Episodes

  • The Rafael Devers Debate, Phillies Surging in NL East & MLB Power Rankings

    The Rafael Devers Debate, Phillies Surging in NL East & MLB Power Rankings
    Jun 29 2026
    Is Rafael Devers getting an unfair reputation? On today's episode, I explain why I think the conversation surrounding Devers has gone too far and why his teammates tell a much different story than the headlines. Then it's time for this week's MLB Power Rankings. The Phillies continue their surge, the Braves have stumbled after leading the NL East comfortably just weeks ago, the Dodgers remain on top, and several teams are making major moves as we approach the trade deadline. Also on today's show: My latest Top 10 MLB Power Rankings Phillies vs. Braves in the NL East Kyle Schwarber becomes MLB's first 30-home run hitter Why the Astros are looking dangerous again Jazz Chisholm's check-swing frustration The biggest stories from around Major League Baseball Thanks for listening! If you enjoy the show, be sure to follow, rate, and review—it really helps the podcast grow. ⚾ Timestamps: 0:00 Rafael Devers is Misunderstood 2:41 New MLB Power Rankings 15:12 Astros Are Coming 18:37 Biggest Pet Peeve 20:26 Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    23 mins
  • John Smoltz on the Shohei Ohtani & Dalton Rushing Drama + MLB Trade Deadline and more

    John Smoltz on the Shohei Ohtani & Dalton Rushing Drama + MLB Trade Deadline and more
    Jun 27 2026
    John Smoltz joins Ben Verlander for another edition of Saturday with Smoltz on Flippin' Bats. This week, they dive into the biggest story in baseball: the on-field miscommunication between Shohei Ohtani and Dodgers rookie catcher Dalton Rushing. Smoltz explains whether he experienced similar situations during his Hall of Fame career, how trust between a pitcher and catcher is built, and why communication is so important at the major league level. The conversation also covers: The Braves' shrinking lead in the NL East Which team John hopes becomes an aggressive buyer at the MLB Trade Deadline An under-the-radar pitcher who has caught his attention this season Plus plenty of baseball insight and stories from one of the game's greatest pitchers. Subscribe to Flippin' Bats for new episodes every week featuring the biggest stories across Major League Baseball. Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 0:48 Braves losing NL East Lead 3:45 Who Needs to Make a Trade 6:53 Ohtani/Rushing Situation 10:11 Underrated Pitcher Appreciation 13:09 Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    15 mins
  • Shohei Ohtani & Dalton Rushing's Miscommunication + Another Dominant Start | This Week in Shohei Ohtani News

    Shohei Ohtani & Dalton Rushing's Miscommunication + Another Dominant Start | This Week in Shohei Ohtani News
    Jun 25 2026
    Shohei Ohtani and rookie catcher Dalton Rushing couldn't seem to get on the same page early in Wednesday's start... and it led to one of the most frustrating innings of Shohei's season. Then everything changed. In this week's 'This Week in Shohei Ohtani News', we break down the miscommunication between Ohtani and Rushing, Shohei's postgame comments explaining exactly what happened, and how he responded by striking out the side and dominating the rest of the game. We also discuss: ⚾ Shohei averaging 100 MPH for the first time in his MLB career ⚾ The fastest pitch of his career (101.7 MPH) ⚾ Another dominant start (6 IP, 2 ER, 8 K) ⚾ Six home runs in his last 12 games ⚾ Becoming a father of two and his first comments after welcoming his son ⚾ Why Shohei continues to prove he's the most incredible player baseball has ever seen. If you enjoyed the episode, don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave a comment! Did the Shohei Ohtani frustration with Dalton Rushing surprise you? #ShoheiOhtani #Dodgers #MLB #Baseball #ThisWeekInShoheiOhtaniNews #DaltonRushing #大谷翔平 Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 0:16 Ohtani vs Rushing Frustration 3:15 Performance vs Twins 5:20 Rushing Struggles 7:42 Shohei Pushing Through Pain 9:35 Postgame Comments 10:54 Shohei Offense 13:38 New Dad x2 15:08 Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    17 mins
  • PCA Having MVP Season, Nick Kurtz Best 1B in MLB? + Shohei Ohtani Dad Strength | MLB Power Rankings

    PCA Having MVP Season, Nick Kurtz Best 1B in MLB? + Shohei Ohtani Dad Strength | MLB Power Rankings
    Jun 22 2026
    Is Nick Kurtz becoming the next superstar in Major League Baseball? On this episode of Flippin' Bats, we break down the incredible rise of Nick Kurtz, who is putting together one of the best offensive seasons in baseball at just 23 years old. From leading the American League in RBIs to posting elite numbers across the board, Kurtz is making a serious case as one of the game's best hitters—and perhaps the best first baseman in baseball. We also discuss Pete Crow-Armstrong's unbelievable MVP-caliber season and why, if not for Shohei Ohtani, he'd be right at the top of the National League MVP conversation. Plus, Shohei returns from paternity leave and immediately homers in his first game back. Also in this episode: ⚾ My dream Home Run Derby participants ⚾ This week's MLB Power Rankings ⚾ Team of the Week ⚾ The latest storylines from around Major League Baseball Who is your #1 team in MLB right now? Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 1:56 PCA MVP Numbers 4:41 HR Derby 9:43 Nick Kurtz 12:10 Around MLB 15:44 MLB Power Rankings 26:03 Team of the Week 30:27 East West Classic 35:12 Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    38 mins
  • Saturday with Smoltz: How Serious Is Shohei Ohtani's Blister? + Braves Concerns Growing

