Today on The Three-Inning Save podcast, Eric Stephen and Jacob Burch look back at Willie Randolph, the second baseman who played parts of two seasons with the Dodgers, including making the All-Star team in 1989. Randolph played 18 years in the majors, including 13 years with the Yankees, and was part of four World Series teams and two championship teams in New York. The six-time All-Star played with the Dodgers in 1989-90, and was traded to Oakland for former Dodgers Rewind subject Stan Javier. ...
Jul 04, 2024•34 min•Season 24Ep. 8
On this episode of the Three-Inning Save podcast, we look at various’ Dodgers chances of making the All-Star team, with Shohei Ohtani and Teoscar Hernández likely starting plus reserve chances for Freddie Freeman and Will Smith, and maybe one or two pitchers. Also, trivia regarding Gavin Stone’s shutout last week, and questions regarding the Dodgers and acquiring starting pitching at the trade deadline. The Three-Inning Save is part of the Fans First Sports Network. Hosted by Eric Stephen and Ja...
Jul 03, 2024•48 min•Season 24Ep. 39
On this episode of the Three-Inning Save podcast, we worry about the pitching staff after short starts last week by Bobby Miller, Tyler Glasnow, and James Paxton taxing the bullpen, while also exalting Gavin Stone, who pitched a shutout. With no real immediate cavalry in sight, the Dodgers rotation has little margin for error over the next few weeks as it navigates into the All-Star break and beyond. Also, an appreciation for the magnificent season Miguel Rojas is having both offensively and def...
Jul 02, 2024•45 min•Season 24Ep. 38
On this episode of the Three-Inning Save podcast, we look at the Dodgers pitching staff at the moment, with Walker Buehler getting a reset with another trip to the injured list. In the last week-plus, the Dodgers lost Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Buehler, with the latter more of a reset as Buehler works through kinks in his mechanics and delivery. They got back Bobby Miller and inserted Landon Knack for now in the rotation. We look at the run of off days on the schedule and what that might mean this w...
Jun 25, 2024•48 min•Season 24Ep. 37
On this episode of the Three-Inning Save podcast, we marvel at the many majestic home runs and other exploits of Shohei Ohtani, who is now leading off for the Dodgers. Ohtani hit four home runs last week, and has an extra-base hit in seven straight games, but was also joined by others in the lineup around him, including a productive 7-8-9 group that has struggled all year with a rotating cast of characters. Plus an update on Max Muncy, who is “stir crazy” waiting for his oblique to heal and will...
Jun 24, 2024•41 min•Season 24Ep. 36
On this episode of the Three-Inning Save podcast, we look to the return of Bobby Miller after missing 10 weeks with shoulder inflammation, replacing the injured Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Also, a look at the weird schedule this week which includes the Dodgers and Angels having Sunday off after a two-game series. Plus loads of Dodgers trivia about the Angels and Rockies. The Three-Inning Save is part of the Fans First Sports Network. Hosted by Eric Stephen and Jacob Burch, with questions from Craig Mina...
Jun 19, 2024•37 min•Season 24Ep. 36
On this episode of the Three-Inning Save podcast, we discuss the aftermath of the injuries to Mookie Betts and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Also, a look at the top of the Dodgers lineup, which now has Will Smith batting second to break up left-handed hitters Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman. Miguel Rojas will take over the bulk of the time at shortstop, and we look at how the rest of the roster will adjust, including more time for Chris Taylor in the infield and Miguel Vargas in left field against left-...
Jun 19, 2024•39 min•Season 24Ep. 34
On this episode of the Three-Inning Save podcast, we recap an absolutely brutal weekend at Dodger Stadium during which Mookie Betts broke a bone in his left hand and Yoshinobu Yamamoto suffered a strained rotator cuff. Both are expected to miss several weeks, if not months. Craig Goldstein at Baseball Prospectus shared data from the site's injury recovery database, showing recent pitchers with a rotator cuff strain miss an average of 64 days, while a broken hand averages 53 days away. We'll dig ...
Jun 17, 2024•33 min•Season 24Ep. 33
On this episode of the Three-Inning Save podcast, the Dodgers traded for Cavan Biggio, the utility player who was designated for assignment last week. Biggio has struggled at the plate, but the bottom of the Dodgers lineup is used to that. His numbers compare favorably to Kiké Hernández and Chris Taylor, and Biggio bats left-handed, unlike those two right-handers. Biggio’s addition gives the Dodgers a left-handed option at third base with Max Muncy still out with a strained oblique. Plus Biggio ...
Jun 13, 2024•23 min•Season 24Ep. 32
On this episode of the Three-Inning Save podcast, we look ahead to the Dodgers playing an entire week of games against the American League, part of a 9-game interleague stretch on the schedule. This week brings the return of Corey Seager to Dodger Stadium for the first time since he signed with the Rangers. Plus we look back at the Dodgers’ history in interleague play, dating back to 1997. The Three-Inning Save is part of the Fans First Sports Network. Hosted by Eric Stephen and Jacob Burch, wit...
