Starkville | Baseball’s Most Unhittable Pitcher & Terry Francona

Baseball is hard — just ask Nationals top prospect Dylan Crews and Twins slugger Royce Lewis, two players trending in very different directions. Eno, Jed, and DVR discuss Crews’ promotion to the Nationals and Lewis’ surprising demotion to Triple-A. Then, the guys dive into the diminishing value of “barrels” and whether baseball’s obsession with advanced stats has gone too far in 2026.Rundown:0:42 Dylan Crews Back with Nats: Will Adjustment Click?10:41 Royce Lewis to Triple-A: Can He Reset at Triple-A?21:39 How Barrels Have Lost Value25:02 Heliot Ramos: A ‘Solved’ Player?32:42 Bat Speed is Next: Is Goodhart’s Law Ready to Strike Again?36:26 Miguel Vargas: Swing Decision Foundation, Power Added?43:02 Cam Smith: Growing Pains a Cost of Rushing Player Development?Follow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.socialFollow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.sociale-mail: [email protected] our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFeSubscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsHosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno SarrisWith: Jed LowrieEditor: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Padres and Guardians are surging, while the Orioles are still searching for answers. Eno, Britt, and DVR break down how San Diego has managed to stay atop the standings despite underperformance from a few key stars. Then, the crew takes a closer look at Baltimore’s continued struggles, examining why the Orioles haven’t been able to build on their 100-win season just a few years ago — and whether the bigger issues stem from pitching development or a lack of continuity on the coaching staff. Later, DVR sits down with The Athletic’s Zack Meisel to discuss Cleveland’s early success and whether the Guardians’ young core can keep them atop the AL Central.Rundown:3:30 First Place Padres!10:57 Starting Pitching Questions: How Will They Find Enough?12:50 Can Walker Buehler or Griffin Canning Put it Together?14:42 A Slow Start in Baltimore: Is This a Bottom-Five Team?22:20 Can Shane Baz, Trevor Rogers & Chris Bassitt Turn It Around?30:10 Turnover on the Staff: Is the Lack of Continuity an Issue?34:05 Zack Meisel Joins the Show35:11 Travis Bazzana: Impressing From the Jump36:44 Brayan Rocchio & Angel Martínez Impressing39:55 Guardians Tied for Second in Steals This Season42:54 Ralphy Velazquez to Columbus: Is an August Promotion on Tap?46:35 Parker Messick is Rolling: What Do the Next 16 Starts Hold?50:15 Potential Weakness: Is the Rotation Depth Lacking?51:44 Bullpen Remains a StrengthFollow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.socialFollow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.socialFollow Britt on Bluesky: @brittghiroli.bsky.sociale-mail: [email protected] our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFeSubscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsHosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno SarrisWith: Britt Ghiroli and Zack MeiselEditor: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Another top prospect has arrived in Seattle, as 20-year-old Mariners shortstop Colt Emerson made his MLB debut Sunday. Eno and DVR also discuss how Zack Wheeler finally looks like his old self again after beginning the season on the IL, and why Dodgers starter Roki Sasaki may finally be settling in as a reliable starter in LA. Later, the guys open the mailbag to discuss Shohei Ohtani, stabilizing whiff rates, and the long-term outlook for Marlins second baseman Xavier Edwards.Rundown:0:47 Colt Emerson Promoted8:13 Zack Wheeler is Rolling12:11 Walk Rate Improvement: How Much is Sustainable?17:43 Surgery for Blake Snell: Loose Bodies in Elbow; Timetable TBD21:37 Roki’s Turnaround: Another Strong Start vs. Angels25:09 Justin Wrobleski Excelling in LA26:46 Grayson Rodriguez is Back: A Big Boost for Halos’ Rotation?28:33 Clay Holmes Out Several Weeks: Leg Fractured by Comebacker35:40 Jose Altuve is Hurt: Grade 2 Oblique Strain, Timetable TBD40:47 Weekly Decision: Using Shohei Ohtani as Pitcher Instead of UT?44:40 Whiff Rates: When Do They Stabilize?53:18 The Long Game: Xavier Edwards’ Future OutlookFollow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.socialFollow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.sociale-mail: [email protected] our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFeSubscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsHosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno SarrisEditor: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of baseball's most beloved