X-factors for the postseason stretch, Phillies mop the Mets & Yankees announce Anthony Volpe’s injury

There are many eye-catching storylines from the 2025 MLB season, but one that remains a captivating tale as we approach the postseason is the historic run by the man simply known as “Big Dumper.” On Tuesday night, Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh set a new single-season record for most home runs hit by a switch hitter, surpassing the immortal Mickey Mantle with 56 on the year. Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman discuss Cal’s unbelievable campaign, how he’s managed to do this while serving as the team’s primary catcher and why he's now a serious contender alongside New York Yankees superstar Aaron Judge in the tight race for the 2025 American League Most Valuable Player award.Also on this episode of the Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake and Jordan talk about an impressive debut from Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Trey Yesavage and why he could be an integral part of their push for the AL East title. They also discuss Shohei Ohtani entering yet another exclusive and impressive club on Tuesday night, and debate whether he and Bryce Harper are the two most important players of this century.1:18 – The Opener: Cal Raleigh does it again16:01 – Trey Yesavage’s immediate impact25:31 – An oops by the Brewers32:26 – Harper & Ohtani’s importance46:44 – Around the League: 50-50, injuries58:33 – Roberto Clemente Award nominees Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tvAnd check out Jake, Jordan & the show on X or Instagram:🌤️ @CespedesBBQ: https://bsky.app/profile/cespedesbbq.bsky.social🐦 @CespedesBBQ: https://x.com/CespedesBBQ📷 @CespedesBBQ: https://www.instagram.com/cespedesbbq⚾ @Jake_Mintz: https://x.com/Jake_Mintz🧢 @J_Shusterman: https://x.com/j_shusterman_

Two weeks are left in MLB's regular season and the postseason picture is starting to become a bit more clear. A couple of rivalry matchups had playoff implications as the Yankees defeated the Red Sox and the Dodgers defeated the Giants. Three of the four teams currently sit in playoff positions while the Giants are just 1.5 games out of the final NL Wild Card spot. Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman discuss each series and look at what the final two weeks hold for these teams. Are the Yankees and Red Sox destined to meet in the postseason? Can the Dodgers maintain their control of the NL West? Can the Giants claw their way into the final Wild Card spot? The guys answer all of these and more.Those two series were not the only ones from the weekend with postseason implications. There were four sweeps that saw the Mariners, Blue Jays, Guardians and A's take home victories. The Mariners completed a 4-game mop and put themselves into the drivers seat for the AL West as they overtook the Astros for first place. Plus, Cal Raleigh is looking like he may just take the MVP trophy from Aaron Judge. The guys dive into every series and look at how each one affects the postseason picture.Later, Jake and Jordan recap the Brewers and Phillies clinching playoff berths. What will the last two weeks look like for each team, and how well are they positioned for a postseason run? Plus, the Mets continue to struggle as they dropped their series to the Rangers over the weekend. New York currently holds the last NL Wild Card spot, but can they hang on to it for two more weeks? Jake and Jordan talk about what they see for any postseason future in Queens.All of this and more as every series from the weekend is recapped on Monday's Baseball Bar-B-Cast.(2:00) - Yankees & Dodgers take down rivals(16:21) - Mariners move into 1st after mop & Blue Jays, Guardians & A's sweep(34:07) - Brewers & Phillies clinch playoffs, Mets continue to struggle and Astros face a huge test(49:52) - Turbo Mode(1:02:07) - Previewing the week ahead  Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tvAnd check out Jake, Jordan & the show on X or Instagram:🌤️ @CespedesBBQ: https://bsky.app/profile/cespedesbbq.bsky.social🐦 @CespedesBBQ: https://x.com/CespedesBBQ📷 @CespedesBBQ: https://www.instagram.com/cespedesbbq⚾ @Jake_Mintz: https://x.com/Jake_Mintz🧢 @J_Shusterman: https://x.com/j_shusterman_

