Yankees face injury setbacks while exploring trade options; Astros signal buying intent ahead of deadline
The Yankees dealt with injuries to Cody Bellinger and Aaron Judge as they consider outfield upgrades, while the Astros confirmed they will be active buyers at the trade deadline.
The New York Yankees placed Cody Bellinger on the injured list Saturday after a left-hamstring strain, projecting a four-to-six-week recovery. The move adds to the club’s concerns, as captain Aaron Judge remains sidelined with a fractured right rib that manager Aaron Boone said is still in "letting-it-heal mode." Yankees officials have been reported to target right-handed hitting outfielders, with names such as George Springer, Jo Adell, Jorge Soler, Spencer Steer, Lane Thomas, Taylor Ward and Heliot Ramos mentioned as potential fits.
In Detroit, Tigers ace Tarik Skubal struck out 12 Royals and allowed one run over 7 1/3 innings, while reliever Mason Miller recorded consecutive perfect frames against the Padres. Both pitchers are expected to stay healthy through the August 3 deadline, but their recent performances have drawn interest from clubs including the Brewers, Rays and Dodgers for Skubal, and the Pirates, Mariners, Yankees and Brewers for Miller. The Padres, who acquired Miller in 2026, are reportedly reluctant to trade him before his free-agency eligibility in 2029.
Catcher trade interest has intensified after Oakland’s Shea Langeliers suffered a torn meniscus, likely ending his season. The Yankees are reportedly leading a pursuit of catcher Luis Gil, while the Rays, Dodgers, Red Sox and White Sox are also listed as interested parties. Other catchers mentioned in trade chatter include Rockies’ Hunter Goodman and Reds’ Tyler Stephenson, though a deal for Goodman is described as a "long shot."
Houston Astros general manager Dana Brown reiterated the club’s intention to be buyers at the deadline, noting the team’s recent five-game winning streak and its position two games behind the AL West leader despite a 52-55 record. While speculation surfaced about possible trades involving closer Josh Hader, shortstop Jeremy Peña, infielder Christian Walker or Isaac Paredes, sources indicated those moves are not forthcoming. Brown identified adding a left-handed outfielder as a priority, citing potential targets such as Daulton Varsho, Mickey Moniak, JJ Bleday and Trevor Larnach, and also expressed a desire to strengthen the bullpen behind Hader.