Athletics and Cubs bruised by injuries before MLB trade deadline

The Oakland Athletics placed right‑hander Mark Leiter Jr. on the 15‑day injured list with a right‑hip impingement, reducing his trade value as the team, out of playoff contention, looks to move players before the August 3 deadline.

The Chicago Cubs are contending with a spate of pitching injuries, including starter Daniel Palencia’s lingering issues, reliever Trent Thornton’s heel contusion, and several starters on the injured list. Manager Craig Counsell said the club’s goal is to “just make the team better.” With over a dozen pitchers on the IL, the front office is weighing aggressive trade moves to shore up the rotation or bullpen.

ESPN ranked Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki among the top 100 trade‑deadline candidates, noting that “Chicago wants to get creative to fill its pitching issues, and that means at least listening on Suzuki.” Both clubs’ injury situations are shaping their strategies as the MLB trade deadline approaches.