Around The Big Leagues

As the MLB Trade Deadline approaches, the Atlanta Braves remain in contention for a playoff spot, but the injuries just keep piling up. Grant McAuley discusses an eventful weekend for the Braves, who rallied to split a four-game series against the New York Mets after dropping the first two games. While the offense was showing some encouraging signs in those wins and rookie Spencer Schwellenbach shined in Game 3, it was an injury to All-Star Reynaldo Lopez that took the shine off a victory in the finale. With trade options to sift through, Atlanta GM Alex Anthopoulos will be scouring the market to find reinforcements for his club. That list includes outfield help, a potential starting pitcher acquisition and the possibility of adding a versatile infielder. Jake Mastroianni of Locked On Braves joins the show to discuss the Braves' deadline strategy. Meanwhile, the rest of MLB has already started significant wheeling and dealing. With the Rays selling off pieces of their club and other contenders getting a ju

The Atlanta Braves were dealt two more major injury blows as ace lefty Max Fried and starting second baseman Ozzie Albies suffered injuries as the second half opened this weekend. Grant McAuley discusses the latest on the forearm issue that landed Fried on the IL, an ailment that first cropped up as he prepared to pitch in the All-Star Game. With that news fresh on their minds, the Braves lost Albies to a fractured left wrist. That injury is expected to sideline him for approximately two months. Where will the Braves turn for help? It could be infield prospect Nacho Alvarez Jr.'s opportunity to shine. Atlanta will definitely have to reassess its shopping list with the MLB Trade Deadline just over a week away. Meanwhile, Gaurav Vedak of Baseball Prospectus joins the show to discuss the 2024 Braves draft class and the minor league system that contains some valuable trade chips. You'll also hear from longtime Braves broadcaster Chip Caray, who discusses his time with the Cardinals, the family ties to the broa

The first half of the 2024 MLB season has officially come and gone and the Atlanta Braves still believe their best baseball is yet to come. As the club cruised into the All-Star break after a series win in San Diego, Grant McAuley sizes up the week that was, the first half of the season, and what's ahead for the Braves. Hoping to get their offense going for good to power a second-half surge, Atlanta will definitely have some decisions to make on the trade front. Special guest Scott Braun of Foul Territory joins the how to chat about the All-Star festivities, MLB at the break and the trade deadline decisions looming for clubs across MLB. You'll also hear Braves director of scouting Ronit Shah' comments on Atlanta's first round pick, Cam Caminiti. All of that and a trip around the big leagues on this edition of the show! From The Diamond airs live on 92-9 The Game in Atlanta on Sundays from 5-7 pm ET. You can also subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Every episode of the show and more great Braves cove

The Atlanta Braves took a series a series from the first place Philadelphia Phillies over the weekend and look to carry that momentum out on the road for a seven-game trip this week. Grant McAuley recaps an important weekend for the Braves and delves into some of the most important storylines for the club. That includes some promising signs from the top of the lineup and the continuing struggles lower in the order, the strength of Atlanta's pitching staff, and some All-Star honors for a trio of players -- Chris Sale, Reynaldo Lopez, and Marcell Ozuna -- who will be heading to Arlington Texas when the first half concludes. Justin Toscano of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution checks in to discuss the sometimes puzzling results for the Braves in the first half, causes for optimism, causes for concern, and talk about the trade possibilities that general manager Alex Anthopoulos may explore at the Trade Deadline later this month. In three exclusive interviews, you'll also hear from Braves third baseman Austin Ril

With the All-Star break fast approaching, the Atlanta Braves are in the midst an important home stand that will include a showdown with the first place Philadelphia Phillies. Grant McAuley delves into the recent news and trends for the club, which includes a few more questions than answers about the lineup. While Jarred Kelenic and Austin Riley have been among the bright spots, Adam Duvall and Orlando Arcia are fighting extended slumps. How might that impact Alex Anthopoulos' shopping list for the trade deadline? You'll also hear a great conversation with veteran right-hander Charlie Morton. The 40-year-old starter shares his thoughts on Jesse Chavez's success, how it relates to the current game, how club's evaluate pitchers, and what helped Morton unlock his potential in the second half his career. Mark Bowman of MLB.com sits down to discuss his new book - "The Franchise: Atlanta Braves, A Curated History of the Atlanta Braves." He shares the process of writing book, selecting the stories, interviewing th

