yahoo Sports
Cox customers can watch Dodgers on SportsNet LA after 13-year blackout
Charter's acquisition of Cox ends a carriage dispute that kept subscribers from watching the team on its local television home for 4,560 days.
Source · Yahoo Sports
Jacob deGrom expected to start Thursday for Rangers after triceps fatigue
The Texas pitcher left his last outing with triceps fatigue and has dealt with hip and glute issues this season; he is scheduled to face Washington on Thursday.
Source · MLB Trade Rumors
Cade Cavalli records 10 strikeouts through 4 innings on 60 pitches
The Nationals right-hander struck out 10 batters in four innings on just 60 pitches, per Washington beat reporter Mark Zuckerman.
Source · Mark Zuckerman · X
CJ Abrams moving from shortstop to second base for Nationals
Washington announced over the weekend that Abrams will shift positions, ending a shortstop tenure marked by historic defensive struggles despite his offensive breakout in 2026.
Source · FanGraphs
Aaron Nola's recent form has helped the Phillies hold second place in the NL East
Per CBS Sports, Aaron Nola has delivered strong performances over his last five starts, helping Philadelphia maintain its playoff position despite trailing in the division.
Source · CBS Sports
Royals release Starling Marte, making him a free agent after clearing waivers
Kansas City released outfielder Starling Marte after he cleared waivers following a DFA earlier this week; he is now free to sign with any club, per MLB.com's transactions tracker.
Source · MLB Trade Rumors
Noah Schultz optioned to Triple-A Charlotte after 6.06 ERA in 15 outings
The White Sox sent the left-hander down on August 8, per FanGraphs, after posting a 3-9 record and 4.86 FIP across 65 1/3 innings since his April debut.
Source · FanGraphs
Noah Schultz optioned to Triple-A Charlotte as White Sox southpaw continues development
Chicago White Sox lefty Noah Schultz was optioned to Triple-A Charlotte on August 8, per FanGraphs, after posting a 6.06 ERA across 15 major league outings.
Source · FanGraphs
Keaton Winn placed on 15-day IL with right elbow neuritis
The San Francisco Giants moved right-handed reliever Keaton Winn to the injured list retroactive to August 19 with right elbow neuritis, his second IL stint this season.
Source · Yahoo Sports
Brady Singer to start for Reds against Cardinals in series finale Thursday
Official lineups set for Thursday's 12:40 PM ET series finale, with Brady Singer on the mound for Cincinnati and Michael McGreevy starting for St. Louis, per Yahoo Sports.
Source · Yahoo Sports
Cardinals to hold Joshua Báez 'History Made' T-shirt giveaway on Aug. 30
The St. Louis Cardinals announced a Joshua Báez "History Made" T-shirt giveaway for August 30th, celebrating what the club called the greatest debut in MLB history.
Source · St. Louis Cardinals · X
Josh Bell is slashing .361/.435/.607 with four home runs in August for the Twins
The first baseman has posted 14 RBIs during August, per the Twins beat, as Minnesota pursues a Wild Card spot.
Source · Dan Hayes · X
Jacob Wilson reportedly headed to IL with left shoulder injury, season likely over
Athletics shortstop Jacob Wilson is expected to be placed on the IL and is traveling to Sacramento to see a doctor, with his season likely over per beat reporter Martín Gallegos.
Source · Martín Gallegos · X
Phillies claim RHP Andrew Hoffmann from Arizona, option him to Lehigh Valley
Philadelphia claimed right-hander Andrew Hoffmann from the Diamondbacks and assigned him to Triple-A, per the club announcement.
Source · Philadelphia Phillies · X
Jacob Wilson not expected to play again this season due to shoulder injury
A's infielder Jacob Wilson is not expected to play again this season due to a shoulder injury, per MLB.com, with no diagnosis or timetable yet announced.
Source · MLB.com
Athletics claim Johnathan Rodríguez off waivers from Pirates, option to Triple-A
The Athletics claimed outfielder Johnathan Rodríguez off waivers from Pittsburgh and optioned him to Triple-A Las Vegas.
