About this episode

Buster Olney and Tim Kurkjian discuss the return of Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani's pitching future, and various MLB team dynamics as the postseason approaches.

Tim Kurkjian and Buster discuss Yankees slugger Aaron Judge returning, what New York can expect, if Judge and Shohei Ohtani can start hitting before the postseason, Ohtani not expected to pitch again in 2026, Jesús Luzardo’s domination of the Braves, and umpire Doug Eddings going fashion police on Cardinals pitcher Hancel Rincon. Then, Hembo stops by to talk about why the Phillies are the most dangerous team in a three-game series, the White Sox becoming the first team this season with three 30 home run hitters, whether the Giants should trade or build on Rafael Devers, and what Roman Anthony does at the plate that no other Red Sox hitter can replicate. Later, Buster answers your questions during Bleacher Tweets. 0:00 Welcome 0:10 Top of the First 3:55 Tim Kurkjian joins 4:50 What can the Yankees expect from Aaron Judge? 6:00 Should MLB reseed after the Wild Card?  9:55 Shohei Ohtani most likely won’t pitch again in 2026 12:14 Will Judge or Ohtani hit again before the postseason?  14:38 Jesús Luzardo dominates Braves  17:41 Ump calls out Hancel Rincon for sideways cap 22:38 Hembo joins 23:25 Braves-Phillies rivalry 24:26 Scariest potential NL Wild Card team 26:19…

People in this episode

Host: Buster Olney

Guests: Tim Kurkjian, Hembo

Topics covered

• Aaron Judge's return
• Shohei Ohtani's pitching status
• Umpire fashion
• Phillies' playoff potential
• White Sox home run hitters
• Rafael Devers trade discussion

Keywords

• Aaron Judge
• Shohei Ohtani
• Jesús Luzardo
• Phillies
• White Sox
• Rafael Devers
• Bleacher Tweets

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Phillies, White Sox, Giants, Red Sox

Places: New York

More episodes of Baseball Tonight with Buster Olney

• Right All Along: Dodgers Have an Ohtani Problem; Arte Moreno Sells the Angels · September 3, 2026 · 45 min
• Telephone Pole: Should MLB Reseed the Playoffs?; Chipper Jones on PCA, The Miz & The "Eric Gregg Game" · September 2, 2026 · 58 min
• Point Guard: Shohei Ohtani's Pitching Crossroads; PCA = MVP; Yankees Take Season Series From Red Sox · August 31, 2026 · 41 min
• Why a weak schedule is the Mariners’ best friend + MLB farm system rankings · August 28, 2026 · 1h 3m
• Ohtani pitching outlook + Venezuelan update | A deep dive into the Ketel Marte drama · August 26, 2026 · 40 min
• Another chapter in the Ketel Marte drama | Skubal finally gets a Dodger win · August 24, 2026 · 41 min

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