Around The Big Leagues

A disappointing weekend for the Atlanta Braves saw their quest to reach .500 denied yet again. That mirrors the club's struggle to find consistency at the plate and rise in the standings. Grant McAuley discusses the week that was for the Atlanta Braves, who are getting the pitching and defense they need but still searching for runs on an almost daily basis. A deep dive on the lineup yields some disappointing numbers. Can the return of Ronald Acuña Jr. be the catalyst for a collective turnaround? How soon will that happen. While the pitching staff continues to shine, Atlanta could get a boost from the return of Spencer Strider by week's end. You'll hear from Strider on his progress in recovery from a hamstring strain as well as two key arms helping to carry the weight for the Braves. Bryce Elder and AJ Smith-Shawver discuss what's led to their success in 2025. A trip around the big leagues will cover a real strange turn of events for Red Sox slugger Rafael Devers, managers being shown the door, history-maki

With three consecutive series wins. the Atlanta Braves are finally starting to put some things together after a slow start to the 2025 season. Grant McAuley covers the week that was for the Braves, the offensive surge that is powering a strong run for the club., some key contributors to that effort -- including at least one surprising name, and some encouraging statistical trends that indicate the club could be breaking out of the early doldrums. Hear from Braves ace Spencer Strider, who returned after a one-year absence only to be placed back on the injured list when he strained a hamstring while playing catch in the outfield. Strider shares his reaction and discusses the severity of his injury. We'll also take a deeper dive into the frustrating statistics for the Atlanta pitching staff. Special guest Kelsey Wingert-Lynch joins the show to provide a preview for the Colorado Rockies, a team that has already been put through the ringer in 2025 but is hoping to see some of its young player take a step forwar

The Atlanta Braves suffered through a disappointing road trip only to return to Truist Park and complete a sweep of the Minnesota Twins over the weekend. Is that enough to swing the momentum after a slow start to the season? Grant McAuley recaps the week that was for the Braves, an eventful week that included the return of Spencer Strider, some long-awaited good swings from a number of Atlanta sluggers, the arrival of Alex Verdugo and some less-than-stellar baserunning that set off a firestorm of controversy on social media. Hear from Strider, new Braves lead-off man Verdugo and shortstop Nick Allen shares how the first few weeks of the season have treated him as Atlanta's de facto starting shortstop. All of that, a trip around the big leagues and a visit with Columbus Clingstones broadcaster Jack Johnson on this edition of the show! From The Diamond airs live on 92-9 The Game in Atlanta on Sundays throughout baseball season. You can also subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Every episode of the show

The Atlanta Braves won some games and showed some signs of life this week, but their collective woes at the plate remain a stumbling block in the early going. Grant McAuley breaks down an eventful week for the Braves that was filled with both highs and lows. Some dramatic comeback wins and a series victory over the Philadelphia Phillies provided a glimmer of hope, but the Braves remain one of the lowest scoring teams in baseball. There were some other indicators that could bode well for a few key Braves as discussed on this week’s show. The returns of Spencer Strider and Ronald Acuña Jr. should help the club in the coming weeks, but it’ll take a group effort to find the winning formula. Meanwhile, Spencer Schwellenbach has been a highlight of the young season. Grant caught up with several Braves teammates to discuss what makes Schwellenbach so successful. On the trip around the big leagues, Toronto Blue Jays star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. became the latest $500 million man, but who’s next in line? Are the Pit

It was another week of struggles for the Atlanta Braves, who came home from a seven-game road trip with no wins to show for it and are still searching for answers at the plate. Grant McAuley delves into the reasons for the struggles, which are many, as well some big losses beyond the box score for the Braves. Left fielder Jurickson Profar was slapped with an 80-game PED suspension while Reynaldo Lopez may be lost for the season due to a shoulder injury. Scott Coleman, host of Hammer Territory, joins the show to examine the slow start, the loss of Profar, the prolonged offensive struggles, the emergence of Spencer Schwellenbach, what the returns of Ronald Acuña Jr. and Spencer Strider could mean for this club, and much more. In our trip around the big leagues, we take a way-to-early look at the standings and some notable numbers from across the baseball world. Longtime Marlins reporter Craig Mish joins the show to get us up to speed on where Miami stands in its latest attempt to rebuild. From The Diamond