As we enter the final stretch of the 2025 regular season, teams are making a push to lock up their spots in the postseason. With so much on the line—including divisional crowns and potential byes—there are a few players who need to step up for their clubs to have the best chance in October.Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman make their picks for which players are X-factors for their teams heading into the playoffs. This includes a few starting pitchers that the New York Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies need to perform, a seasoned veteran for the Houston Astros whose prime may be nearing its end and a high-profile free agent who has disappointed for the Toronto Blue Jays.Also on this episode of the Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake & Jordan discuss the Phillies mopping the New York Mets, the Yankees revealing injury news about Anthony Volpe—and whether that’s the reason behind his down season—the Washington Nationals closing in on a general manager and an alarming report of misconduct within the Detroit Tigers organization. They wrap up the episode with their picks for The Good, The Bad & The Uggla.01:34 – The Opener: Postseason X-Factors29:22 – Phillies Mop the Mets32:16 – Sorry For Your Mentions38:57 – Around the League: Yankees-Volpe News43:53 – Nationals Search for a GM53:28 – The Good, The Bad & The Uggla Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tvAnd check out Jake, Jordan & the show on X or Instagram:🌤️ @CespedesBBQ: https://bsky.app/profile/cespedesbbq.bsky.social🐦 @CespedesBBQ: https://x.com/CespedesBBQ📷 @CespedesBBQ: https://www.instagram.com/cespedesbbq⚾ @Jake_Mintz: https://x.com/Jake_Mintz🧢 @J_Shusterman: https://x.com/j_shusterman_

Kyle Schwarber added to his historic career on Tuesday night, placing himself among the Philadelphia Phillies greats when he launched his 50th home run of the season. He is only the second Philly to accomplish this feat. The other is Phillies legend Ryan Howard, who owns the franchise record of 58 home runs in a season. The Phillies also placed themselves nine games ahead of the New York Mets for the NL East crown. Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman discuss Schwarber's historic feat and what the Phillies look like heading into the postseason.Then, the interview everyone is here for, Pedro Martinez joins the show. The Hall of Famer talks with Jake and Jordan about his iconic career. He looks back at his career and reminisces on his mindset of being a dominant force in the league, what it was like to face legends like Derek Jeter and Barry Bonds, playing in the Dominican Winter League and more. He also shares his thoughts on the current Boston Red Sox.Finally, the guys discuss news from around the league. They chat about Roki Sasaki's impressive minor league rehab start and what that could mean for the Dodgers, Boston's new pitcher Connelly Early, the Yankee's epic meltdown, Aaron Judge's historic night and more. Come for the baseball talk, stay for the conversation about Pharts. Join us at the Baseball Bar-B-Cast.(2:17) - Kyle Schwarber hits his way into the Phillies record books(22:56) - Pedro Martinez interview(56:43) - Roki Sasaki's dominant rehab start & the affect it will have on the Dodgers(1:05:57) - Connelly Early's Boston debut, Yankees meltdown & more Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tvAnd check out Jake, Jordan & the show on X or Instagram:🌤️ @CespedesBBQ: https://bsky.app/profile/cespedesbbq.bsky.social🐦 @CespedesBBQ: https://x.com/CespedesBBQ📷 @CespedesBBQ: https://www.instagram.com/cespedesbbq⚾ @Jake_Mintz: https://x.com/Jake_Mintz🧢 @J_Shusterman: https://x.com/j_shusterman_