Source · MLB Trade Rumors
Andrés Giménez removed mid-game with right hamstring tightness
The Blue Jays announced Giménez left Wednesday's game early with right hamstring tightness; his availability going forward has not been addressed.
Source · Toronto Blue Jays · X
Maikel Garcia exits Royals game with left hamstring injury
Garcia left a Kansas City game early with a left hamstring injury per the official Royals club account, with no severity or timeline yet disclosed.
Source · Kansas City Royals · X
Maikel Garcia exits Royals' series finale vs. A's with left hamstring injury
Maikel Garcia left Kansas City's game against the Athletics early with a left hamstring injury, per MLB.com; his status has not been announced.
Source · MLB.com
Kent Emanuel accepts outright assignment with Reds after DFA
The lefty cleared waivers three days after being designated for assignment following a spot start against St. Louis, per the club.
Source · MLB Trade Rumors
Cody Bellinger begins rehab assignment with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre
The Yankees announced Bellinger has commenced a rehab assignment with Triple-A SWB, putting him on a path back to the major-league roster; a return timeline remains unspecified.
Source · New York Yankees · X
Kansas City City Council approves $600M in public funding for Royals stadium
The Kansas City City Council voted 11-2 to approve $600 million in public funding for a new Royals stadium at Crown Center, per beat reporter Sam McDowell.
Source · Sam McDowell · X
JJ Wetherholt hit by pitch on hamstring, examined by Cardinals staff but stays in game
Wetherholt took a Brady Singer pitch off the hamstring in the first inning Thursday; Cardinals training staff checked him out and he remained in the game, per Yahoo Sports.
Source · Yahoo Sports
Gasser and Kirby both struggle with control through 4 innings at AmFam Field
Both starters walked batters freely Thursday as the Brewers-Mariners game crawled through four innings in an hour and 40 minutes, per beat reporter Adam McCalvy.
Source · Adam McCalvy · X
Washington Nationals post lineup for Thursday's game at Texas
The Nationals released their lineup card for Thursday's game at Globe Life Field against the Rangers.
Source · Washington Nationals · X
Austin Wynns elects free agency after clearing waivers
The veteran catcher rejected a Triple-A assignment from the Rangers and chose to hit the open market, per the club.
Source · MLB Trade Rumors
Maikel Garcia likely headed to IL after MRI reveals hamstring strain in left leg
MLB.com reports Garcia is likely headed to the injured list after an MRI confirmed a hamstring strain in his left leg; no timetable has been reported.
Source · MLB.com
Luis Robert Jr. returns to Rate Field on Friday with the Mets
Per White Sox beat reporter Scott Merkin, Robert is expected to visit Guaranteed Rate Field with New York on Friday.
Source · Scott Merkin · X
Aaron Judge hits off tee for first time since injury in early rehab step
The Yankees outfielder swung a bat off a tee, MLB.com reported, though the club has not disclosed the injury, its date, or a return timeline.
Source · MLB.com
Aaron Judge hits off tee for first time since injury, no return timeline set
Aaron Judge took his first swing off a tee since his injury, MLB.com reported — an early rehab milestone for the Yankees captain with no return timetable confirmed.
Source · MLB.com
Yankees-Orioles game at Camden Yards set for short delay, 6:55 PM start
The tarp has been removed at Camden Yards, with the Orioles announcing a short delay and an estimated 6:55 PM start time, per Bryan Hoch.
Source · Bryan Hoch · X
Orioles game delayed by weather, first pitch moved to approximately 6:55 p.m.
The club announced a short delay after discussions with Major League Baseball and the National Weather Service.
Source · Baltimore Orioles · X
Jacob Wilson not expected to return this season with shoulder injury
Athletics infielder Jacob Wilson is expected to miss the rest of the season due to a shoulder injury, per MLB.com, though no diagnosis or timetable has been reported.