    Saturday with Smoltz: How Serious Is Shohei Ohtani's Blister? + Braves Concerns Growing
    Jun 20 2026
    Could Shohei Ohtani's blister become a serious problem as he chases one of the most historic seasons in baseball history? This week, Hall of Famer John Smoltz joins the show to discuss the growing concern surrounding Shohei Ohtani's blister issue and how difficult it can be for pitchers to perform through finger injuries. After allowing just 5 earned runs through his first 10 starts before surrendering 7 in his last two, is the blister to blame or is it something bigger? We also discuss whether there should be any concern surrounding the Atlanta Braves after injuries to both Spencer Strider and Ronald Acuña Jr., the Mariners' unique piggyback pitching strategy, and the latest proposed Home Run Derby rule changes. Don't miss another great baseball conversation with one of the greatest pitchers to ever take the mound. Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 1:49 John Smoltz Joins 2:17 Braves Concern 5:38 Shohei Blister Issue 8:27 Mariners Piggyback 11:01 New Derby Rules 12:39 The Pro Tour 14:43 Outro #MLB #ShoheiOhtani #JohnSmoltz #Dodgers #Braves #baseball Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    18 mins
  • Jacob Misiorowski Just Threw One of the Greatest Games in MLB History, White Sox prove they are LEGIT + MLB Power Rankings and more

    Jacob Misiorowski Just Threw One of the Greatest Games in MLB History, White Sox prove they are LEGIT + MLB Power Rankings and more
    Jun 15 2026
    Did Jacob Misiorowski just throw one of the greatest games in MLB history? On this episode, we break down a truly historic performance from the Brewers’ young ace and ask the question everyone is now talking about: is Jacob Misiorowski already one of the best pitchers in baseball? We dive into the dominance, the velocity, and the numbers behind a start that may have officially announced his arrival on the MLB stage. Plus, the Chicago White Sox continue their shocking rise after years of struggles, the latest MLB Power Rankings shake up the league, and Braden Montgomery makes history with a walk-off home run in his MLB debut. We also cover the Athletics’ wild week in their future Las Vegas home, Team of the Week, and all the biggest stories around Major League Baseball. Subscribe for new episodes covering the biggest moments, players, and debates across MLB. Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 0:39 A’s Play First Vegas Games 2:24 Jacob Misiorowski Becoming a Star 5:18 White Sox Keep Rolling 7:15 Braden Montgomery Journey 9:58 MLB Power Rankings 19:29 Team of the Week 25:55 Scottish Fans Take Over Fenway Park Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    28 mins
  • Is Shohei Ohtani Having The Greatest Season Ever? Leads MLB in ERA AND OPS

    Is Shohei Ohtani Having The Greatest Season Ever? Leads MLB in ERA AND OPS
    Jun 11 2026
    Is this the greatest season we’ve ever seen in baseball history? In this week’s This Week in Shohei Ohtani News, we break down another unbelievable stretch from Shohei Ohtani as he continues to dominate both as a pitcher and a hitter at the same time. Ohtani currently leads MLB in both OPS and ERA, a combination that simply shouldn’t exist. Through 10 starts on the mound, he’s posting one of the lowest ERAs in baseball history while also hitting over .300 with elite production at the plate. We dive into the numbers, the historic comparisons, and why what we’re watching right now may be unprecedented even in the long history of Major League Baseball. From 0.74 ERA dominance to elite offensive production, on pace for one of the highest WAR seasons ever recorded, everything about Shohei Ohtani right now is pushing the boundaries of what we thought was possible. This episode is all about appreciating greatness — because we may be watching something we’ll never see again. We also dive into his 11th start on the mound against the Pittsburgh Pirates and how he did at the plate as well, blasting his 12th HR of the season! Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 0:15 Greatest Season Ever 7:00 Shohei’s Offense 9:17 Pitching Performance vs Pirates 17:37 Postgame Comments 21:19 Recap Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    25 mins
  • Roki Sasaki's Emergence, Astros A Playoff Team?! + Aaron Judge Injury Update | MLB Power Rankings

    Roki Sasaki's Emergence, Astros A Playoff Team?! + Aaron Judge Injury Update | MLB Power Rankings
    Jun 8 2026
    Has Roki Sasaki finally arrived?After an up-and-down start to his MLB career, Roki Sasaki is beginning to look like the dominant pitcher baseball fans were promised. We break down his recent surge, what's changed, and why his latest outing may be the clearest sign yet that he's figuring things out at the Major League level.Plus, Aaron Judge is on the injured list with a stress fracture, what play did it happen on? How long is he out? All that and more is answered! Shohei Ohtani continues to put up numbers that don't seem possible, Cristopher Sanchez's incredible scoreless streak comes to an end, and I explain why I believe the Houston Astros are going to make the playoffs.We also dive into Josh Naylor's heated weekend, Tarik Skubal's return, this week's MLB Power Rankings, Team of the Week, and everything else happening around Major League Baseball.Subscribe for new episodes multiple times per week covering the biggest stories, players, and moments from around the game.#flippinbats FlippinBats #MLB #shoheiohtani #houstonastros #rokisasaki #japan #npb #aaronjudge #tarikskubal #powerrankings SUBSCRIBE to get the latest Flippin’ Bats with Ben Verlander content: https://www.youtube.com/flippinbatspod?sub_confirmation=1Timestamps:0:00 Intro0:41 Around The League Recap10:48 Roki Sasaki 13:45 Houston Astros17:05 Kevin McGonigle19:27 MLB Power Rankings28:56 Team of the Week37:43 UC Health HR Derby40:08 Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    43 mins