PTI Podcast Summary: "Shohei is Back on the Mound"
Released on June 17, 2025
Hosts: Tony Kornheiser and Mike Wilbon
Guest: Buster Olney
1. Introduction and NBA Finals Recap
Timestamp: [01:12]
Tony Kornheiser and Mike Wilbon kick off the episode by discussing the recent NBA Finals where Oklahoma City (OKC) decisively defeated Indiana, securing a 3-2 series lead. The hosts delve into Tyrese Halliburton's performance, noting his absence due to a calf injury:
- Tony Kornheiser: "Tyrese Halliburton did not make a single field goal. He took only six shots."
- Mike Wilbon: "Indiana's physically tough and tough-minded, but without Halliburton, they struggle."
They analyze OKC's strengths, highlighting Jalen Williams’ impressive 40-point game and Che Gilgis Alexander’s 31 points, emphasizing OKC's superior defense and ability to force turnovers.
2. Shohei Ohtani’s Return to Pitching
Timestamp: [05:05]
The conversation shifts to baseball, focusing on Shohei Ohtani's much-anticipated return to the mound after nearly two years:
- Tony Kornheiser: "Can I give him more than an A plus? Because if I could, I would."
- Mike Wilbon: "He's serving as a full-time DH while gradually ramping up his pitching."
Ohtani pitched one inning against the Padres, giving up one run on two hits and contributing offensively with two hits and two RBIs. The hosts commend his effort despite his rusty performance, anticipating his gradual return to full pitching form.
- Tony Kornheiser: "If he can recapture his pre-surgery pitching, he's going to be the greatest player in the history of baseball."
- Mike Wilbon: "The effort is an A plus to even get out there."
3. Hockey: Florida Panthers vs. Edmonton Oilers Game Six
Timestamp: [08:00]
Transitioning to hockey, the hosts discuss the Florida Panthers facing off against the Edmonton Oilers in a crucial Game Six:
- Mike Wilbon: "The loss of Zach Hyman has hurt the Oilers more than we've all talked about."
- Tony Kornheiser: "Game sevens in hockey are more magical than any other sport."
They analyze the Panthers' resilience despite setbacks and the Oilers' struggles in the first period, emphasizing the need for Edmonton to improve early-game performance to secure a victory.
4. Exclusive Interview with Buster Olney: Rafael Devers Trade and MLB Trade Deadline
Timestamp: [12:24]
Buster Olney joins the podcast to discuss the significant trade of Rafael Devers from the Red Sox to the Giants:
- Tony Kornheiser: "Rafael Devers has joined the Giants. What does this mean for the Giants and the Red Sox?"
- Buster Olney: "Red Sox fans hate this trade which speaks to the mistrust of Red Sox leadership and ownership."
Olney explains the strategic benefits for both teams, highlighting how the Giants bolster their lineup with Devers, while the Red Sox manage their roster dynamics amid fan discontent. The discussion also touches on the Arizona Diamondbacks' potential moves as the trade deadline approaches, emphasizing their key players and injury concerns.
5. Shohei Ohtani’s Accelerated Pitching Return
Timestamp: [15:27]
Olney elaborates on Shohei Ohtani's expedited return to pitching due to the Dodgers' bullpen injuries:
- Buster Olney: "Because Shohei is designated as a two-way player, he doesn't count against the Dodgers' quota of 13 pitches."
- Tony Kornheiser: "He’s not supposed to be a starter by September or in the playoffs."
They discuss Ohtani’s gradual increase in pitching innings and the Dodgers' strategic use of his unique role to manage their overwhelmed pitching staff.
6. New York Yankees’ Struggles and Giancarlo Stanton’s Return
Timestamp: [17:00]
The hosts address the Yankees' ongoing struggles, including four consecutive losses and failing to score in 20 innings:
- Buster Olney: "Stanton was productive last postseason, and bringing him back adds significant firepower."
- Tony Kornheiser: "Aaron Boone has to navigate a crowded lineup with MVP-caliber players."
They debate manager Boone’s strategies for integrating Stanton alongside other star players to rejuvenate the Yankees' offensive prowess.
7. Highlighting NHL Star Nikita Kucherov
Timestamp: [19:34]
Tony shifts focus to the NHL, celebrating Nikita Kucherov's 32nd birthday and his impressive season:
- Tony Kornheiser: "Kucherov has led the league in assists three different times, including this year's 84 and last year's 100."
- Mike Wilbon: "He’s one of the most accomplished players in North American sports."
They praise Kucherov’s consistency and his contributions to the Tampa Bay Lightning’s success, noting his two Stanley Cup rings and MVP accolades.
8. Celebrating Terry Francona and Defensive Plays in Baseball
Timestamp: [20:33]
The hosts commemorate Terry Francona’s anniversary and discuss his current management of the Reds:
- Tony Kornheiser: "Terry Francona is gold on this show."
- Mike Wilbon: "The Reds are in a tight division battle, and Francona is pivotal."
Additionally, they highlight impressive defensive plays by Astros' Luis Guillorme:
- Tony Kornheiser: "Luis Guillorme made some incredible plays, including a bare-handed catch in 2017."
9. Closing Remarks and Upcoming Topics
Timestamp: [22:28]
The episode concludes with brief mentions of upcoming topics, including Marina Sabalenka’s apology to Coco Gauff and the transition of Trey Mancik from PGA Tour commissioner to Brian Rolaff.
Notable Quotes:
- Tony Kornheiser: "If he can recapture the pitching that he did when he was with the Angels, the stuff before the surgery, he's going to be the greatest player in the history of baseball." [06:54]
- Mike Wilbon: "They take advantage of situations when they're healthy and ready to go. So that's kind of a bummer for me because I like watching Halliburton at his best." [05:08]
Conclusion
In this engaging episode of PTI, Tony Kornheiser and Mike Wilbon cover a broad spectrum of sports topics, from the high-stakes NBA Finals and Shohei Ohtani’s pivotal return to the mound, to major MLB trades and standout performances in the NHL. With insightful commentary and expert analysis from guest Buster Olney, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of the current sports landscape. Notable moments include the discussion on Ohtani's dual role, the strategic implications of the Rafael Devers trade, and the celebration of elite athletes like Nikita Kucherov. This episode is a must-listen for sports enthusiasts seeking in-depth coverage and expert opinions on the latest developments across major sports leagues.