Braves Central Podcast

⚾️ Braves Central | Braves Sweep Rockies, Acuña Injury Update, Strider in Denver & Seattle Series  Preview Welcome to Braves Central with Barrett Salih, hosted on 680 The Fan / Braves Radio Network. The Braves are off to a historic start, sitting at 25–10, the best 35-game start since 1892 — but there’s plenty to break down from a busy week in Colorado and beyond. 🔥 What We Cover: Braves sweep the Rockies & record-setting start to the season Ronald Acuña Jr. placed on the IL with a grade 1 hamstring strain  How the Braves plan to manage Acuña’s return and long-term health Depth stepping up: Dubón, Eli White, and roster versatility  Spencer Strider’s struggles in Denver and the impact of altitude  Why “Coors Field effects” matter more than people think  Seattle Mariners series preview: Logan Gilbert, pitching matchups & keys to the series  Braves mentality shift: why this team believes it’s never out of a game  Leadership, clubhouse culture, and why this start feels different  Plus, insight on why this Braves team is banking wins early — and what it means for the stretch run. 🎙️ Recorded from Braves Central, part of 680 The Fan coverage of Atlanta Braves baseball. 👉 LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for daily Braves coverage and breakdowns.

On this episode of Braves Central, Barrett Sallee and Chris Dimino break down a frustrating finish to the Tigers series, missed opportunities with runners in scoring position, and ongoing bullpen concerns heading into a brutal road trip. They also dive into: What’s REALLY going on with Austin Riley at the plate Why a mental reset might be the only fix How the offense is still producing despite key struggles Previewing the Rockies, Mariners, and Dodgers stretch Spencer Strider’s return and what it means for the pitching staff 📍 Braves head to Colorado to open a 9-game road trip 📊 Can they stay hot—or will cracks start to show?

The Atlanta Braves are heating up — but can they keep it going against a dangerous Detroit Tigers team? Chris Dimino and Barrett Sallee break down the upcoming series, including Atlanta’s explosive offense, key pitching matchups, and what to expect from rising arm Jr. Ritchie as he faces a tough test. We also dive into the Tigers’ strengths, including their rotation, recent hot streaks at the plate, and why this matchup may be tougher than it looks.

The Atlanta Braves are rolling after a statement sweep over the Philadelphia Phillies—and this might be their most complete stretch of baseball yet. On this episode of Brave Central, Barrett Sallee and Chris Dimino break down: Michael Harris II’s HUGE series (6-for-7, massive jump in AVG) Austin Riley staying hot with a 2-HR game Dominant bullpen performance shutting the door late Ronald Acuña Jr. sealing it with a highlight defensive play Why the Phillies are in serious trouble early in the season Plus, a look ahead to the Nationals series and how Atlanta can keep stacking wins in the NL East. 📈 The Braves are building early separation in the division—can they keep it going? 👇 Drop your thoughts in the comments: Is THIS the best version of the Braves we’ve seen so far? ⏱️ Chapters: 0:00 – Braves Sweep Phillies Recap 2:15 – Philly Fans BOOED Out of the Stadium 😬 4:30 – Michael Harris II BREAKOUT Series (6-for-7!) 7:10 – Austin Riley Stays HOT 🔥 8:45 – Bullpen DOMINANCE Breakdown 11:20 – Ronald Acuña Jr. Game-Saving Play 12:40 – Phillies’ Major Issues Explained 15:10 – NL East Standings & Early Separation 17:00 – Nationals Series Preview 19:30 – Final Thoughts + What’s Next #Braves #AtlantaBraves #MLB #BravesCountry #RonaldAcuna #MichaelHarris #AustinRiley #MLBHighlights #Baseball #Phillies #MLBRecap #BravesWin #bravescountry

