On top of all the rumors in the run-up to tomorrow’s trade deadline, here are three other things to keep an eye on today:
1. Acuna to undergo MRI:
Braves superstar Ronald Acuna Jr. is already on the injured list due to an issue with his right Achilles tendon, but David O’Brien of The Athletic writes that Acuna is flying back to Atlanta today in order to undergo an MRI on the ailing area to determine the severity of the issue. Acuna has had plenty of trouble with lower-half injuries in the past. He suffered ACL tears in both 2021 and 2024, and with Atlanta buried in the playoff race there’s little reason not to act with an abundance of caution. The 27-year-old has hit at an otherworldly pace since his return from the injured list back in May, posting a .309/.430/.582 slash line with 14 homers in just 54 games.
2. Cubs roster moves incoming:
Longtime Cubs left fielder Ian Happ exited yesterday’s loss to the Brewers after fouling a ball off of his shin, and while Jesse Rogers of ESPN reports that x-rays on the affected area came back negative, it still seems as though Happ is ticketed for a trip to the injured list. Catcher/designated hitter Moises Ballesteros is set to be promoted to the majors, according to a report from Rogers. He’d likely take over DH duties while Seiya Suzuki covers for Happ in left field.
3. Trade deadline impact on probable starters:
White Sox right-hander Adrian Houser is set to make what will likely be his final start for the South Siders tonight, as the Phillies and right-hander Taijuan Walker (who has a 3.84 ERA in a swing role this year) look to take the series after winning last night’s game. Of course, with tomorrow’s deadline looming, there’s a chance Houser doesn’t actually make that start. Other feasible trade candidates slated to take the mound tonight include Rays righty Zack Littell, Marlins righty Cal Quantrill, A’s southpaw Jeffrey Springs and Nationals ace MacKenzie Gore. Each of those teams might feel a bit of extra urgency to push a deal across the line before their pitchers take the mound (although Gore, specifically, is a long shot to be moved).
Meanwhile, right-hander Chris Paddack is poised to make his first start for the Tigers today after being acquired from the Twins alongside Randy Dobnak earlier this week. Paddack’s first opponent as a Tiger will be Arizona left-hander Ryne Nelson, who has a 3.29 ERA in a swing role this season.