The 2025 season is off and running, but the Atlanta Braves stumbled in their opening series against the San Diego Padres, thanks in large part to lackluster offense. Grant McAuley discusses the frustrating early returns for the Braves, the eerily familiar feeling for the offense with runners on base, some bullpen growing pains, the potential impact of some minor league signings that could help out there, and the eventual return of star players Ronald Acuña Jr. and Spencer Strider. Braves broadcaster C.J. Nitkowski joins the show to discuss the San Diego Series, the bullpen mix, the lineup's desire to revert to its pre-2024 form, some candidates to help the rotation and much more. In our trip around the big leagues, we cover the New York Yankees scorching slugfest on Saturday, the "torpedo" bat that may aid some hitters' success in the Bronx, the trade rumors around a former Cy Young winner in Miami, and a Pokemon inspired baseball card that could mean big bucks for some lucky collector out there. Scott Br

The Atlanta Braves are closing in on Opening Day 2025 seeking to reclaim their crown in the National League East and find October success. With an offense that could be one of the best in baseball, can the pitching staff provide an encore for its incredible 2024 campaign? Grant McAuley sizes up Atlanta pitching staff and shares some exclusive interviews from Braves Spring Training in North Port, Fla. You'll hear chats with Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos and right-hander Grant Holmes as well some insights from Chris Sale and Spencer Schwellenbach in the second of two Spring Training Specials to preview the 2025 season. From The Diamond airs live on 92-9 The Game in Atlanta on Sundays throughout baseball season. You can also subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Every episode of the show and more great Braves coverage is available at FromTheDiamond.com.

The Atlanta Braves are looking to accomplish big things in 2025. To do so, they are hoping to have health on their side and some key players back in the saddle this season. Grant McAuley takes a look at the Atlanta offense and shares some exclusive interviews from Braves Spring Training in North Port, Fla. You'll hear from All-Star third baseman Austin Riley, manager Brian Snitker, and top catching prospect Drake Baldwin in the first of two Spring Training Specials to preview the 2025 season. From The Diamond airs live on 92-9 The Game in Atlanta on Sundays throughout baseball season. 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 the Winter Meetings now in the rearview mirror, the Atlanta Braves still have significant work to do in order to shape their roster for the upcoming season. Grant McAuley returns from Dallas to share some insight and converation at MLB's annual summit. You'll hear from Braves manager Brian Snitker on his outlook for the club thus far this winter and anticipating the returns of Ronald Acuña Jr. and Spencer Strider. Justin Toscano of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution joins the show to unpack Atlanta's needs, potential fits, the work ahead for GM Alex Anthopoulos, the luxury tax ramifications for Atlanta, and much more on this edition of From The Diamond.

It was a year like no other for the Atlanta Braves, a year filled with challenges and obstacles that ultimately led them back to October, only to fall short of their postseason goals. Grant McAuley recaps the 2024 season for the Braves, from the injuries and setbacks the team faced, to the surprising performances and players who helped the club fight its way through and get a chance to have a taste of the playoffs for a seventh consecutive year. You'll hear from Atlanta GM Alex Anthopoulos and manager Brian Snitker, who met with the media on Friday to discuss the year that was, the winter to come, the decisions ahead for the club and their outlook on the 2025 campaign. Gabe Burns of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution joins the show to unpack the recently completed season, take stock of where the Braves are, what they need to do this winter, and how they could approach the Hot Stove season to come. From The Diamond airs live on 92-9 The Game in Atlanta throughout baseball season. You can also subscribe where

Locked in a four-way battle for one of three Wild Card spots, the Atlanta Braves have just a week remaining to punch their ticket to the postseason. Grant McAuley takes you through the week that was for the Braves, one that included the maddeningly inconsistent offense and some missed opportunities to beat lesser teams that could loom large this time of year. With several big bats finally getting hot, can Atlanta get on track in the final few series of the regular season and find its way into October? Will the return of Ozzie Albies benefit the club in more ways than one? Can anyone stop Chris Sale from earning his first career Cy Young. With Shohei Ohtani's history-making performance in establishing the 50-50 club, we look back on Ronald Acuña Jr.'s historic 40-70 season, what the two have in common, why comparison is the thief of joy, and what having this style of baseball back in the mainstream means to the game itself. And with their rivalry rekindled can the Braves and Mets write another memorable cha