The Atlanta Braves are showing signs of breaking out at the plate after a long and frustrating road. Are they heating up in time to impact the National League East race? Grant McAuley dives into the week that was for the Braves, including the hot hitting of new leadoff man Jarred Kelenic. Is he finally breaking through at the plate as a big leaguer? Can Austin Riley and others keep up their recent trends and get the Atlanta lineup where it needs to be going forward? On the mound, rookie Spencer Schwellenbach has impressed the Braves and is earning the opportunity to pitch some meaningful innings for the club. Veteran Chris Sale has been one of the best stories of the first half and one of the best pitchers in the game. Has he pitched his way into the NL Cy Young conversation? Special guest Heidi Watney of Apple TV+ joins the show to discuss that and the Braves’ big weekend in the Bronx. You’ll also hear from reliever A.J. Minter, who was up in Rome to get some work in on Saturday. He chats about his rehab

The Atlanta Braves broke out in a big way at the plate over the weekend, slugging nine home runs and piling up 22 run in a series victory over the Tampa Bay Rays. But is that proof this group is finally getting back to normal as they once knew it? Grant McAuley discussed a big weekend for the Atlanta lineup and some welcome signs at the plate from several sluggers, including Austin Riley. Though the bats did some serious work, another injury is threatening to destabilize the top of the order. Center fielder Michael Harris II will miss extended time after suffering a Grade-2 hamstring strain. Can Jarred Kelenic fill that void? And with Atlanta's rotation lined up to deploy six starters for a while, can the young prospects step up and cover important innings? Special guests on the show include Tampa Bay radio broadcaster Neil Solondz, who discussed the state of the Rays -- another team searching for the offensive fire power it had a year ago. Matt Snyder of CBS Sports joins the show to discuss some of the r

The Atlanta Braves' offensive woes in May have grown from a frustration to concern as the club experienced more uneven play in the month of June. Grant McAuley breaks down the recent trends for the club and the rest of MLB, which is also producing decidedly different results in 2024. While the bats have been searching for answers, Max Fried, Chris Sale and the Braves rotation continue to give the club a chance to win with solid pitching. How long can the pitching staff keep up its current level of production? When will the Atlanta lineup find its footing? Those are the questions the Braves are hoping to answer sooner than later. Meanwhile, MLB's gambling issues could be growing after a recent suspension and some abhorrent behavior some players continue to be subjected to. Can the league walk the fine line of keeping gambling out of the game while simultaneously courting the ad revenue the industry could provide the sport? Special guest Anthony Castrovince joins the show to discuss the addition of Negro Lea

The Atlanta Braves fought their way through a challenging May, so will June once again be the month this club puts it all together? That's been the case each of the last two seasons. Grant McAuley discusses all the Braves news of the past week and looks ahead to the three-city road trip which begins on Tuesday against the Boston Red Sox. Chris Sale, Max Fried and the rest of the starting rotation have done more than their fair share this season, even with the fifth spot still unsettled. Can they continue to post up while the offense gets back on track? Could young arms like Spencer Schwellenbach, Hurston Waldrep and others step into that final spot? With Ronald Acuña Jr. out for the remainder of 2024, who will step into the leadoff role and how will Brian Snitker balance the rest of his lineup as they try to shake off a collective cold spell? You'll also hear from Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos, who appeared on 92-9 The Game on Friday to chat with Carl Dukes and Mike Bell. Where does the Atlanta executive stand

The Atlanta Braves suffered another major injury blow, this one eerily reminiscent of a place they've been before. For the second time in three years, star right fielder Ronald Acuña Jr. suffered a torn ACL and is done for the season. Grant McAuley discusses the challenges this latest injury present for both Acuña and the club and shares the reaction of several of his Braves teammates. Austin Riley, Sean Murphy, Michael Harris II and Adam Duvall all weigh in on the unfortunate news while manager Brian Snitker talks about where his club goes from here without their dynamic leadoff hitter. You'll also hear from Braves color analyst C.J. Nitkowski of Bally Sports, who provides some insights on where the Braves stand at the Memorial Day checkpoint -- in an interview recorded prior to the Acuña injury. Plus, Geoff Ponts of Baseball America helps size up the Atlanta minor league system and some of the top arms who could make an impact in the big leagues or a big trade later this summer. From The Diamond airs liv