As the 2025 MLB regular season begins to wind down, the division and Wild Card races are tightening up and each game is increasing in importance. The NL West is the closest of all the division races, with the Los Angeles Dodgers holding a one-game lead over the San Diego Padres after the Dodgers dropped two of three over the weekend. One of those losses included blowing a no-hitter, where the Dodgers gave up four runs in the bottom of the 9th with two outs to lose the game. Are the Dodgers showing any signs that they’ll be able to pull it together to make a deep postseason run? Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman discuss what the Dodgers need to do to make a championship push.The New York Yankees are another team in a close divisional—and Wild Card—race. They won two of three over the weekend, but what caught everyone’s attention was their superstar’s inability to throw a baseball. Do the Yankees need to keep Aaron Judge in the outfield to keep their postseason hopes alive? The guys discuss what options the Yankees have and how far they realistically see them going in the playoffs.Later, they break down both the AL and NL Wild Card races. The Cubs, Padres, Mets, Yankees, Red Sox and Mariners are currently the six teams sitting in the drivers’ seats. Are these the teams we should expect to see in the Wild Card games or are there any lurking contenders that could make a surprise run at the end of the season? Anything can happen with just three weeks remaining in the regular season.Plus, Jake and Jordan recap each series from the weekend, giving you a full rundown of what you may have missed across the league. It’s sure to be an exciting finish—and the guys will be here every step of the way to break it all down.Start your week off right at the Baseball Bar-B-Cast.(2:31) - Dodgers meltdown, NL West & AL East races(40:39) - Wild Card race check-in(52:07) - Brewers sweep Pirates(58:01) - Turbo Mode  Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tvAnd check out Jake, Jordan & the show on X or Instagram:🌤️ @CespedesBBQ: https://bsky.app/profile/cespedesbbq.bsky.social🐦 @CespedesBBQ: https://x.com/CespedesBBQ📷 @CespedesBBQ: https://www.instagram.com/cespedesbbq⚾ @Jake_Mintz: https://x.com/Jake_Mintz🧢 @J_Shusterman: https://x.com/j_shusterman_

Many teams hope that their season ends with raising the Commissioner’s Trophy and being crowned World Series champions, but only one will be successful. It’s time to take a look at which teams, as it stands right now, have the best chance to be the last team standing when all the dust settles.Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman take turns drafting the teams currently in postseason position and explain why clubs like the Milwaukee Brewers, Philadelphia Phillies and Detroit Tigers might have a distinct advantage over the rest of the field. They also give their takes on one player no one should forget come October for the New York Yankees and whether the Los Angeles Dodgers’ rotation can be a difference-maker.Also on this episode of the Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake and Jordan talk about the controversial cross-up that occurred in Houston with Framber Valdez — and why it was a bad look, intentional or not. Then, Jordan recaps his time in Pittsburgh watching the Dodgers get swept by the Pirates and being wowed once again by Paul Skenes, before the guys make their picks for The Good, The Bad & The Uggla.2:45 – The Opener: World Series team draft35:03 – We Need To Talk About: Framber Valdez cross-up45:28 – Field Report: Pirates vs. Dodgers55:59 – The Good1:01:03 – The Bad1:05:40 – The Uggla1:11:16 – Weekend Recap Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tvAnd check out Jake, Jordan & the show on X or Instagram:🌤️ @CespedesBBQ: https://bsky.app/profile/cespedesbbq.bsky.social🐦 @CespedesBBQ: https://x.com/CespedesBBQ📷 @CespedesBBQ: https://www.instagram.com/cespedesbbq⚾ @Jake_Mintz: https://x.com/Jake_Mintz🧢 @J_Shusterman: https://x.com/j_shusterman_

