Flippin' Bats with Ben Verlander

Flippin' Bats with Ben Verlander

Flippin' Bats is a fun baseball podcast bringing you everything you want from around the league! You'll hear from Hall of Famer John Smoltz every week, you'll hear from the game's best players, and you'll be up to date on everything around the league! Baseball. Is. Fun. And so is Flippin' Bats!

Episodes

Shohei Ohtani’s Injuries Are Starting to Affect Him | This Week in Shohei Ohtani News

September 3, 2026 • 15 mins
Shohei Ohtani has been battling knee and biceps issues for months, and now those injuries may be taking a toll on his performance at the plate. After a four-strikeout game and an extended offensive slump, Dave Roberts acknowledged that Ohtani may need some time to rest. Ben breaks down Ohtani’s recent struggles, the latest on his stalled return to the mound, and why his health should now be the Dodgers’ biggest prior...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Pete Crow-Armstrong Is My NL MVP Over Shohei Ohtani + 5 Teams That Can Beat the Dodgers | New MLB Power Rankings

August 31, 2026 • 33 mins
I’ve been riding with Shohei Ohtani for NL MVP all season, but it’s time for me to admit it: I was wrong. Pete Crow-Armstrong has changed my mind, and I explain why he’s now my pick for MVP. Plus, we break down a huge Yankees-Red Sox series, the Astros surviving the chaos, Tarik Skubal’s emotional return to Detroit, the 5 teams that can beat the Dodgers in October, and my latest MLB Power Rankings. Who i...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

John Smoltz on the Dodgers’ SCARY October Rotation! The Braves STATEMENT Series + Astros’ Shocking GM Firing

August 29, 2026 • 16 mins
Can anyone stop the Dodgers if their rotation is finally healthy for October? John Smoltz breaks down Shohei Ohtani’s return to the mound and what this loaded Dodgers staff could look like in the postseason. Plus, Smoltz reacts to the Astros firing their GM while in first place, the Braves sweeping the Dodgers, and Pat Murphy’s unusual decision to bench Cooper Pratt.Are the Dodgers beatable in October? Timestamps: ...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Shohei Ohtani Could Return to the Mound Sunday + His MVP Case Is Heating Up | This Week in Shohei Ohtani News

August 27, 2026 • 12 mins
Shohei Ohtani could be back on the mound for the Dodgers as soon as Sunday. Ohtani has taken some major steps toward his pitching return, including facing live hitters and continuing to build up on the mound. We break down the latest on when he could pitch, why he won’t need a rehab assignment, and what his return would mean for a Dodgers rotation that is coming together at exactly the right time. Plus, Ohtani continues to ...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

The Dodgers’ October Plan Is Coming Together PERFECTLY + Astros FIRE GM, Padres New Ownership is AWESOME & MLB Power Rankings

August 25, 2026 • 29 mins
The Dodgers’ rotation is coming together at the perfect time, and October is starting to look scary for the rest of baseball. We break down why the Dodgers are built for this time of year, with Yoshinobu Yamamoto dealing, Tarik Skubal joining the rotation, Blake Snell dominating, Tyler Glasnow getting closer and Shohei Ohtani working toward his return to the mound. Plus, the Astros made major news by firing GM Dana Brown. W...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

John Smoltz Picks His NL MVP: Shohei Ohtani or PCA? + AL Wild Card CHAOS

August 22, 2026 • 18 mins
John Smoltz makes his pick in the NL MVP race between Shohei Ohtani and Pete Crow-Armstrong! This week on Saturday with Smoltz, I ask the Hall of Famer who he would vote for right now in one of baseball’s biggest award races. We also break down the absolute chaos in the American League Wild Card race and Smoltz gives his pick for which team ultimately gets in. Plus, with the Little League Classic this weekend, Smoltz shar...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Could Shohei Ohtani Leave the Dodgers? The Mark Walter Situation Explained | This Week in Shohei Ohtani News

August 20, 2026 • 18 mins
Could Shohei Ohtani actually leave the Dodgers? Reports surrounding Dodgers controlling owner Mark Walter have raised major questions about his financial empire, and because of a unique clause in Ohtani’s contract, Dodgers fans are wondering what it could mean for Shohei’s future in Los Angeles. On this week’s This Week in Shohei Ohtani, I break down what’s actually happening with Walter, why this does...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

The AL Playoff Race Is CHAOS… WHO GETS IN?! Murakami and the White Sox DOMINATE Tigers! + MLB Power Rankings

