Cards & Categories Ep. 136: Are These Poor Starts Real?

In our 136th episode, Mike Couillard and Jeremy Brewer discuss some callups and injury returnees before diving into a new batch of banged up players. Then we analyze slow starters to determine if the players in question can turn around their seasons.

You can find us on bluesky at @cardscategories.bsky.social, @mcouill7.bsky.social, and @jbrewer17.bsky.social. Email the pod at [email protected].

Links to things discussed in the pod:

• It’s Didier Fuentes time
• Zack Wheeler scheduled to return this weekend
• Edwin Diaz set to miss multiple months with surgery to remove loose bodies in elbow
• Jhoan Duran dealing with “minor” oblique strain, placed on IL
• Shoulder injury sends Raisel Iglesias to IL
• Mick Abel batting elbow soreness
• Mike’s piece on Mick Abel and ratios implosions
• Sonny Gray strains hammy in Patriots’ Day tilt
• Groin strain fells Brendan Donovan
• Jorge Polanco to IL with wrist issue
• Padres ink Lucas Giolito to one-year deal

Upcoming baseball card release schedule:

• April 29: 2026 Topps Chrome Black 
• April 29: 2025 Topps Definitive
• May 13: 2026 Bowman
• May 27: 2026 Panini Donruss
• June 17: 2026 Donruss Elite
• TBD: 2025 Topps Chrome Platinum ‘55

Are These Poor Starts Real? (43:10)

Razzball YTD Player Rater

Hitters

• Josh Naylor (SEA)
• Michael Busch (CHC)
• Caleb Durbin (BOS)
• Jac Caglianone (KCR)
• Vinnie Pasquantuno (KCR)

Pitchers

• Jesus Luzardo (PHI)
• Devin Williams (NYM)
• Shane Baz (BAL)

Podcast (cards-and-categories): Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS