As Major League Baseball moves through the second half of the 2026 season with the trade deadline approaching, several of the sport's biggest stars remain sidelined or playing through injury concerns. Here is a look at the five most significant injury situations currently shaping the league.

1. Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers

Ohtani's ongoing left knee issue remains the most closely watched injury situation in baseball. The two-way superstar had fluid drained from his knee following a game against the Phillies, with Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirming that Ohtani and the team decided to be cautious with the knee rather than have him continue pitching. Ohtani did not receive an injection during the procedure and was held out of the All-Star Game as a result of the injury.

Roberts said Ohtani's return to the mound remains unclear. "It's going to be some time, and I'd say that it's not going to be a day-to-day thing," Roberts said, adding that the club expects Ohtani to pitch again in 2026, though the exact timeline is uncertain. Ohtani has continued serving as the Dodgers' designated hitter and remains without pain while hitting, and the team has not placed him on the injured list. As recently as July 19, Roberts indicated Ohtani would not pitch in the club's upcoming series against the Phillies, and manager comments suggest his pitching absence could stretch on for a while.

2. Aaron Judge, New York........

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