Jun 11, 2024•51 min•Season 24Ep. 31
On this episode of the Three-Inning Save podcast, we recap an exciting weekend series between the Dodgers and Yankees at Dodger Stadium, and the incredible weekend by outfielder Teoscar Hernández. Yankee Stadium saw a great game by Yoshinobu Yamamoto, some stellar patchwork relief by the taxed Dodgers bullpen, and Aaron Judge continued to be a menace for New York. In all the Dodgers won two of three games. Plus updates on the bottom of the Dodgers lineup, including a home run by Kiké Hernández a...
Jun 10, 2024•41 min•Season 24Ep. 30
Today on The Three-Inning Save podcast, Eric Stephen and Jacob Burch look back at Al Downing, who won 20 games, made an All-Star team, and won Comeback Player of the Year with the Dodgers in 1971. Downing also famously allowed Henry Aaron’s 715th home run, in 1974, but Downing had a distinguished career, pitching 17 seasons in the majors, including seven years with the Dodgers and nine years with the Yankees. The Three-Inning Save podcast is part of the Fans First Sports Network. Produced by Bri...
Jun 07, 2024•30 min•Season 24Ep. 7
On this episode of the Three-Inning Save podcast, we look ahead to the Dodgers and Yankees playing in New York, by also looking to the past. The Three-Inning Save is part of the Fans First Sports Network. Hosted by Eric Stephen and Jacob Burch, with questions from Craig Minami. Produced by Brian Salvatore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 06, 2024•37 min•Season 24Ep. 29
On this episode of the Three-Inning Save podcast, we recap strong Dodgers pitching that led to five wins in six games last week against the Mets and Rockies. The offense has been struggling in a relative sense, even Mookie Betts, Shohei Ohtani, and Freddie Freeman at the top of the lineup. The situation has been exacerbated with Max Muncy out since mid-May. His oblique injury will likely linger well into June. Evan Phillips is back off the injured list, adding more stability to the bullpen. Plus...
Jun 04, 2024•36 min•Season 24Ep. 28
On this episode of the Three-Inning Save podcast, we take stock of several injured Dodgers and see when Bobby Miller, Evan Phillips, and Max Muncy might return to the team. Also, we look back on the first third of the 2024 season, what went right and what went wrong, plus thoughts on struggles from hitters in the bottom third of the lineup. The Three-Inning Save is part of the Fans First Sports Network. Hosted by Eric Stephen and Jacob Burch, with questions from Craig Minami. Produced by Brian S...
May 29, 2024•32 min•Season 24Ep. 27
On this episode of the Three-Inning Save podcast, we catch up on two weeks’ worth of Dodgers news, with a five-game losing streak front and center. The offense has struggled for most of May, having a hard time getting production outside of the top 6 hitters in the lineup. And since Max Muncy has been out with an oblique strain, it’s only a top 5 in the lineup now. Also, we go over the constant churn through Dodgers pitchers and how that bubble burst over the last week, contributing to the losing...
May 28, 2024•29 min•Season 24Ep. 26
Today on The Three-Inning Save podcast, Eric Stephen and Jacob Burch look back at Pete Mikkelsen, a right-handed reliever who pitched for the Dodgers from 1969-1972. Mikkelsen had the first four-inning save in Dodgers history, in 1969, when he closed out the final win of Don Drysdale’s legendary career. Mikkelsen pitched in nine major league seasons for the Yankees, Pirates, Cubs, Cardinals, and Dodgers. The Three-Inning Save podcast is part of the Fans First Sports Network. Produced by Brian Sa...
May 15, 2024•24 min•Season 24Ep. 6
On this episode of the Three-Inning Save podcast, the Dodgers offense hit a snag in San Diego, dropping their first series in three weeks. But strong pitching has kept the team in every game, and fueled a hot streak. Walker Buehler struggled in his first two starts back after missing nearly two years recovering from Tommy John surgery, which was to be expected. Several high-leverage relief pitchers are injured, including Evan Phillips and Joe Kelly. But the pitching staff rolls on, allowing four...
May 14, 2024•48 min•Season 24Ep. 25
On this episode of the Three-Inning Save podcast, the Dodgers kept rolling with another 5-1 week and a sweep of the Braves. Now, Walker Buehler is back in the majors. The last week for the Dodgers included a game delayed nearly two hours by bees in a stadium that has a roof, Shohei Ohtani gave Dave Roberts a toy car then hit three home runs in two days, Max Muncy hit three home runs in a game, and LA got fantastic starting pitching. The rotation gets a boost on Monday with the return of Walker B...
May 07, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Season 24Ep. 24
On this episode of the Three-Inning Save podcast, Eric Stephen talks to Kris Willis of Battery Power to preview this weekend's three-game series at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers and Braves met in back-to-back NLCS in 2020 and 2021, with each team winning a championship in those years. Both teams have won 100 or more games in the last two seasons too, but both were bounced in the Division Series. In 2024, both teams are strong again, but also dealing with pitching injuries and while the overall off...