As the calendar turns to September, the entire baseball world’s sights are set on the 2025 Postseason and who will ultimately be crowned champion. While the playoff field is becoming more clear, there are still some notable questions that will need to be answered down the stretch.Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman ask one big question for every postseason team currently in the mix including whether the New York Yankees are capable of beating good teams, how the Milwaukee Brewers will deploy Jacob Misiorowski, if the Los Angeles Dodgers’ pitching staff can stay healthy and whether the Chicago Cubs’ offense can get its groove back.Also on this episode of the Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake and Jordan take a look at the Texas Rangers surging toward a postseason spot, now just 1.5 games out of a Wild Card berth. They also highlight some notable September call-ups from the Cincinnati Reds, Seattle Mariners & Kansas City Royals and discuss the Atlanta Braves making an interesting acquisition.1:56 – The Opener: Rangers make playoff push11:42 – Around the League: One question for AL postseason teams34:39 – One question for NL postseason teams1:06:15 – Jordan’s Prospect Hut: Notable September call-ups1:12:17 – The Braves make a move Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tvAnd check out Jake, Jordan & the show on X or Instagram:🌤️ @CespedesBBQ: https://bsky.app/profile/cespedesbbq.bsky.social🐦 @CespedesBBQ: https://x.com/CespedesBBQ📷 @CespedesBBQ: https://www.instagram.com/cespedesbbq⚾ @Jake_Mintz: https://x.com/Jake_Mintz🧢 @J_Shusterman: https://x.com/j_shusterman_

After getting swept by the New York Mets this week, the Philadelphia Phillies were looking for a way to jumpstart their final push toward an NL East title at home—and were given an incredible boost on Thursday night. Kyle Schwarber swatted four home runs, a feat that has only been accomplished 21 times in MLB history, helping propel the Phillies to a victory against the Atlanta Braves.Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman discuss the feat—which, oddly enough, has already happened twice this season—and how Schwarber’s stellar season could impact his upcoming free agency. They also debate how many home runs Schwarber would need this year to give Shohei Ohtani a run for his money in the National League MVP race.Also on this episode of the Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake and Jordan talk about the upcoming MLB debut of Boston Red Sox pitcher Payton Tolle, Nolan McLean’s impressive first three starts for the New York Mets and why the Milwaukee Brewers could be facing some tough times after losing Trevor Megill. The guys close the episode by making their picks for The Good, The Bad & The Uggla.1:18 – The Opener: Kyle Schwarber’s 4-HR Game14:01 – NL MVP Race Heating Up?24:19 – Around the League: Payton Tolle Debut34:40 – Mets Bring Up Big Arms41:55 – Brewers Take a Blow45:38 – The Good, The Bad & The Uggla Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tvAnd check out Jake, Jordan & the show on X or Instagram:🌤️ @CespedesBBQ: https://bsky.app/profile/cespedesbbq.bsky.social🐦 @CespedesBBQ: https://x.com/CespedesBBQ📷 @CespedesBBQ: https://www.instagram.com/cespedesbbq⚾ @Jake_Mintz: https://x.com/Jake_Mintz🧢 @J_Shusterman: https://x.com/j_shusterman_

The 2025 MLB season has not even reached the postseason yet, but we already have the schedule for what the 2026 season is going to look like. That schedule was released on Tuesday with some very notable takeaways. The season will get started in primetime with an Opening Night on Wednesday, March 25th as the New York Yankees fly across the country to visit the San Francisco Giants. The other 28 teams will start their seasons the next day for the earliest traditional Opening Day in MLB history, on March 26th. The New York Mets and Yankees will play each other in a series starting on September 11th for the 25th anniversary of 9/11. Every team will be in action on the 4th of July to celebrate the United States' 250th birthday. The All-Star game will be in Philadelphia on July 14th. These are just a few of the many notable dates on the 2026 MLB schedule. Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman discuss their thoughts on the schedule, what stands out to them and how they feel about a balanced schedule. Plus, the World Cup arrives next summer. How will these games affect MLB games?Then, the guys talk to a legend as Cal Ripken Jr. joins the show! He talks with Jake and Jordan about his Hall of Fame career. He chats about breaking the record for most consecutive games played, what he thinks about current players not playing all 162 games, his transition after baseball and more!Next, the guys chat through some notable news. The new Women's Professional Baseball League held tryouts recently, finishing up with their final day of tryouts at Nationals Park on August 25th. Over 600 women from 10 countries showed up to try out! Jake and Jordan talk about the impact this is having on the sport and where they hope to see this grow. Plus, the Mets call up a top pitching prospect to start Friday, Junior Caminero continues to impress at just 22-years-old and Garrett Crochet continues to make a case for the AL Cy Young. Finally, the biggest news of the day, on Tuesday, didn't come from the baseball world, but it did come from the sports world as Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift announced they are engaged. Jake and Jordan discuss who are the biggest celebrity couples involving an athlete. Are Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift bigger than Joe DiMaggio and Marilyn Monroe? Where might David and Victoria Beckham land in this debate?All of this and more on today's Baseball Bar-B-Cast.  (1:54) - MLB 2026 schedule release(29:39) - Cal Ripken Jr. interview(56:50) - Women's Professional Baseball League(1:03:54) - Mets call-up, Caminero impresses & Crochet pushes for AL Cy Young(1:13:31) - Ranking Travis Kelce & Taylor Swift's celebrity couple stardom Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tvAnd check out Jake, Jordan & the show on X or Instagram:🌤️ @CespedesBBQ: https://bsky.app/profile/cespedesbbq.bsky.social🐦 @CespedesBBQ: https://x.com/CespedesBBQ📷 @CespedesBBQ: https://www.instagram.com/cespedesbbq⚾ @Jake_Mintz: https://x.com/Jake_Mintz🧢 @J_Shusterman: https://x.com/j_shusterman_