August 17, 2026 • 33 mins
The American League playoff race is absolute CHAOS. With six teams separated by just 1.5 games in the Wild Card race, I’m breaking down the contenders and making my picks for which six teams ultimately make the AL playoffs. Plus, the White Sox just went into Detroit and swept the Tigers in their biggest series of the season. Did Detroit blow its chance to make a run at the AL Central? And are the Blue Jays actually the team ...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Should We Be Worried About Paul Skenes? John Smoltz explains + His Emotional Field of Dreams Experience and Crazy 4th Out Rule

August 15, 2026 • 14 mins
Is there reason to be concerned about Paul Skenes? John Smoltz joins me for another Saturday with Smoltz to break down Skenes’ recent struggles, what he’s seeing from the Pirates ace, and whether there’s anything to worry about moving forward. We also get Smoltz’s take on one of the strangest plays you’ll see all season involving MLB’s “fourth out” rule, plus he shares a personal s...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Shohei Ohtani Takes Another Step Toward Pitching Return | This Week in Shohei Ohtani News

August 13, 2026 • 9 mins
Shohei Ohtani is getting closer to returning to the mound. After not pitching since July 3, Ohtani has now thrown on back-to-back days as he continues working his way toward his next bullpen session. We break down the latest on Ohtani’s pitching timeline, what his recent stolen base could tell us about his knee, and where things stand in the NL MVP race with Pete Crow-Armstrong. Plus, John Smoltz weighs in on the Ohtani vs....
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Tigers are HOT, Yankees Found Their Star SS + A New Team Atop the MLB Power Rankings

August 10, 2026 • 29 mins
The Detroit Tigers are officially making some noise in the American League — and this might be more than just a hot streak. We break down Detroit’s surge, Troy Melton’s incredible season, Jackson Jobe’s return and why this Tigers rotation could be a serious problem down the stretch. Plus, the Yankees may have found a game changer in George Lombard Jr. Is the rookie already becoming a star in New York? We...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

PCA or Shohei Ohtani? John Smoltz Settles the NL MVP Debate + MLB Trade Deadline Winners and Losers

August 8, 2026 • 22 mins
The NL MVP race is officially on. This week, John Smoltz joins the show to break down the biggest debate in baseball: Shohei Ohtani or Pete Crow-Armstrong for National League MVP? Is elite defense more valuable than elite pitching? Who has the stronger overall case? We also discuss: ⚾ John Smoltz's biggest winners from the MLB Trade Deadline ⚾ The Dodgers' pursuit of Tarik Skubal ⚾ The Braves' quiet deadline ⚾ Ohtani's incredible...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Shohei Ohtani vs. Pete Crow-Armstrong: Who Deserves NL MVP? | This Week in Shohei Ohtani News

August 6, 2026 • 16 mins
The NL MVP race is officially here. For months, Shohei Ohtani looked like the runaway favorite. Now, Pete Crow-Armstrong has forced his way into the conversation, and after an incredible head-to-head showdown, it's time to ask the question... Who deserves the National League MVP? In this week's This Week in Shohei Ohtani News, we break down: ⚾ Shohei Ohtani vs. Pete Crow-Armstrong for NL MVP 🔥 Their incredible "MVP duel" against...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

MLB Trade Deadline Winners & Losers + Why "Prospects Are Suspects"

August 4, 2026 • 50 mins
The MLB Trade Deadline is over, and it's time to separate the contenders from the pretenders. This week, I explain why "prospects are suspects" is more than just a saying, look back at some of the biggest blockbuster trades in MLB history, and rank my biggest winners and losers from this year's deadline. Plus, thoughts on the Cubs, Dodgers, Padres, Yankees, Braves, Brewers, Tigers, Orioles, Astros and more, before wrapping up wit...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

John Smoltz Shares Untold Hall of Fame Stories of Andruw Jones, Jeff Kent, and Carlos Beltran

August 1, 2026 • 16 mins
Hall of Fame Weekend is over... but John Smoltz has stories you probably haven't heard. We talk about baseball's newest Hall of Famers, share stories about each of them, behind-the-scenes moments from Cooperstown, and why Hall of Fame Weekend means so much to everyone who's been part of it. Who was your favorite of the 3 new Hall of Famers? #MLB #HallOfFame #JohnSmoltz #Baseball #AndruwJones #JeffKent #CarlosBeltran Timestamps:...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

ESPN's New Shohei Ohtani Podcast + Injury Update | This Week in Shohei Ohtani News

July 30, 2026 • 14 mins
ESPN has released a brand-new 30 for 30 podcast series, The Betrayal of Shohei Ohtani, bringing the Ippei Mizuhara scandal back into the spotlight more than two years later. But why now? I listened to the entire series and break down what is actually new, what isn't, and whether this story needed to be revisited in the middle of another historic Shohei Ohtani season. Plus, the latest on Shohei's injury updates, his return-to-pit...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