May 02, 2024•35 min•Season 24Ep. 23
On this episode of the Three-Inning Save podcast, we recap a winning road trip for the Dodgers, and discuss MLB agreeing to fix the great 2024 uniform fiasco. The Dodgers won five out of six games on the road last week, sweeping the Nationals then taking a series against the Blue Jays in Toronto. Mookie Betts stayed ridiculously hot, both at the plate and on the bases. Shohei Ohtani hit two memorable home runs, including one that tied him with Dave Roberts. The team also got great pitching, incl...
Apr 29, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Season 24Ep. 22
On this episode of the Three-Inning Save podcast, we recap a rough homestand for the Dodgers, who lost three series in a row at Dodger Stadium. There were troubles with runners in scoring position, and especially so with the bases loaded, too many strikeouts for the hitters, and the continued issue of having the bottom of the lineup produce. The bullpen has struggled as well, and the team just hasn’t been in sync for the last two weeks or so. Among the positives though last week was Shohei Ohtan...
Apr 25, 2024•55 min•Season 24Ep. 21
On this episode of the Three-Inning Save podcast, we interview Andy McCullough about his new book, 'The Last of His Kind: Clayton Kershaw and the Burden of Greatness.' McCullough has covered baseball for over a decade, including covering the Dodgers for the Los Angeles Times, and currently writes at The Athletic, and also co-hosts The Roundtable podcast about MLB as well. You can follow Andy on Twitter at @ByMcCullough. In this interview, McCullough details how the Kershaw book came about, his p...
Apr 18, 2024•34 min•Season 24Ep. 20
On this episode of the Three-Inning Save podcast, we marvel at the details of the criminal complaint against Ippei Mizzuhara, who was charged with bank fraud and stealing over $16 million from Shohei Ohtani. Ohtani and the Dodgers say they want to move on and focus on baseball, and Ohtani for the most part has, going on an extra-base barrage that included tying Hideki Matsui for most home runs in major league history by a player born in Japan. We also take stock of the Dodgers pitching staff wit...
Apr 15, 2024•1 hr•Season 24Ep. 19
Today on The Three-Inning Save podcast, Eric Stephen and Jacob Burch look back at Pat Zachry, a right-handed pitcher who relieved for the Dodgers in 1983-84 and died on April 4 at age 71. Related reading: Remembering Zachry at True Blue LA Zachry’s SABR bio, written by David Skelton Obituary at the Waco Herald-Tribune Jay Horwitz of the Mets remembers Zachry’s time in New York Obituary in the Cincinnati Enquirer The Three-Inning Save podcast is part of the Fans First Sports Network. Produced by ...
Apr 12, 2024•24 min•Season 24Ep. 5
On this episode of the Three-Inning Save podcast, we banter about Shohei Ohtani’s first home run as a Dodger, and the hubbub surrounding the aftermath regarding Dodger Stadium security and the fan who caught the ball. The Dodgers have used their bullpen an awful lot in the early part of the season, and in doing so added and subtracted several members along the way. Nabil Crismatt got a win in his one day on the roster, and Dinelson Lamet pitched three times and recorded the first professional sa...
Apr 08, 2024•51 min•Season 24Ep. 18
On this episode of the Three-Inning Save podcast, the Dodgers re-opened the regular season with the home opener and a four-game weekend series against the Cardinals, of which they won three games. Mookie Betts started the season on fire, including hitting a home run in four straight games. Will Smith is also hot at the plate, fresh off signing a new 10-year contract. Similar for Teoscar Hernández, who homered three times and doubled twice against St. Louis. Dodgers starting pitching was excellen...
Apr 02, 2024•56 min•Season 24Ep. 17
The Dodgers signed Will Smith to a 10-year contract worth $140 million, wiping out the final two years of salary arbitration for the All-Star catcher, plus another eight years after that. The deal was finalized on March 27, the day before the home opener at Dodger Stadium and the day before Smith's 29th birthday. Smith is now signed through 2033. He bats cleanup for the Dodgers, behind Mookie Betts (signed through 2023), Shohei Ohtani (signed through 2033), and Freddie Freeman (signed through 20...
Mar 28, 2024•24 min•Season 24Ep. 16
On this episode of the Three-Inning Save podcast, the Dodgers are back stateside but the biggest story in the sport involves Shohei Ohtani and fired interpreter Ippei Mizuhara. Ohtani during a press conference at Dodger Stadium read a statement, though did not take questions. In that statement, Ohtani said he has never bet on baseball or any sport, nor has he ever had dealings with a bookie. Ohtani also accused Mizuhara of stealing from him and lying to him, and said he did not know of Mizuhara’...
Mar 28, 2024•51 min•Season 24Ep. 15
The Dodgers lost a wild game to the Padres to close out the Seoul Series in South Korea, but that wasn't the biggest story of the day. That belonged to Shohei Ohtani, whose interpreter Ippei Mizuhara was fired by the Dodgers on Wednesday amid a report of ties to an illegal gambler, and accusations of "massive theft" from Ohtani's attorneys. As of now, Major League Baseball has no plans to investigate Ohtani just yet, but the story is still developing. More on that soon, as well as what's ahead f...
Mar 22, 2024•24 min•Season 24Ep. 14
