The ABS Strike Zone is Crushing Some Pitchers, How Can They Adjust?

Little League homers are making a comeback — at least for now — as the numbers have spiked across MLB this season. Eno, Trevor, and DVR break down what’s driving the surge in inside-the-park home runs, which pitchers have been hurt most by ABS, and who the most underrated relievers in baseball are in 2026. Later, the guys answer a Discord question about how MLB’s paternity list works and what it’s like balancing fatherhood with life in the big leagues.

Rundown:

0:30 Little League Home Runs: Are They Way Up This Season?

7:36 ABS Zone Impact: Which Pitchers Are Getting Hurt Most?

15:42 More Walks From Lefties?

19:46 Will Depth of Arsenal Guide Rebounds?

28:15 Who Succeeds at the Top of the Zone?

30:28 Underrated Relievers

51:30 Paternity List & Baseball Dads: How Does It Work?

Follow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.social

Follow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.social

Follow Trevor on Bluesky: @iamtrevormay.bsky.social

e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.com

Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFe

Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels

Hosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno Sarris

With: Trevor May

Editor: Jason Potere

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.