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 Show
35:11 Travis Bazzana: Impressing From the Jump
36:44 Brayan Rocchio & Angel Martínez Impressing
39:55 Guardians Tied for Second in Steals This Season
42:54 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 Strength
Follow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.social
Follow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.social
Follow Britt on Bluesky: @brittghiroli.bsky.social
e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com
Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe
Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels
Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris
With: Britt Ghiroli and Zack Meisel
Editor: Jason Potere
","author_name":"The Athletic"}