Flippin' Bats with Ben Verlander

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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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