The Atlanta Braves come down the stretch in a four-way battle for one of three Wild Card spots in the National League. Can they find the offense to back up the stellar pitching and secure their place in the postseason? Grant McAuley discusses the latest goings on for the Braves, which includes their path to the playoffs. With the New York Mets, San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks all battling it out and with head-to-head meetings still to come, this four-team race could come down to the final series of the season. The Braves offense has been particularly down in September and need to course correct to support the pitching staff which is the best in Major Leagues. We'll dive into the numbers and highlight some key players who could help Atlanta make a run to and through October. Whit Merrifield returned to the Braves lineup despite suffering a fractured left foot. Hear from the Atlanta second baseman on why getting back in the lineup was so important to him. Meanwhile, reliever A.J. Minter discusses hi

After dropping a series in frustrating fashion to first place Philadelphia, the Atlanta Braves must regroup over the final month to secure a spot in the postseason. Grant McAuley discussed the series against the Phillies, waning division title hope, the wild card picture, some offensive trends for several key players that are encouraging for some and require improvement for others. We'll also turn our attention to the Wild Card race, which has five viable contender for three spot, with Atlanta right in the middle of all these teams. Justin Toscano of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution checks in from Philadelphia, where the Braves dropped 3-of-4 with a pair of games slipping through their fingers in the hard-fought series. They discuss that series, the wild card hopefuls, and update the status of All-Star second baseman Ozzie Albies. In our trip around the big leagues, a pair of Scott Boras clients have differing feelings about their free agency last winter, the son of a longtime major league manager makes hi

The Atlanta Braves finished off a winning homestand but now face another big challenge as they hit the road against two more teams with their focus set on October. Grant McAuley recaps an eventful week for the Braves, who lost All-Star third baseman Austin Riley to a fractured right hand, the latest in a string of injuries to key players this season. Riley and manager Brian Snitker discussed this latest setback this week. Will the acquisition of Gio Urshela be enough to hold down the hot corner? Can Atlanta steer clear of any major injuries moving forward? The answer was murky after Michael Harris II was hit by a pitch on his left hand on Sunday, though he has appeared to have dodged a major malady for the moment. Brandon Gaudin of Bally Sports joins the show to size up where the Braves are, the standout work by several injury replacements, and preview the upcoming road trip which includes a stop in Minnesota and the final regular season showdown with the first place Phillies. You'll also hear from Brave

The Atlanta Braves were able to bring home a winning record on their 10-game road trip, but were hit with a barrage of injuries in the process. Grant McAuley discusses how the latest injury issues could affect Atlanta's stretch drive, with none bigger than the uncertainty surrounding third baseman Austin Riley. He was hit by a pitch on the right hand and is set to undergo further testing as the club returns home. Between that, Jorge Soler's hamstring issue, and potential season-ending surgery for A.J. Minter, it was a tough stretch for the club on the health front. Not all was doom and gloom, however. Chris Sale continued his run of dominance this season and could be poised to do something no Braves pitcher has done since 1889! Teammate Marcell Ozuna is also in the running for a pretty special distinction if he can finish strong over the final six weeks. Atlanta is set to welcome Reynaldo Lopez back from the IL this week and benefiting from the play of two injury replacements -- Whit Merrifield and Ramon La

With one of the worst weeks in recent memory behind them, the Atlanta Braves are hoping to find their footing in the Wild Card race as they finish up a 10-game road trip. Grant McAuley discussed the letdown in Colorado following a stunning defeat at the hands of the lowly Rockies which cost Atlanta a series win on Sunday. We'll break down the pitching issues that have compounded for the Braves at a critical time on their schedule, what they can do to fix it, and discuss whether or not the offense could finally be up to the task of covering for the pitching staff. David O'Brien of The Athletic joins the show to discuss what's gone wrong for the Braves this season and particularly in the second half, whether or not the club did enough at the Trade Deadline, what has to change for the offense to get going, and how the departures of key coaches could be affecting the overall morale of the club as it deals with one of the most challenging seasons in recent memory. All of that and a trip around the big leagues o

The Atlanta Braves and the rest of MLB have done all the wheeling and dealing they could and now prepare for the final two months of the season on the road to October. Grant McAuley recaps the week that was for the Braves, which included some encouraging signs and a more of the same in some cases. The return of Max Fried was overshadowed by a series loss to the retooling Miami Marlins over the weekend, but the first place Philadelphia Phillies have been encountering some trouble over the past few weeks. Is the time right for Atlanta to make a push for its seventh straight NL East title? With the addition of Jorge Soler, the Braves lineup should get a much-needed lift at the leadoff spot. Can the rest of the bats get going and keep going at the right time? First baseman Matt Olson has emerged from a long cold spell. Hear from Olson on what it's taken to navigate the lows this season and where he feels the team is trending with less than two months to go. Nick Green of Bally Sports joins the show to size up

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