Around The Big Leagues

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

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