Chaos scenarios are unfolding in the battle for the AL Central, and Wild Card spots in both leagues. Eno and DVR discuss the upcoming Tigers-Guardians series that will shape the division battle, the Reds' four-game sweep over the Cubs that has vaulted Cincinnati ahead of the Mets (on a tie-breaker) for the final NL Wild Card position with one week remaining. Plus, they discuss injuries for Brandon Woodruff, Pablo López, and Chris Bassitt, and take a look back at where the top pitchers in 2025 were taken during draft season.

Rundown

6:11 The Guardians Are One Game Back in the AL Central!

13:47 Mariners Sweep Astros (Zombies over Witches), Three-Game Lead in AL West

19:56 Does Late-Season Lead to Playoff Success?

26:57 The Reds' Final Week Matchups

29:18 Brandon Woodruff Suffers a Lat Strain; Brewers' Rotation Outlook for Playoffs

36:48 Where Did Elly De La Cruz's Power Go in the Second Half?

40:53 Bryan Woo's Early Exit (Pectoral Strain)

51:04 Where Did The Top Starting Pitchers Come From in 2025?

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

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Eno and DVR discuss Hunter Greene's timely completely game shutout against the Cubs as the Reds attempt to hang around in the battle for an NL Wild Card, Clayton Kershaw's announcement that he will retire at the end of the 2025 season, the Guardians' long road back toward finding an AL Wild Card, and the late-season surge from Sandy Alcantara. Plus, they discuss Eury Pérez's sharp home/road splits, Trevor Story's great year for the Red Sox, and a few weekend waiver-wire considerations for the final pickups in weekly leagues.

Rundown

2:22 Hunter Greene: Keeps Reds' Wild Card Hopes Alive w/CGSHO

7:25 Brady Singer Exceeds Expectations in Cincinnati

14:52 Clayton Kershaw: Announces Plan to Retire After 2025 Season

20:18 The Guardians' Improbable Push Back Toward the Postseason

25:48 Sandy Alcantara is...Back?

31:35 Post Tommy John Surgery Peaks & Outlooks

43:14 Eury Pérez's Sharp Home/Road Splits

49:58 Trevor Story and a Decision for the Red Sox

57:30 Weekend Waiver Wire Considerations

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e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

Producer: Brian Smith

Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper

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Eno, Trevor, and DVR discuss the Astros' early-week sweep of the Rangers, setting up a critical weekend series with the Mariners for control of the AL West, perception of the Cubs in September as they secured their playoff berth Wednesday despite a late IL stint from Kyle Tucker. Plus, they take a look at the struggles of Tanner Scott, the rebound from Trevor Rogers, and a potential fit for the Orioles' GM vacancy as they aim to turn the page on a disappointing 2025 campaign.

Rundown

1:06 Zombies vs. Witches for Control of the AL West?

5:33 The Guardians Are Hanging Around

12:56 The Cubs Clinch a Postseason Berth

17:59 Why Is Tanner Scott Getting Hit So Often In-Zone?

29:54 Trevor Rogers' Massive 2025 Rebound

47:53 Finding a GM to Work with Mike Elias in Baltimore

54:55 What Do You Want From Scouting Departments?

Follow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.social

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e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com

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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

With: Trevor May

Producer: Brian Smith

Executive Producer: Derek VanRiper

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.