Dodgers Shock MLB with Blockbuster Last-Minute Trade—How It Changes the 2026 Title Race

Los Angeles—The Los Angeles Dodgers enter the weekend juggling a flurry of roster moves, injury questions and a short-term absence from their biggest star. Here is everything fans need to know right now. Shohei Ohtani on Paternity Leave Two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani was placed on the paternity list Friday and missed the series opener against the Baltimore Orioles. Manager Dave Roberts expects Ohtani back within the three-day window, but MLB rules allow up to a maximum of three games away. The Dodgers will shuffle their DH spot until his return, likely using Will Smith or Andy Pages to keep power in the middle of the lineup. Max Muncy Avoids the IL Third baseman Max Muncy left the June 4 loss in Arizona after a collision at first base, but the veteran escaped with only a facial cut and mild soreness. Muncy hinted he could rejoin the lineup as soon as this weekend’s Orioles series, a crucial boost for an offense already missing Teoscar Hernández and Kiké Hernández. Before the collision Muncy owned an .860 OPS and a 140 wRC+, second on the club behind Ohtani. Tyler Glasnow to 60-Day IL; Nick Frasso Added Los Angeles transferred right-hander Tyler Glasnow (shoulder) to the 60-day injured list, confirming he is “a ways away” from throwing. To back-fill the 40-man roster, the Dodgers selected top prospect Nick Frasso, whose 1.98 ERA at Triple-A forces him into the big-league conversation. Trade Sends Antoine Kelly to Cubs The front office continued its relentless churn, shipping left-handed reliever Antoine Kelly to the Chicago Cubs for cash considerations. Kelly pitched to a 2.34 ERA in 18 games at Oklahoma City but was squeezed out by the organization’s bullpen depth. Bullpen Under the Microscope Closer-in-waiting Tanner Scott has surrendered game-deciding blows in two of his last three outings, including the Ketel Marte walk-off on June 4. With Edwin Díaz still rehabbing a lat strain, Roberts may lean more heavily on veteran righty Evan Phillips for late-inning matchups until Scott regains form. What’s Next • 3-Game Set vs. Orioles: The Birds arrive hot, winning six of seven. Look for Yoshinobu Yamamoto (2.51 ERA) Saturday and Bobby Miller Sunday in his first start since May. • Ohtani Return Watch: If all goes as planned, the MVP candidate could be activated as soon as Sunday’s matinee. • Muncy, Smith Day-to-Day: Both could slide back into the order by Monday’s home opener against the Angels, giving the Dodgers a nearly full complement ahead of a critical nine-game homestand. The Dodgers (44-26) still own the National League’s best run differential, but June has underscored how thin even baseball’s deepest roster can feel. Expect more roster maneuvering—and plenty of scoreboard-watching—until the club’s injured core is whole again.