Source · MLB.com
Walker Jenkins building case for Twins callup with Triple-A hot streak
Minnesota's top prospect is surging at Triple-A as the club sits 4.5 games out of a Wild Card spot.
Source · MLB.com
Astros recall IF Raynel Delgado, designate OF Nelson Velázquez for assignment
Houston recalled infielder Raynel Delgado from Triple-A Sugar Land and designated outfielder Nelson Velázquez for assignment, per beat reporter Brian McTaggart.
Source · Brian McTaggart · X
Mariners plan to call up Kade Anderson to start Saturday
Seattle is expected to hand the ball to the third pick in the 2025 draft, who has struck out 135 batters in 93.1 minor-league innings this season, per ESPN.
Source · Jeff Passan · X
Cody Bellinger begins rehab assignment, targeting weekend return to Yankees
The outfielder has started a minor-league rehab stint and is aiming to rejoin the active roster by the weekend, per MLB.com.
Source · MLB.com
CJ Abrams ankle issue flagged by Nationals beat reporter during game
Washington Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams has an ankle concern, per Mark Zuckerman; further details were posted in his game thread.
Source · Mark Zuckerman · X
Beck Way's rehab assignment transferred to Triple-A Omaha
The Kansas City Royals moved RHP Beck Way's rehab assignment from Double-A to Triple-A Omaha, per the club, advancing him toward a potential MLB return.
Source · Kansas City Royals · X
Kade Anderson, MLB's top-ranked pitching prospect, called up by Seattle Mariners
Seattle is promoting Kade Anderson, the sport's top-ranked pitching prospect, with a Saturday start already scheduled.
Source · MLB.com
Mariners calling up Kade Anderson, baseball's top-ranked pitching prospect
Seattle is promoting Anderson to the major league roster, per MLB.com, with the right-hander slated to start Saturday against the Cubs at T-Mobile Park.
Source · MLB.com
CJ Abrams day-to-day after ankle sprain on slide into second base
Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams sprained his ankle on an awkward slide and is listed as day-to-day, per MLB.com; no timetable has been reported.
Source · MLB.com
Mariners reportedly calling up Kade Anderson for Saturday start
The 22-year-old left-hander, who posted a 1.06 ERA in the minors this season, is expected to make his major-league debut against the Cubs, per CBS Sports.
Source · CBS Sports
Phillies add Nestor Cortes on split deal; lefty headed to Low-A to build up
Philadelphia has added veteran lefty Nestor Cortes on a split contract worth a prorated $1.5MM, per Robert Murray of FanSided and the Associated Press.
Source · MLB Trade Rumors
Diamondbacks sign Santiago Espinal to minor league deal, assign him to Triple-A Reno
Arizona has added veteran infielder Santiago Espinal on a minor league contract, per the Aces, three weeks after his release by Texas.
Source · MLB Trade Rumors
Kade Anderson called up by Seattle Mariners to start Aug. 22 vs. Chicago Cubs
The Mariners are calling up top pitching prospect Kade Anderson to start Saturday against the Cubs, per ESPN.
Source · Yahoo Sports
Rangers pitcher becomes second-fastest to 2,000 strikeouts in MLB history
A Texas Rangers pitcher reached 2,000 career strikeouts, per the club, becoming the second-fastest in MLB history to the milestone.
Source · Texas Rangers · X
Jeremy Peña exits Angels finale with right hand contusion
Peña left or missed Houston's series finale against Los Angeles after a fastball struck his right hand, per MLB.com; the Astros have not announced a timeline or IL move.
Source · MLB.com
Kade Anderson called up by Mariners to make MLB debut Saturday vs. Cubs, per ESPN
The Mariners are reportedly promoting pitching prospect Kade Anderson for his MLB debut Saturday vs. the Cubs, per ESPN's Jeff Passan; roster moves are still pending.
Source · MLB Trade Rumors
Blue Jays post best AL record since July 26 despite deadline seller status
Toronto has gone 15-8 since a July 26 loss to Boston, per Jon Morosi, the best mark in the American League over that span.
