First-Week Takeaways & Weekend Waiver Wire Preview
First-Week Takeaways & Weekend Waiver Wire Preview  
Podcast: Rates & Barrels: A show about Baseball
Published On: Fri Apr 03 2026
Description: DVR is joined by Jason Collette to discuss the evolution of pre-debut contracts and early takeaways -- including the highly-anticipated return Shane McClanahan -- and the surprising lack of stolen bases from the Rays in their first two series of the season. They also take an early look at waiver-wire targets, highlighting several starting pitchers of interest, a few relievers to consider from bullpens in turmoil, and the fast start for Jordan Walker. Rundown1:55 Commissioner’s Corner: Move Weekly Pickups to Thursday Night!8:37 Context is Key: James Wood Reveals 2025 Injuries11:34 Checking In on the Rays: Observations Through Two Series18:59 He’s Back! The Return of Shane McClanahan23:59 Efficiency FTW: Drew Rasmussen Has a New Changeup28:15 Early-Season Matchups: What Matters When Considering Pitchers?34:24 Another Bat Speed Riser: Interest Level in Luisangel Acuña37:29 Weekend Waiver Preview: Starting Pitchers We’re Considering41:55 The Roster Bubble Starting Pitchers (40-60% Rostered)48:23 Digging Deeper (20-40% Rostered)53:26 Looking for Saves: Assessing Relievers in Flux56:45 Cautious with Hitting Surprises? Buying Jordan Walker’s Adjustments?Follow DVR on Bluesky: @DVR.bsky.socialFollow Eno on Bluesky: @enosarris.bsky.socialFollow Jason on Bluesky: @jasoncollette.bsky.social. e-mail: ratesandbarrels@gmail.comJoin our Discord: https://discord.gg/FyBa9f3wFeSubscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrelsHost: Derek VanRiperWith Guest Co-Host: Jason ColletteEditor: Jason Potere Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.