Foul Territory

Let’s pick our own April Awards: Biggest surprises and disappointments, Best moments, and Players, Pitchers, and Rookies of the month. Plus, AJ dropped some predictions for May. (top of show) (14:16) Phillies closer Jhoan Duran is throwing a bullpen session for the first time since his injury as he recovers from an oblique strain. (17:07) The White Sox have finished April with a 13-13 record. It’s their first month finishing at .500 or above since June 2023. To explore coverage, visit aspcapetinsurance.com/FOUL. The ASPCA® is not an insurer and is not engaged in the business of insurance. (18:59) Mike Trout is turning back the clock this year. Will his bounce-back season result in teams wanting to trade for him? (21:33) Twins starting pitching has been lights out this season. Their bullpen, on the other hand, has been messy. (24:58) The Braves continue to play elite baseball. (27:19) Mets center fielder Luis Robert Jr. heads to the IL…again. Hosts: Pierzynski, Kratz, Rizzo Use our code for 10% off your next SeatGeek order* seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discountSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of baseball's best storytellers is back on FT! Tim Kurkjian makes the case for why the game is at its peak right now, weighs in on the firings of Alex Cora and Rob Thomson, breaks down Munetaka Murakami's historic start, explains the rise in strikeout rates, and looks at why the NL Central is surging while the AL Central is struggling. Coach Smarter, Connect Live, Replay the Action with GameChanger. Learn more at gc.com (21:34) How are some of the biggest offseason free agent signings performing one month into the season? Hosts: AJ Pierzynski, Erik Kratz, Scott Braun To explore coverage, visit aspcapetinsurance.com/FOUL. The ASPCA® is not an insurer and is not engaged in the business of insurance. Use our code for 10% off your next SeatGeek order* seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discountSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are the Braves the best team in baseball right now? We ask TV analyst C.J. Nitkowski, who tells us about Walt Weiss exceeding expectations, updates us on Sean Murphy and Ha-Seong Kim, plus he explains why Ronald Acuña Jr. is poised for an eruption. To explore coverage, visit aspcapetinsurance.com/FOUL. The ASPCA® is not an insurer and is not engaged in the business of insurance. The Athletic's Sam Blum joined FT to discuss the Angels' bullpen struggles, Mike Trout's resurgence, the roof situation at Daikin Park, and Tatsuya Imai's difficulty adapting to life in the majors. Hosts: AJ Pierzynski, Erik Kratz, Scott Braun Use our code for 10% off your next SeatGeek order* seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discountSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ex-MLB player Alexei Ramírez tested positive for four different steroids at the WBC?! (top of the show) AJ comments on his former teammate. (02:41) The Dodgers are managing Shohei Ohtani carefully to boost his Cy Young chances and be ready for October. (15:58) Rob Thomson made himself available to reporters following his firing and handled it with a lot of class. Will he work for the Phillies next year or go elsewhere? (25:22) Albert Pujols could have been the manager in Anaheim this year, but wanted organizational personnel changes. (27:41) Mets manager Carlos Mendoza says there have been no conversations about his future. (28:40) Travis Bazzana was intentionally walked in his MLB debut. Epic! To explore coverage, visit aspcapetinsurance.com/FOUL. The ASPCA® is not an insurer and is not engaged in the business of insurance. (29:44) D'backs infielder Ildemaro Vargas, a 34-year-old vet, is having by far the best season of his career. (32:01) Yankees starter Cam Schlitter is INSANE. (40:56) Juan Soto is dealing with some forearm tightness. Our listeners can buy one prescription pair and get 20% off additional pairs at WarbyParker.com/FOUL — and using our link helps support the show. #WarbyParker #ad (43:34) Storyline roundup: Trey Yesavage is back, Cubs pitcher Justin Steele suffered a setback, Royals infielder Jonathan India is out for the season, and Marlins closer Pete Fairbanks and Red Sox starter Garrett Crochet both head to the IL. (45:44) George Springer has been activated off the IL. Hosts: AJ Pierzynski, Erik Kratz, Scott Braun Use our code for 10% off your next SeatGeek order* seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discountSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How tough was the decision for the Phillies to fire Rob Thomson? The Phillies Show co-host Ruben Amaro Jr. joined FT to show respect for Topper and detail what we can expect from Don Mattingly as the interim manager. What is it like from a GM's perspective to fire a manager? Ruben also explains why the pitching and defense need to step up. Hosts: AJ Pierzynski, Erik Kratz, Scott Braun To explore coverage, visit aspcapetinsurance.com/FOUL. The ASPCA® is not an insurer and is not engaged in the business of insurance. Use our code for 10% off your next SeatGeek order* seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discountSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.