The Seattle Mariners sent Colt Emerson back to Triple-A — so what went wrong for one of baseball’s most talented young prospects? DVR and Eno Sarris break down Emerson’s struggles, his alarming strikeout rate, what Seattle should expect from him going forward and why a reset in the minors could ultimately be the right move for his development.
Plus, Jacob deGrom left his latest start with right triceps fatigue, adding another major injury concern for a Rangers rotation already dealing with the loss of Nathan Eovaldi. DVR and Eno look at potential replacements and break down several pitchers nearing returns, including Edward Cabrera and Carlos Rodón. DeGrom said afterward that he was optimistic the issue wasn't serious, though further evaluation was expected.
The guys also discuss another blown save from Edwin Díaz and whether the Dodgers should temporarily make a change in the ninth inning. Could Tanner Scott become the reliever to roster if Los Angeles gives Díaz a break from closing?
Then Niv Shah joins the show to help navigate fantasy trade deadlines. Is Corbin Carroll worth paying up for? Is Gunnar Henderson becoming a potential 2027 draft-day bargain? And how should fantasy managers value stars like Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge and Juan Soto as keeper and dynasty decisions loom?
First Pitch Arizona: https://www.baseballhq.com/pricing/first-pitch-arizona-2026
Follow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.social
Follow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.social
e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com
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Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris
Contributor: Niv Shah
Executive Producer: McEnroe Francis
Editor: McEnroe Francis
Thumbnail Courtesy: Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images
00:00 Today on Rates & Barrels
03:00 Taj Bradley & Field of Dreams Takeaways
05:15 Is Baseball Better Without the Strike Zone Box?
11:01 Brewers Hit Hard by Injuries
15:08 Cooper Pratt’s Fantasy Outlook
18:28 What Went Wrong With Colt Emerson?
24:33 Mariners’ Struggles & Cal Raleigh’s Down Year
27:48 Jacob deGrom Injury & Pitchers Returning Soon
30:45 Is Jared Jones Still a Must-Roster Pitcher?
34:24 Fantasy Waiver Wire: Hunter Dobbins
36:09 Jackson Kent’s Fantasy Potential
40:20 Should Dodgers Make a Change at Closer?
43:07 Fantasy Saves & Bullpen Targets
45:23 Young Shortstops & Fantasy Waiver Targets
45:43 Is Zac Veen Finally Breaking Out?
52:35 Fantasy Baseball Trade Deadline Strategy
53:58 Ohtani, Judge & Soto’s Massive Keeper Prices
59:25 Buy Low on Corbin Carroll?
1:00:36 What Happened to Gunnar Henderson?
1:04:49 Fantasy Value of Gunnar Henderson in 2027
1:05:20 The Chicago Hot Dog Review
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