hardball Joel Sherman These injured stars’ looming returns could have significant impact on MLB playoff races By Joel Sherman Published Aug. 29, 2026, 11:53 a.m. ET Aaron Judge's expected return should influence the AL playoff race. Robert Sabo for NY Post The trade deadline has come and gone.
The Twins called up outfielder Walker Jenkins on Friday not far behind a recent wave that brought George Lombard Jr. (Yankees), Kade Anderson (Mariners) and Max Clark (Tigers) to the majors. Perhaps Red Sox shortstop Franklin Arias is still possible, but mostly the elite prospects who might impact a playoff chase already have been called up.
Perhaps, there is a non-40-man roster veteran floating around who could help a contender — the Yankees are hoping they did this by enlisting Michael Fulmer.
But as the calendar is about to flip to September, the most significant way a team could upgrade is by getting healthier — with the Red Sox and Yankees exemplifying this as they met over the weekend.
