Zack Wheeler is Back in Ace Mode
Zack Wheeler is Back in Ace Mode  
Podcast: Rates & Barrels: A show about Baseball
Published On: Mon May 18 2026
Description: Another top prospect has arrived in Seattle, as 20-year-old Mariners shortstop Colt Emerson made his MLB debut Sunday. Eno and DVR also discuss how Zack Wheeler finally looks like his old self again after beginning the season on the IL, and why Dodgers starter Roki Sasaki may finally be settling in as a reliable starter in LA. Later, the guys open the mailbag to discuss Shohei Ohtani, stabilizing whiff rates, and the long-term outlook for Marlins second baseman Xavier Edwards.Rundown:0:47 Colt Emerson Promoted8:13 Zack Wheeler is Rolling12:11 Walk Rate Improvement: How Much is Sustainable?17:43 Surgery for Blake Snell: Loose Bodies in Elbow; Timetable TBD21:37 Roki’s Turnaround: Another Strong Start vs. Angels25:09 Justin Wrobleski Excelling in LA26:46 Grayson Rodriguez is Back: A Big Boost for Halos’ Rotation?28:33 Clay Holmes Out Several Weeks: Leg Fractured by Comebacker35:40 Jose Altuve is Hurt: Grade 2 Oblique Strain, Timetable TBD40:47 Weekly Decision: Using Shohei Ohtani as Pitcher Instead of UT?44:40 Whiff Rates: When Do They Stabilize?53:18 The Long Game: Xavier Edwards’ Future OutlookFollow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.socialFollow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.sociale-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.comJoin our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFeSubscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsHosts: Derek VanRiper & Eno SarrisEditor: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.