Evan & Tiki

Latest Episodes:

Hour 1: Max Fried Injury Threatens Yankees’ Entire October Plan Aug 18, 2026

Show notes

Max Fried is back on the injured list with the same elbow issue that already cost him nearly two months, and Evan Roberts has zero confidence the Yankees will see him pitch again this season. Evan and Tiki Barber debate whether Fried can realistically return for October, why Carlos Rodon suddenly carries even more pressure, and how the injury reinforces baseball’s harshest lesson: you can never have enough pitching. The Yankees also face a difficult roster decision when Cody Bellinger returns, with Spencer Jones looking like the likely casualty. On the Mets side, Evan refuses to call their four-game winning streak a playoff push but is enjoying the young talent and looking toward 2027. Plus, David Stearns leaves the door cracked for Andy Green’s managerial future, and the guys debate whether winning down the stretch could change the Mets’ plans.

Hour 2: Craig Carton Gets Fact-Checked Over Jaxson Dart Aug 18, 2026

Show notes

Craig Carton called out Evan Roberts and Tiki Barber for supposedly ignoring the biggest question about Jaxson Dart returning to a preseason game after a blue-tent evaluation. There was just one problem: they had already debated it. Evan brings the receipts, while Tiki explains why a young quarterback like Dart still needs valuable preseason reps. The conversation also turns to Breece Hall’s groin injury and why Tiki worries missed practice time could affect his Week 1 readiness. Plus, the Yankees face a difficult decision with Spencer Jones when Cody Bellinger returns, Evan makes the statistical case for batting your best hitter leadoff, and the Jets debate whether winning now matters more than chasing future draft position.

Hour 3: Evan Reverses Course on Jaxson Dart Conspiracy Aug 18, 2026

Show notes

Jaxson Dart’s constant trips to the blue tent are not an NFL conspiracy. After reviewing every incident, Evan Roberts admits he was wrong and joins Tiki Barber in pointing to the real issue: Dart repeatedly stays down after hits, giving concussion spotters every reason to pull him from the game. They explain why Dart and his teammates need to change that pattern. Evan and Tiki also react to the Giants signing Najee Harris, debate whether he could eventually surpass Tyrone Tracy in the backfield, and examine what the Jets must become offensively to have any chance of winning. Plus, Jets fans argue over tanking for a quarterback and Evan explains why three first-round picks make losing on purpose unnecessary.

Hour 4: Indispensable Yankees & The Jackson Dart Blue Tent Debate Aug 18, 2026

Show notes

Evan and Tiki evaluate which Yankees are most indispensable following a string of injuries, highlighting players like Ben Rice and George Lombard Jr. They discuss the Jets' offensive goals and dive into a debate regarding Jackson Dart’s frequent blue tent visits and the effectiveness of current concussion protocols. They also cover the return of Pete Alonso and Jose Iglesias' special appearance at Citi Field.

(00:01:50) Yankees-Orioles Series Preview

(00:05:21) Most Indispensable Yankees List

(00:08:58) Jets Offensive Potential

(00:12:14) Jackson Dart Blue Tent

(00:17:12) Concussion Protocols And Safety

(00:22:19) Jose Iglesias Mets News

(00:25:48) Evaluating Jackson Dart Development

(00:29:30) Pete Alonso Playoff Roadmap

(00:37:46) Pete Alonso Return To Citi Field

(00:40:40) NFL Standings Projections

Max Fried’s Injury Leaves the Yankees Vulnerable Aug 18, 2026

Show notes

Max Fried is headed back to the injured list with a recurrence of the left elbow bone bruise that already cost him more than two months, putting even more pressure on a Yankees roster that can’t afford another major loss. Evan and Tiki debate which Yankees are now the most indispensable, with Ben Rice, David Bednar, Gerrit Cole and George Lombard Jr. all entering the conversation. Lombard’s immediate defensive impact and the energy he has brought to the Yankees make a strong case for the top spot, while Bednar’s dominance at the back end of the bullpen could make him even more important in close games. The hour also touches on the Jets’ need to finally produce a top-half offense and Jose Iglesias returning to Citi Field to throw out the first pitch.

Jaxson Dart Must Change How He Takes Hits Aug 18, 2026

Show notes

Jaxson Dart’s constant trips to the blue tent may have a simple explanation. Evan Roberts and Tiki Barber review the quarterback’s previous injury evaluations and identify the recurring pattern: Dart stays on the ground after hits, immediately drawing the attention of medical spotters. Evan even reverses his previous belief that the NFL was unfairly targeting Dart, arguing the tape tells a different story. Tiki explains why teammates need to help Dart up when he is okay and how a quarterback’s reaction to contact can influence whether he gets pulled for evaluation. Plus, the debate turns to the Giants backfield, where Tyrone Tracy is viewed as the current RB1 while Najee Harris emerges as a bold pick to eventually lead the running backs in rushing.

Giants Sign Najee Harris, Putting Tyrone Tracy on Notice Aug 18, 2026

Show notes

The Giants are signing Najee Harris, but Evan Roberts and Tiki Barber don’t see the move as a punishment for Tyrone Tracy’s costly pass-protection mistake. They explain why Tracy still belongs atop the depth chart, how Harris can strengthen the backfield once healthy, and why Joe Schoen keeps attacking positions where the Giants need more depth. The conversation also turns to Jets fans calling for a tank, with Evan arguing that three first-round picks give New York a path to a franchise quarterback without intentionally losing. Plus, concern grows around Max Fried’s injury and what it could mean for the Yankees’ postseason rotation.

Jets Tank Talk Gets Shut Down Before Week 1 Aug 18, 2026

Show notes

The Jets should be trying to win, not dreaming about draft position before the season even starts. Evan Roberts and Tiki Barber push back on the idea of rooting for losses, arguing that New York has enough offensive talent and future draft capital to prioritize progress now instead of another reset. Evan also brings the numbers behind his case for batting Aaron Judge leadoff, showing how many additional plate appearances the Yankees could create for their best hitter. Plus, the debate turns to whether Andy Green’s strong run managing the Mets could eventually change his mind about wanting the job, and “Posted and Toasted” digs up some revealing old WFAN tweets.

Craig Carton’s Jaxson Dart Callout Backfires Aug 18, 2026

Show notes

Craig Carton called out Evan Roberts and Tiki Barber for supposedly failing to question why Jaxson Dart returned to a preseason game after a blue-tent evaluation. Evan fires back with the receipts, proving they not only asked the question but debated it extensively, while Tiki explains why Dart still needs those valuable preseason reps. The first 20 minutes also bring encouraging news on Breece Hall’s groin injury, though Tiki raises concerns about what missed practice time could mean for his Week 1 sharpness. Plus, Evan argues the Yankees must keep giving Spencer Jones opportunities when Cody Bellinger returns, and a Mets caller pushes for Kodai Senga to embrace “Ghostbusters” as his bullpen entrance music.

Spencer Jones May Be Yankees’ Odd Man Out Aug 18, 2026

Show notes

Cody Bellinger’s return could force the Yankees into a roster decision fans will hate. Evan Roberts lays out the limited options, with Spencer Jones looking like the most likely player to be sent down despite showing promise. Tiki Barber ultimately agrees that Jones may be the move, while Evan argues the Yankees should consider carrying one fewer pitcher instead of sacrificing a young bat. The conversation then takes a lighter turn into baseball walk-up music and whether sponsorships could eventually invade one of the sport’s best traditions. Evan and Tiki celebrate the connection between players, fans and iconic songs, including memories of Mets music that became permanently tied to baseball.

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