managers is gone. Hall of Famer Bobby Cox passed away this week, and Jayson Stark and Doug Glanville celebrate his life with a guest who knew him well — Mark DeRosa, who played for Cox in Atlanta and shares what made him such a special manager. DeRosa also reveals a moment that stuck with him: Cox going out of his way to say he was glad to see him thriving, even after DeRosa had long since moved on to other teams. Then, Pirates center fielder Oneil Cruz provides the material for one of the most jaw-dropping Strange But True segments in recent memory.Rundown:2:00 ABS Through the First Quarter of the Season10:12 Mark DeRosa Joins the Show11:45 Remembering Bobby Cox23:30 Al Leiter Pops In29:07 Remembering Bobby Cox (cont’d)33:00 Managing Team USA in WBC39:22 Remembering Bobby Cox (cont’d)42:49 Strange But TrueJayson’s Article: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7281002/2026Follow Jayson on Bluesky: @jaysonst.bsky.socialFollow Doug on Bluesky: @dougglanville.bsky.socialE-mail: [email protected] Hotline: (347) 313-8371Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsHosts: Jayson Stark & Doug GlanvilleWith: Mark DeRosa (and Al Leiter)Producer: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A fresh batch of starting pitcher rankings has arrived, and there’s plenty to debate. Who made the “Hype 7”? Is Gavin Williams making the leap to ace status? And where does José Soriano land in the mix? Eno and DVR break it all down before turning their attention to the waiver wire, where two intriguing rookies — A.J. Ewing and Henry Bolte — are making their cases as weekend pickups. Plus, no Fantasy Friday would be complete without another edition of “Closer Corner.”Rundown:2:00 Eno's Updated SP Rankings: The 'Hype 7' is on the Move!6:25 Future Drafts: Is There Usually a Group Like This to Target?12:55 Emmet Sheehan's Velo: Wide Fluctuations Start-to-Start17:00 Another Top-20 SP in Pittsburgh? Braxton Ashcraft Joins the Fray20:56 Gavin Williams' Adjustments: Is He Becoming an Ace?30:29 Using Fresh Rankings: Finding Fits on the Trade Front34:18 José Soriano: Top-25 Guy Now, Defensive Limitations?38:58 A.J. Ewing & Henry Bolte: Most Intriguing Waiver-Wire Hitters This Weekend?44:12 JJ Bleday's Breakout: A True Post-Hype Sleeper is Delivering!50:05 Vaughn Grissom's Opportunity: Good Enough to Stick in Anaheim?54:36 Pitching Considerations: Bryce Miller is Back, G-Rod Nearing Return55:54 A Tough Toss-Up: Ben Brown vs. Griffin Jax1:01:44 Closer Corner: Still Waiting on Ryan HelsleyEno's Starting Pitcher Rankings: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7277683/Follow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.socialFollow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.sociale-mail: [email protected] our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFeSubscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsHosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno SarrisEditor: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever compared baseball to microtones? Neither had we — until today. The guys dive into the music of Angine de Poitrine to explore just how many pitch types a pitcher could realistically master. Then, Eno, Trevor, and DVR head behind the plate to break down the surprising development of Pirates catcher Henry Davis’ command model.Rundown:1:47 Bryce Miller is Back7:38 Cal Raleigh Placed on the IL8:16 Max Fried Exits with Elbow Soreness11:05 Robby Snelling to the IL13:12 Francisco Alvarez Likely Out Eight Weeks (Knee Surgery)15:05 Getting the Return Right: Coming Back from the IL20:17 Pitching & Microtones?27:00 Covering Everything: Having Pitches for All Situations35:36 Two Splitters? Roki Sasaki’s Attempt to Find More Options40:38 Nothing in the Middle? Empty Space for Cutters & Gyro Sliders44:44 Thinking About Development: Creative Solutions to Pitching Problems?52:00 Henry Davis’ Command ModelFollow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.socialFollow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.socialFollow Trevor on Bluesky: @iamtrevormay.bsky.sociale-mail: [email protected] our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFeSubscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsHosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno SarrisWith: Trevor MayEditor: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Would you trade, hold, or extend Nick Kurtz right now? CJ Abrams? Ben Rice? The answers might surprise you.Eno, Jed, and DVR break down all three in their favorite new game, "Trade, Hold, or Extend," then shift to two of baseball's hottest prospects: A.J. Ewing, who made a splash in