Rates & Barrels: A show about Baseball

Braves Have a Dodgers Problem & Padres-Brewers Could Be a Classic

October 2, 2026·56 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

The NLDS is here. DVR and Eno preview Braves-Dodgers and Padres-Brewers, breaking down the pitching matchups, lineup weaknesses, bullpen advantages and X-factors that could decide both National League Division Series.Can Atlanta find a way to slow down the Dodgers? The Braves took five of six from Los Angeles during the regular season, but the postseason pitching staffs look very different. DVR and Eno examine how Chris Sale could be deployed, why J.R. Ritchie could become a surprise weapon for Atlanta and how the Dodgers’ collection of high-velocity arms could attack one of the Braves’ biggest offensive weaknesses.The Dodgers finished among MLB’s leaders in 95+ mph fastballs, while Atlanta posted a .295 wOBA against those pitches during the regular season. Which Braves hitters can handle premium velocity? Plus, how healthy and effective will Shohei Ohtani be, and can Freddie Freeman bounce back after a difficult September?Then it's Padres-Brewers. Milwaukee owns the top seed, but San Diego enters the NLDS after a huge second half and a Wild Card Series win over the Cubs. DVR and Eno dig into Jacob Misiorowski, Logan Henderson, Milwaukee’s pitching plans, Mason Miller and the battle between two deep bullpens.The Brewers' offense might also be more dangerous than its reputation suggests. Milwaukee combines on-base ability, bat speed and aggressive baserunning, while both the Brewers and Padres finished among MLB's best teams against 95+ mph fastballs. Could that become a major factor against Misiorowski and San Diego's power bullpen?Finally, it's time to Close the Tab on the 2026 Philadelphia Phillies. After another disappointing October exit, DVR and Eno discuss how the Bryce Harper era should be evaluated, an aging roster, Zack Wheeler, Trea Turner, Andrew Painter and whether Philadelphia should keep pushing its chips in for another championship run.Like, Subscribe and drop us a comment!e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.comJoin our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFeSubscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsRates & Barrels MERCH: https://rates-and-barrels.printify.me/Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno SarrisExecutive Producer & Editor: McEnroe FrancisCHAPTERS00:00 Intro00:46 Braves-Dodgers: Setting Up the Series05:46 How Atlanta's Rotation Could Line Up09:10 Could J.R. Ritchie Be Atlanta's X-Factor?11:44 The Dodgers' Pitching Advantage12:34 Atlanta's Problem With High-Velocity Fastballs17:06 Shohei Ohtani & Freddie Freeman Questions20:18 Braves-Dodgers Predictions21:05 Padres-Brewers NLDS Preview25:26 How the Schedule Impacts Jacob Misiorowski27:49 Milwaukee's Rotation After Misiorowski32:45 How Dangerous Is the Brewers Offense?35:24 Can San Diego Stop Milwaukee on the Bases?36:59 Breaking Down the Bullpens39:36 Milwaukee's Bullpen vs. Mason Miller41:12 Brewers & Padres Can Both Hit Velocity42:40 Padres-Brewers Predictions43:19 Closing the Tab on the Phillies47:23 Evaluating the Bryce Harper Era48:12 What Should Philadelphia Do Next?52:11 The Phillies' Aging Lineup55:29 A Wild Trade Idea for Philadelphia Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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