The month of May has once again been a bit unkind to the Atlanta Braves, who seem like they are winning games in spite of their offense at the moment. Of course, the pitching staff has been pitching in more than its fair share to make it happen. Grant McAuley discussed the latest Braves news from the week that was, including some encouraging signs for Matt Olson at the plate, but a discouraging injury update for Austin Riley that seems to have the third baseman in limbo as far as a return. You'll hear Riley's comments from Saturday as he described the ailment that has him stuck on the bench for the time being. Meanwhile, Travis d'Arnaud also had a brush with injury but appears to have emerged unscathed while Sean Murphy's return to could be getting closer with an upcoming rehab assignment. Ronald Acuña Jr. is among those still searching for consistency and results, so did a day off help speed that process up? You'll also hear from Atlanta reliever Jesse Chavez, who shares some insight on the inner workings

The Atlanta Braves bounced back from a tough road trip to win a pair of series but are still not clicking on all cylinders. Grant McAuley discusses the latest headlines and biggest stories from the week that was in Braves baseball, including big contributions from Chris Sale and Max Fried that highlighted a terrific run from the starting rotation. There were also some signs of life from some of Atlanta's biggest hitters, as Ronald Acuña Jr. and Matt Olson each left the yard over the weekend against the New York Mets. Can those two and a couple of other big bats get going as the weather heats up? Can any of them keep up with the torrid pace of Marcell Ozuna? You'll also hear from Braves outfielders Adam Duvall and Jarred Kelenic, who discuss forming their partnership in left field, the early seasons highs and lows and much more. Atlanta third baseman Austin Riley shares his thoughts on how the club overcomes the down times in the season and comes out better for going through those. Brad Rowland of Hammer Te

Where has the powerful Atlanta Braves offense gone? The past couple of weeks have produced very different results than anyone has been accustomed to. How soon can they turn things around? Grant McAuley discusses the week that was for the Braves and the power outage that has spread through the batting order and proven costly in some one-run losses on the recently completed 1-5 road trip. Meanwhile, Atlanta's pitching is carrying the team for now, but a key reliever landed on the IL this week. How will the Braves bullpen adjust to at least a couple of weeks without Pierce Johnson? Speaking of adjustments, Eno Sarris of The Athletic and host of the Rates & Barrels podcast joins the show to discuss the factors that have led to Ronald Acuña's slow start and how soon we can expect an adjustment that could get the former MVP back on track. In our trip around the big leagues, the Marlins reminded the baseball world just who they are and what they're about with an early May trade, Nike was finally forced to make ne

The Atlanta Braves put the finishing touches on a memorable nine-game stay at Truist Park with a walk-off win to take a series from the Cleveland Guardians on Sunday. Grant McAuley looks back at the week that was and the homestand at large as the Atlanta Braves once again hold the best record in MLB after topping Cleveland to finish a 7-2 run at home. You'll hear about how the starting rotation may be primed for big things even without Spencer Strider, how that affects the bullpen, and why Atlanta offense could get even better as the weather heat ups. Guardians managers Stephen Vogt joins the show to discuss his team's strong start, hsi memories of the 2021 World Series run with Atlanta, realizing his dream to manage in the major leagues and the journey it took to get there. With the Miami Marlins facing more questions than answers to start the 2024, Craig Mish of Sports Grid and the Miami Herald joins the show to talk about the disappointing follow-up after a season of such promise a year ago. From The D

The Atlanta Braves put together a six-game win streak to grab the best record in MLB. They'll look to keep those winning ways going in a nine-game home stand. Grant McAuley hits the headlines for the Braves, including a pair of injury updates for two more All-Stars. Ozzie Albies landed on the IL with a fractured toe, but could be back sooner than later. Meanwhile, you'll hear from Spencer Strider on his season-ending surgery, how his elbow injury progressed, the long road of rehab ahead, and his thoughts on the state of the game when it comes to pitching injuries. Gaurav Vedak of Baseball Prospectus stops by to talk Braves majors and minors and share some of the new tools available at Baseball Prospectus. All of that and more on this edition of the show. From The Diamond will air live on 92-9 The Game in Atlanta on Sundays from 5-7 pm ET. You can also subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Every episode of the show and more great Braves coverage is available at FromTheDiamond.com.

