Payoff Pitch Podcast (Vol. 4): Top MLB Storylines, Injury News, Weekend Series To Watch

On the latest episode of the Payoff Pitch Podcast, "On SI" MLB writers Tom Brew, Brady Farkas and Jack Ankony discuss the loaded NL West division, the mediocre American League, the Cubs sending Matt Shaw down to Triple-A, Justin Steele's season-ending injury, Paul Skenes and more.

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Justin Steele (35) throws against the Toronto Blue Jays at Wrigley Field. | Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images

Some teams have reached the 20-game mark of the 2025 MLB season, and although it's still early, we're starting to get a better sense for the layout of the league.

On the fourth episode of the Payoff Pitch Podcast, "On SI" MLB writers Tom Brew, Brady Farkas and Jack Ankony discussed a variety of topics, including the Cubs losing Justin Steele to a season-ending injury, sending top prospect Matt Shaw back down to Triple-A and how those developments impact the NL Central race.

They also talked about the loaded NL West division and whether the Padres and Diamondbacks can keep up with Dodgers. Other topics included an underwhelming start for the American League overall, Tyler Soderstrom hot start with the A's, the Twins battling injuries, series to look forward to this weekend and much more.

Watch the full episode below.

Related MLB podcasts

• PAYOFF PITCH PODCAST EP. 3: On a new episode, we discuss Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s $500 million contract with the Blue Jays, the competitive NL West, young players emerging and more. CLICK HERE

• PAYOFF PITCH PODCAST EP. 2: After the first week of the 2025 MLB season, we discuss the Dodgers' 8-0 start, the Braves' 0-7 record, Garrett Crochet's extension, Kyle Tucker's future, torpedo bats and more news around the league. CLICK HERE

• PAYOFF PITCH PODCAST EP 1: Fastball columnists Tom Brew, Brady Farkas and Jack Ankony sat down for the first podcast of the season on Tuesday and broke down all six division races. They also made their picks on who's going to win division titles, pennants and the World Series. CLICK HERE

Related MLB Stories

• DISCIPLINE FOR JAZZ?: Jazz Chisholm Jr. did not take kindly to being ejected on Thursday night against the Tampa Bay Rays, and a league source is "looking into" a post he had on social media following the ejection. CLICK HERE

• STEELE'S MESSAGE: Justin Steele being out for the rest of the season is a big blow to the Cubs, but he vows to come back better than ever. CLICK HERE

• BURNES STRUGGLING: It's only been three games, but after signing a six-year deal this offseason, the returns on the former Cy Young winner are eye-opening. CLICK HERE