Several teams lost key players on July 31. Ryan O’Hearn and Willson Contreras were both removed after suffering injuries while on the road. And another twist was thrown towards Harrison Bader, who hurt himself not on the field but on the road — literally.
Bader done for 2026, not get paid for non-baseball injury
The weird story of Harrison Bader‘s foot injury continues. For those unaware, Bader, dealing with plantar fasciitis, injured his foot in a scooter accident. Bader was expected to miss the 2026 season to begin with thanks to the plantar fasciitis. But now it’s taken a new twist.
The Giants announced that Bader will have his salary payment suspended while he recovers from the non-baseball injury.
Contreras removed
Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras was removed in the third inning against the Dodgers on July 31.
Contreras took a 95 MPH fastball to the head from Will Klein. The ball hit Contreras’ helmet, and the 2026 All-Star stayed in to run the bases after the play. However, he didn’t go out to the field after the half-inning concluded.
IL moves
Mariners infielder J.P. Crawford was placed on the IL with left wrist inflammation.
Twins outfielder Matt Vierling was placed on the 10-day IL with a left adductor strain.
Shane McClanahan, one day after he was removed with mid-back tightness, was placed on the IL.
Mets reliever Cionel Perez was placed on the 15-day IL with a left forearm strain.
Cubs reliever Gavin Hollowell was placed on the 15-day IL with right shoulder inflammation.
Cole Sands was transferred to the 60-day IL.
Rehab assignments
Cubs pitcher Edward Cabrera went 1.2 IP (43 pitches) for Triple-A Iowa. Cabrera struck out three but allowed three earned runs, giving up two hits and two walks. He averaged 98 MPH and topped out at 99 MPH.
Mets reliever Austin Warren tossed a scoreless inning for High-A Brooklyn.
Other notes
Pirates 1B/OF Ryan O’Hearn was pulled with a quad injury.
Nationals infielder Luis Garcia Jr. was removed with mild knee soreness.
Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. is expected back on August 4 (h/t Kansas City Star).
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