his MLB debut for the Mets on Tuesday, and Henry Bolte, the Athletics outfielder just called up from Triple-A.Rundown:2:02 A.J. Ewing Debuts for the Mets5:45 Henry Bolte Gets the Call9:47 Skipping Rehab Assignments: Christian Yelich Activated From IL17:29 CJ Abrams' Future in D.C.29:49 Is There a Path to an Extension for Ben Rice?37:06 William Contreras' Long-Term Outlook45:42 A Nick Kurtz Extension?Follow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.socialFollow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.sociale-mail: [email protected] our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFeSubscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsHosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno SarrisWith: Jed LowrieEditor: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eno, Britt, and DVR hit the quarter mark of the season with a look at the Blue Jays’ lack of power and speed, questions surrounding the rotation, and concerns about Louis Varland’s heavy workload in the closer role. Later, DVR puts Eno and Britt to the test with his latest trivia challenge before the crew dives into the Pirates, Cardinals, and White Sox.Rundown: 2:00 DVR's Tattoo Promise 2:50 The Jays' Struggling Offense10:48 Jays Continue to Steal Few Bases16:08 Trivia Time!18:30 Pitching in Toronto23:02 Heavy Workload for Louis Varland26:39 The Pirates Are on Course32:32 Likely Mid-Summer Additions in Pittsburgh37:35 Checking In on the Cards43:02 How Far Away Are the Cards’ Impact Arms?50:06 What Happened to Matt Svanson?51:38 The White Sox's Rebuild Looks OK!59:45 Davis Martin is RollingFollow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.socialFollow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.socialFollow Britt on Bluesky: @brittghiroli.bsky.sociale-mail: [email protected] our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFeSubscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsHosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno SarrisWith: Britt GhiroliEditor: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eno and DVR discuss the recent returns of pitchers Blake Snell and Carlos Rodón, breaking down how the two hard-throwing lefties looked on the mound this weekend. They also preview Mookie Betts’ return to the Dodgers’ lineup Monday and what his presence means for the rest of the offense. Later, the guys analyze the trade that sent Giants catcher Patrick Bailey to the Guardians.Rundown:00:35 Weekend at Eno’s1:45 Blake Snell is Back!4:29 Mookie Betts Returns Monday8:30 Carlos Rodón Also Returned10:33 More Mother’s Day Magic in Milwaukee11:57 Bat Speed Buckets18:30 Do Hitters Change More Slowly than Pitchers?21:15 Ryan Waldschmidt Promoted33:18 Patrick Bailey Sent to Cleveland42:25 Bo Naylor to Triple-A50:04 Tough Starts: Bryce Miller, Tatsuya Imai & Trevor McDonald56:57 Where the Money Went: Zack Gelof 2.0Follow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.socialFollow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.sociale-mail: [email protected] our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFeSubscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsHosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno SarrisEditor: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jayson Stark and Doug Glanville explain why Mason Miller may be the most unhittable pitcher in MLB history before discussing the toughest pitcher Doug ever faced. Later, they’re joined by Terry Francona — Doug’s former manager, Jayson’s old neighbor, and current Reds skipper — to talk about his return to the dugout, memories of managing Doug in Philadelphia, and the joy of watching Elly De La Cruz lead the Reds.Rundown:1:35 Is Strands Inspired by Starkville?3:40 Is Mason Miller Baseball’s Most Unhittable Pitcher?8:01 Doug’s Most Unhittable Pitcher11:10 Reds Manager Terry Francona Joins the Show12:40 Being a Manager in 202619:21 Adjusting to ABS25:00 Managing Elly De La Cruz27:07 Playing 16228:10 The Good Ole Days31:38 Most Memorable Regular Season Game34:00 Health Update35:22 Benches Clearing Brawls36:39 Francona’s Gum Chewing Habit 38:55 Francona’s Most Unhittable Pitcher41:18 Strange But True52:00 Call Us at (347) 313-8371 Is Padres closer Mason Miller the most unhittable pitcher who ever lived?: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7244775/Follow Jayson on Bluesky: @jaysonst.bsky.socialFollow Doug on Bluesky: @dougglanville.bsky.socialE-mail: [email protected] to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsHosts: Jayson Stark & Doug GlanvilleWith: Terry FranconaProducer: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.