Flippin' Bats with Ben Verlander

Latest Episodes:

My Brother Justin Verlander is Retiring Jul 08, 2026

Show notes

Today is a day that I always knew had to come eventually, but never believed it would actually happen. My brother, Justin Verlander, has officially announced his retirement from Major League Baseball. In this video, I share my thoughts on his incredible career, what he's meant to me as a brother, and what I'll remember most from watching his journey unfold over the past two decades. Thank you, Justin, for everything you've given to the game of baseball.

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2026 MLB All-Star Snubs, Power Rankings & Team of the Month Jul 06, 2026

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The 2026 MLB All-Star rosters are officially set, and there are several players who should have made the team.

In this episode, I break down my biggest All-Star snubs, discuss who deserves to start the All-Star Game on the mound, react to Mike Trout's 12th All-Star selection, and talk about the possibility of Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber competing in the Home Run Derby in Philadelphia.

Plus, I unveil my latest MLB Power Rankings, discuss the surging Astros and Tigers, and reveal my Team of the Month after another exciting month around Major League Baseball.

Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 0:42 All-Star Snubs 9:52 Harper and Schwarber in Derby?! 13:18 MLB Power Rankings 23:20 June Team of the Month 26:58 All-Star Staring Pitchers? 29:28 26 First Time All-Stars 30:41 Outro

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Should the Tigers Trade Tarik Skubal? + John Smoltz on the Yankees, Astros & Pitch Velocity Jul 04, 2026

Show notes

This week on Saturday with Smoltz, John Smoltz joins me to discuss one of baseball's biggest trade deadline questions: Should the Tigers consider trading Tarik Skubal? We also break down whether the Yankees should be concerned about their recent struggles, why the Astros remain a legitimate playoff threat, and whether pitchers are actually throwing harder today—or if our perception of velocity has changed. As always, Smoltz shares thoughtful insight, strong opinions, and stories from his Hall of Fame career.

Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 1:49John Smoltz Joins 2:05 Has Velocity Reading Changed? 5:10 Concern About Yankees? 6:04 Astros a Playoff Team? 7:40 Trade Deadline Talk 9:03 Would You Trade Skubal? 9:45 Outro

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Why Shohei Ohtani Won't Pitch in the 2026 All-Star Game | This Week in Shohei Ohtani News Jul 02, 2026

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Shohei Ohtani will NOT pitch in the 2026 MLB All-Star Game... but there's a very good reason why. On this week's This Week in Shohei Ohtani News, I break down why the Dodgers pushed Ohtani's schedule back, why it means he won't take the mound in Philadelphia, and why I actually think it was the right decision. We'll also cover: - The real reason behind the schedule change - Ohtani's latest week at the plate - His comments about returning home to his growing family - Dave Roberts becoming the fastest manager ever to reach 1,000 wins - And everything else you need to know from another week of Shohei Ohtani news. Don't forget to subscribe for a new episode of This Week in Shohei Ohtani News every week!

Timestamps:

0:00 Shohei Not Pitching in ASG

1:30 Why His Start Was Pushed Back

3:42 Shohei's Offensive Week

7:58 Congrats to Dave Roberts

10:08 Ben Verlander Guarantee (BVG)

10:58 Outro

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The Rafael Devers Debate, Phillies Surging in NL East & MLB Power Rankings Jun 29, 2026

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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 on the Shohei Ohtani & Dalton Rushing Drama + MLB Trade Deadline and more Jun 27, 2026

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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 & Dalton Rushing's Miscommunication + Another Dominant Start | This Week in Shohei Ohtani News Jun 25, 2026

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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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PCA Having MVP Season, Nick Kurtz Best 1B in MLB? + Shohei Ohtani Dad Strength | MLB Power Rankings Jun 22, 2026

Show notes

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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Saturday with Smoltz: How Serious Is Shohei Ohtani's Blister? + Braves Concerns Growing Jun 20, 2026

Show notes

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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Jacob Misiorowski Just Threw One of the Greatest Games in MLB History, White Sox prove they are LEGIT + MLB Power Rankings and more Jun 15, 2026

Show notes

Did Jacob Misiorowski just throw one of the greatest games in MLB history?

On this episode, we break down a truly historic performance from the Brewers’ young ace and ask the question everyone is now talking about: is Jacob Misiorowski already one of the best pitchers in baseball?

We dive into the dominance, the velocity, and the numbers behind a start that may have officially announced his arrival on the MLB stage.

Plus, the Chicago White Sox continue their shocking rise after years of struggles, the latest MLB Power Rankings shake up the league, and Braden Montgomery makes history with a walk-off home run in his MLB debut.

We also cover the Athletics’ wild week in their future Las Vegas home, Team of the Week, and all the biggest stories around Major League Baseball.

Subscribe for new episodes covering the biggest moments, players, and debates across MLB.

Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 0:39 A’s Play First Vegas Games 2:24 Jacob Misiorowski Becoming a Star 5:18 White Sox Keep Rolling 7:15 Braden Montgomery Journey 9:58 MLB Power Rankings 19:29 Team of the Week 25:55 Scottish Fans Take Over Fenway Park

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