In a significant development for Major League Baseball, Wall Street short sellers are betting against the Atlanta Braves due to concerns over a potential MLB lockout. The league’s collective bargaining agreement is set to expire on December 1, 2026, raising fears of a disruption to the 2027 season. This uncertainty has led to a decline in the Braves’ stock, making them uniquely vulnerable as the only publicly traded professional baseball team in the U.S. ([axios.com](https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/08/24/atlanta-braves-wall-street-stock-georgia-baseball?utm_source=openai))
In other MLB news, Major League Baseball has unanimously approved the sale of the San Diego Padres to an investor group led by billionaire José E. Feliciano and his wife, Kwanza Jones. The $3.9 billion deal, a record MLB valuation, is expected to close in the coming weeks. Feliciano becomes the second Latino principal owner in MLB, aiming to lead the franchise into a new era while maintaining strong ties with the San Diego community. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/5a634c7c83275de68bc71e784202fedc?utm_source=openai))
On the field, the Oakland Athletics mounted a remarkable comeback against the Houston Astros, rallying from a six-run deficit to secure a 7-6 victory. Max Muncy’s solo home run in the seventh inning capped the rally, while Brian Serven’s three-run shot in the fifth inning ignited the surge. Jack Perkins earned the win with five innings of relief, striking out six. ([cbsnews.com](https://www.cbsnews.com/sacramento/news/muncys-solo-homer-caps-off-rally-as-beats-houston-7-6/?utm_source=openai))
The Los Angeles Dodgers extended their winning streak to six games by sweeping the Pittsburgh Pirates with a 4-0 victory. Blake Snell delivered a stellar performance, pitching six scoreless innings and allowing only two hits and three walks. This marks Snell’s third consecutive strong outing since returning from elbow surgery. ([washingtonpost.com](https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/mlb/2026/08/23/pirates-dodgers-score/d207a206-9f45-11f1-8606-1d40ad00172e_story.html?utm_source=openai))
In Philadelphia, Kyle Schwarber’s two-run walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth inning lifted the Phillies to a 6-4 win over the St. Louis Cardinals. Schwarber’s 39th home run of the season capped a six-run rally in the ninth, marking the Phillies’ ninth consecutive victory and their third consecutive series sweep. ([cbsnews.com](https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/kyle-schwarber-walk-off-homer-phillies-comeback-cardinals/?utm_source=openai))
Looking ahead, today’s MLB schedule features several exciting matchups. The Tampa Bay Rays will face the Detroit Tigers, the Boston Red Sox will take on the Miami Marlins, and the Colorado Rockies will visit the Washington Nationals. Fans can look forward to more thrilling baseball action as the season progresses. ([mlb.com](https://www.mlb.com/schedule/2026-08-24?utm_source=openai))
