What happened: Shohei Ohtani will miss his next scheduled start for the Los Angeles Dodgers due to knee issues. New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge also remains sidelined as his ribs continue to heal.
Why it matters: The ongoing absences of both stars complicate the playoff calculus for Los Angeles and New York ahead of the August 3 trade deadline. In the American League East, the Boston Red Sox have capitalized on the Yankees' vulnerability by sweeping the Tampa Bay Rays to reach a 13-game winning streak.
By the numbers: Pittsburgh Pirates rookie Esmerlyn Valdez has hit 12 home runs through his first 31 games. Colorado Rockies standout Hunter Goodman became the first player in
What to watch: The Dodgers and Yankees must navigate these significant injuries while finalizing their rosters before the deadline.