Source · Jon Morosi · X
Spencer Jones records second career 3-hit game for Yankees
Spencer Jones logged his second career 3-hit game, per Yankees beat reporter Bryan Hoch, with his first having come on June 5 against Boston.
Source · Bryan Hoch · X
Astros in danger of losing homestand against sub-.500 teams, per Brian McTaggart
Houston sits 73-71 and first in the AL West, but beat reporter Brian McTaggart notes the club is at risk of a losing homestand against teams with losing records.
Source · Brian McTaggart · X
Peter Lambert ties career high with 9 earned runs allowed, ERA rises to 3.68
Peter Lambert allowed 9 earned runs in 3 2/3 innings, per Houston Astros beat reporter Brian McTaggart, tying his career high.
Source · Brian McTaggart · X
Jack Leiter makes second minor-league rehab start for right ankle injury
The Rangers right-hander is on a rehab assignment as he works toward returning to the rotation, per MLB.com.
Source · MLB.com
Jack Leiter makes second rehab start as Rangers work toward rotation return
The right-hander is progressing through a minor-league rehab assignment after a right ankle injury, per MLB.com.
Source · MLB.com
Angels OF Wade Meckler exits game after taking pitch off helmet in fifth inning
Wade Meckler left the Angels' game in the fifth inning after being struck in the helmet by a pitch, per MLB.com. His status has not been announced.
Source · MLB.com
Butera deploys Ribalta and Beeter earlier in close games in a bullpen strategy shift
Nationals manager Butera is using top relievers Ribalta and Beeter in the sixth and seventh innings of tight games, per beat reporter Mark Zuckerman.
Source · Mark Zuckerman · X
Ketel Marte removed from restricted list, placed on injured list by Diamondbacks
MLB.com reported that Ketel Marte has been moved from the restricted list to the injured list in Arizona, with no injury diagnosis or return timeline disclosed.
Source · MLB.com
Ketel Marte placed on injured list after removal from restricted list
The Arizona Diamondbacks moved their second baseman from the restricted list to the injured list, MLB.com reported, following a meeting with the manager and general manager.
Source · MLB.com
Mets prospect Mitch Voit sits out Double-A game as precaution after Aug. 18 hit by pitch
Mets infield prospect Mitch Voit missed Thursday's Double-A Binghamton game as a precaution after being hit by a pitch on Aug. 18, per Yahoo Sports.
Source · Yahoo Sports
CJ Abrams (left ankle) unlikely to play Friday, targeting Saturday return per Blake Butera
X-rays on Abrams' left ankle came back negative, but the Nationals shortstop couldn't do any baseball activity Thursday and is probably sitting out Friday too, per Mark Zuckerman.
Source · Mark Zuckerman · X
LaMonte Wade Jr. took the mound as Houston's position-player pitcher
Astros outfielder LaMonte Wade Jr. entered a game to pitch, per beat reporter Brian McTaggart, a move typically reserved for lopsided scores or depleted bullpens.
Source · Brian McTaggart · X
Cody Bellinger goes 1-for-3 in first rehab game with Triple-A Scranton
The Yankees outfielder played Thursday night with the Rail Riders and could be activated as soon as Sunday's series finale against Toronto, per Yahoo Sports.
Source · Yahoo Sports
Zach Neto ties Angels shortstop record with 7 RBI in single game
Zach Neto drove in 7 runs, matching the Los Angeles Angels' franchise record for a shortstop in a single game, per the club.
Source · Los Angeles Angels · X
Gerrit Cole passes Roger Clemens for 12th place on Yankees' all-time strikeout list
Cole, 35, has surpassed Clemens on the Yankees' all-time strikeout list at 12th place, per MLB.com.
Source · MLB.com
J.P. Crawford starts rehab assignment at shortstop with 5 innings
The Seattle Mariners shortstop has begun a rehab assignment, per MLB.com, playing 5 innings at short as he works back from injury.
Source · MLB.com