MLB Trade Deadline: 5 Teams That Need to Buy + Hall of Fame & Power Rankings

July 27, 2026 • 39 mins
The MLB Trade Deadline is almost here... and there are FIVE teams that NEED to buy. The problem? I don't trust them to actually do it. Who made my list? And which team has me more frustrated than ever? Plus: ⚾ My latest MLB Power Rankings 🏛️ Carlos Beltrán, Andruw Jones & Jeff Kent are officially Hall of Famers 🔥 Team of the Week Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 1:30 5 Teams That NEED to BUY... But Won't 17:35 3 New Hall of F...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

John Smoltz on Shohei Ohtani's MVP Case + The One Thing He'd Trade for Another World Series Ring

July 25, 2026 • 19 mins
John Smoltz joins me for another edition of Saturday with Smoltz, and this week we start with the biggest question in baseball: Should Shohei Ohtani still be the favorite to win the National League MVP? We break down Shohei's latest injury update, what it means for the Dodgers, and whether the MVP race has become much more interesting. Then, Smoltz shares one of the most fascinating answers he's ever given on this show—reve...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Shohei Ohtani's Injury Cause NL MVP Shakeup? Tarik Skubal Trade News, Red Sox Surging & MLB Power Rankings | Flippin' Bats

July 20, 2026 • 34 mins
Shohei Ohtani won't pitch again for some time because of his knee—but does that finally open the door for a new National League MVP? In today's episode, I explain why I still believe Shohei is the clear MVP, even if he doesn't throw another pitch this season, and break down what Dave Roberts' latest comments mean for the Dodgers moving forward. Plus: Why Tarik Skubal says he doesn't want to be traded—and...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Shohei Ohtani Wins ESPY + Latest Knee Update | This Week in Shohei Ohtani News

July 17, 2026 • 15 mins
Shohei Ohtani's latest ESPY win has baseball fans debating one question: Was it the greatest single-game performance ever? In this week's This Week in Shohei Ohtani News, I explain why I believe the award was deserved, react to the debate surrounding Shohei's historic performance, and discuss why I think it belongs among the greatest games ever played. Plus: - Mike Tyson's hilarious reaction to learning Shohei is a man 😂 - The l...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    Stuff You Should Know

    Stuff You Should Know

    If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

    Betrayal Weekly

    Betrayal Weekly

    Betrayal Weekly is back for a new season. Every Thursday, Betrayal Weekly shares first-hand accounts of broken trust, shocking deceptions, and the trail of destruction they leave behind. Hosted by Andrea Gunning, this weekly ongoing series digs into real-life stories of betrayal and the aftermath. From stories of double lives to dark discoveries, these are cautionary tales and accounts of resilience against all odds. From the producers of the critically acclaimed Betrayal series, Betrayal Weekly drops new episodes every Thursday. If you would like to share your story, you can reach out to the Betrayal Team by emailing them at betrayalpod@gmail.com and follow us on Instagram at @betrayalpod and @glasspodcasts. Please join our Substack for additional exclusive content, curated book recommendations, and community discussions. Sign up FREE by clicking this link Beyond Betrayal Substack. Join our community dedicated to truth, resilience, and healing. Your voice matters! Be a part of our Betrayal journey on Substack.

    Dateline NBC

    Dateline NBC

    Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

    The Joe Rogan Experience

    The Joe Rogan Experience

    The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.

    Love Trapped

    Love Trapped

    Former Bachelor Clayton Echard’s casual one-night fling turned into a paternity nightmare. When the news broke about the scandal, no one believed Clayton at first. He was a reality TV star, and an unpopular one at that. Clayton found himself trying to prove the truth, while trapped in a web of lies, manipulation, and threats. He would soon discover he was not the only one. At its core, this is a story about who you believe and why. It’s an epic battle that would take a group of strangers, citizen sleuths from across the world, to crack the case and finally hold someone accountable. New episodes of Love Trapped are released every Thursday, starting February 26th, 2026. If you would like to reach out to the Love Trapped team, email us at lovetrappedpod@gmail.com and follow along on Instagram @glasspodcasts.

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

Explore

iHeart

Live Radio

Podcasts

Artist Radio

Exclusives

News

Features

Events

Contests

Photos

Information

About

Advertise

Blog

Brand Guidelines

Contest Guidelines

Subscription Offers

Jobs

Get the App

Automotive

Home

Wearables

© 2026 iHeartMedia, Inc.

  • Help
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • AdChoicesAd Choices