The 2024 season saw the New York Yankees go to the World Series and the Boston Red Sox fail to make the playoffs. One year later, the Red Sox have beaten the Yankees in eight of their ten matchups and lead the AL Wild Card race by a half game over the Yankees. Three of the Boston wins came this weekend as Boston took three of four from the Yankees in New York. The Yankees continue to have issues figuring out their lineup with an injured, but playing, Aaron Judge. Anthony Volpe also continues to struggle massively. Will the Yankees be able to survive this for a deep postseason run? How is the rest of the season going to shake out for the Red Sox? Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman discuss both teams' seasons thus far and how they see them playing out the rest of the way.At the same time that all of this was happening, the Padres were hosting the Dodgers for another huge NL West series. Unlike their previous matchup, the Padres came out on the winning end and are now tied for the lead in the NL West. Los Angeles has the tiebreaker for the division, but with 31 games remaining, and the easiest schedule in baseball, the Padres have a real shot at the NL West crown. Jake and Jordan discuss what they saw out of each team and what they think the postseason may end up looking like. Those two series may have stolen the headlines, but there were also three sweeps this weekend as the Cubs, Rangers and Pirates all brought out their brooms. For the Pirates, that also included another impressive display from Paul Skenes as he threw seven scoreless innings and officially eliminated the Rockies from playoff contention. Through his first 50 starts, he now has an astonishing 2.02 career ERA. The guys marvel over Skenes and look at each of these sweeps.Plus, they go through every other series from the weekend and talk about what stood out to them. That includes Cal Raleigh reaching 49 home runs and setting an MLB record for home runs by a catcher. Might he break Judge's AL home run record? That feat may be in reach for the Mariners catcher. Jake and Jordan discuss this and everything else you may have missed from every series over the weekend. Start off your week with us here at Baseball Bar-B-Cast.  (1:06) - Red Sox take series over Yankees(20:43) - Padres take series over Dodgers(30:47) - Cubs, Rangers & Pirates sweep(45:48) - Mariners, Phillies & Mets series(59:07) - Turbo Mode(1:11:52) - What to watch this week   Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tvAnd check out Jake, Jordan & the show on X or Instagram:🌤️ @CespedesBBQ: https://bsky.app/profile/cespedesbbq.bsky.social🐦 @CespedesBBQ: https://x.com/CespedesBBQ📷 @CespedesBBQ: https://www.instagram.com/cespedesbbq⚾ @Jake_Mintz: https://x.com/Jake_Mintz🧢 @J_Shusterman: https://x.com/j_shusterman_