With two weeks worth of games under their collective belts, the Atlanta Braves are sitting atop the NL East. Their biggest offensive contributor? None other that designated hitter Marcell Ozuna. Grant McAuley covered the big stories for this week in Braves baseball, including Ozuna's red-hot start and clutch hitting down in Miami, the loss of Spencer Strider, who underwent season-ending elbow surgery, how Atlanta will approach filling the void in rotation, and what the rest of the rotation needs to do in order to stabilize the pitching staff. You'll also hear from several Braves who'll share their thoughts on Travis d'Arnaud's value to the team and impact on their winning ways. Former Braves great Dale Murphy joins the show to tell the story of two iconic Nike posters from the 1980s -- Power Alley and Stickball. You'll hear the backstory of the creative process, the photo shoots, the tricks that made the posters an unforgettable part of Braves nostalgia, and even some abandoned plans for a baseball apparel

The Atlanta Braves swept away the defending National League Champion Arizona Diamondbacks over the weekend, but were dealt a serious injury blow as Spencer Strider's season appears to be over. Grant McAuley discusses the ramifications of the Strider news and sizes up where the Braves can turn to fill those rather large shoes in rotation. Meanwhile, the Braves offense has done some big things, including a few key comebacks on the young season, and they were at it against Arizona. Marcell Ozuna, Jarred Kelenic and others are off to hot starts, but everyone seems to be finding ways to contribute. On Monday, April 8, the Braves will commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Hank Aaron's record-breaking 715th home run. Grant McAuley talked to several of Aaron's teammates in advance of that big night at Truist Park. You'll hear from Tom House, the man who caught No. 715, as well as Ralph Garr, Ron Reed and Marty Perez on this edition of From The Diamond. Aaron's friends share their memories from that history making nig

The Atlanta Braves got the 2024 season started by taking 2-of-3 from the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Grant McAuley covers the events of Opening Weekend as the Braves offense come to life and help secure the series, which could be an indication of more to come from the deepest lineup in MLB. Also discussed, the injury status of Sean Murphy, the important work by the bullpen -including the ageless Jesse Chavez coming to the rescue in Game 2, some ups and downs for Atlanta's top three starting pitchers, why Michael Harris II is primed for greatness, and some encouraging contributions from Jarred Kelenic and Adam Duvall. Maria Martin of 11 Alive in Atlanta stops by to discuss the state of the Braves and their championship goals, reflect on the magic that was October of 2021, and why Ronald Acuña Jr.'s article for The Players Tribune is just another way he's demonstrating his star power. For our trip around the big leagues, we'll delve into a rather heated debate on sliding etiquette between th

The Atlanta Braves had an eventful week, welcoming back star right fielder Ronald Acuña Jr. and reuniting with a familiar face. Grant McAuley returns for the fourth and final installment of the Braves Spring Training Specials. On tap for this episode, the return to action for Acuña and Atlanta's re-signing of outfielder Adam Duvall. How will his arrival impact the roster and Jarred Kelenic's playing time? With Opening Day just two weeks away, you'll hear from Atlanta third baseman Austin Riley on his expectations for 2024 and we'll check in with Braves TV voice Brandon Gaudin to take stock of the Braves as the regular season approaches. All of that and a visit with former infielder Charlie Culberson, who is in camp with the Braves to try his hand on the mound and find a second career after 11 seasons in the big leagues. From The Diamond will air live on 92-9 The Game in Atlanta on Sundays from 5-7 pm ET beginning March 31st. You can also subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Every episode of the show

As Spring Training rolls on for the Atlanta Braves, they dealt with an injury scare to MVP Ronald Acuña Jr. that had the club and fans holding their breath. After a positive update on the state of Acuña's knee, all involved can once again focus on getting ready for Opening Day. Grant McAuley covers the headlines and news from Braves camp as the club turn the calendar to the month of March. Justin Toscano of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution joins the show from Florida to update the Acuña story and much more. When the club first reported to camp in mid-February, it was reliever A.J. Minter who said it's "World Series or bust" for the Braves in 2024. Grant catches up with the veteran lefty to discuss that, how Minter overcame challenge in 2023, the reloaded bullpen and more in a conversation from Braves camp. From The Diamond will air live on 92-9 The Game in Atlanta on Sundays from 5-7 pm ET beginning March 31st. You can also subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Every episode of the show and more great