Barrett Sallee and Chris Dimino break down the Atlanta Braves’ recent series and what’s trending early in the season. After a strong start in Arizona, the offense stalled — raising concerns about familiar issues from last year, including struggles in one-run games and with runners in scoring position. 🔹 Austin Riley pressing at the plate? Manager Walt Weiss takes a different approach than Brian Snitker 🔹 Ronald Acuña Jr. showing signs of breaking out after a strong performance 🔹 Braves bullpen vs. Diamondbacks missed opportunities 🔹 Preview of the Angels series — including Mike Trout, Shohei Ohtani, and closer Jordan Romano 🔹 Historic MLB moment: Jo Adell’s unreal defensive performance 🔹 Pitching matchup spotlight: Chris Sale vs. José Soriano Plus: – Thoughts on early-season run differential – Why Michael Harris II and Drake Baldwin could be key moving forward – What to expect as the Braves continue their road trip Presented by Marietta Toyota 📍 New episodes of Braves Central drop weekly 📺 Subscribe for more Braves coverage, interviews, and analysis ⏱️ Chapters 0:00 Intro & Braves Central Welcome 0:08 Braves Series Recap vs. Diamondbacks 0:26 One-Run Losses & Offensive Concerns 0:40 Bullpen Missed Opportunities 1:25 Austin Riley Pressing at the Plate 2:08 Should Riley Sit or Play Through It? 2:27 Ronald Acuña Jr. Starting to Heat Up 3:03 Managing Acuña’s Playing Time (Turf, DH Role) 3:47 Walt Weiss’ Honest Approach 4:13 Do Days Off Actually Help Hitters? 5:21 Braves vs. Angels Preview 5:44 Angels Overview: Star Power but No Results 6:15 Jo Adell’s Historic Defensive Game 7:19 Rarest Feat in Baseball History Debate 8:54 Angels Roster Notes (Trout, Romano, etc.) 9:41 Run Differential vs. Winning Close Games 10:33 Pitching Matchup: Chris Sale vs. José Soriano 11:16 Keys for Braves Bats to Get Going 12:00 Road Trip Stretch & Schedule Outlook 12:11 Split-Screen Night: Braves vs. National Championship 12:46 Final Thoughts on Braves Early Season Trends 13:45 Next Episode Preview & Homestand Ahead 13:54 Marietta Toyota Sponsor Read

The Braves take 2 of 3 from the Royals — and it ends with a moment Atlanta won’t forget. Dominic Smith delivers a walk-off grand slam in his Braves debut, and suddenly the conversation around this team feels different. On Braves Central, Barrett Sallee and Chris Dimino break down the series win, what stood out from the pitching staff, and why this Braves team may already be showing a winning formula early in the season. They dive into: Dominic Smith’s walk-off grand slam and what it means Strong pitching: 24 strikeouts vs 9 walks Didier Fuentes emerging as a key bullpen arm Bryce Elder and the big rotation questions Increased aggressiveness on the basepaths Why the A’s may be better than their 0-3 start Presented by Marietta Toyota. Catch Braves Central all season and the Ford Leadoff Show before every Braves game on the Braves Radio Network. 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more Braves coverage. #Braves#AtlantaBraves#MLB#DominicSmith#BravesCentral Chapters: 0:00 Braves take series vs Royals 0:30 Dominic Smith walk-off grand slam reaction 1:30 Why this series win matters 2:30 Pitching shines (24 Ks, 9 BBs) 3:45 Didier Fuentes breakout performance 5:00 Bryce Elder: big question in rotation 6:30 Previewing the A’s series 8:00 Don’t overlook Oakland’s talent 9:30 Braves offensive consistency + key moments 11:00 Basepath aggressiveness stands out 12:30 Final thoughts + what to watch next

Opening Day is HERE — and Atlanta Braves baseball is officially back. On this episode of Braves Central, Barrett Sallee and Chris Dimino break down everything you need to know heading into the Braves’ opening series against the Kansas City Royals. ⚾ Topics covered: Braves Opening Day roster surprises (12 new faces) Why spring training stats DON’T matter The underrated strength of the Braves bullpen Spencer Strider update & rotation concerns Why the Royals are a sneaky playoff threat A wild Bryce Elder stat you probably didn’t know Keys to a strong start (and why 4-2 matters) Plus, why this season could come down to bullpen performance and situational baseball more than ever. 📅 New episodes drop before every Braves series all season long. 🎙️ Hear Barrett & Dimino on the Atlanta Braves Radio Network pregame show — and right here on Braves Central. Presented by Marietta Toyota.

The guys discuss the newly announced BravesVision streaming service, what the $99.99 price means for fans, and how watching Braves games could actually become easier this season depending on upcoming carriage deals. Pasted text They also take a close look at the Braves starting rotation, how injuries have reshaped the pitching plans for Opening Day, and why Bryce Elder appears locked in as the No. 5 starter. Plus, one unexpected storyline: Dom Smith. The veteran signed a minor-league deal, but strong spring training performances could earn him real at-bats as the Braves’ designated hitter early in the season. Other topics in this episode: Why the Braves offense must improve after finishing 13th in MLB in runs scored last season How just half a run more per game could drastically change their season Outfield depth questions heading into Opening Day Why base running could be a key offensive improvement With Opening Day against the Kansas City Royals approaching fast, the Braves season is almost here.

The 2026 season is officially here — and Braves Central is BACK. Chris Dimino and Barrett Sallee break down: Chris Sale’s extension (2 years, $45M) Why the offense — not just pitching — cost the Braves in 2025 Ronald Acuña’s shocking RBI stat Drake Baldwin batting second?! Orlando Arcia’s ripple effect on the lineup Why base running could quietly change everything What Plan A looks like for Walt Weiss Plus: Why losing one- and two-run games buried Atlanta last year and how they fix it.

The Atlanta Braves close the book on 2025, and Braves Central has all the storylines that matter. ⚾️ From Charlie Morton’s legendary farewell to the challenges and inconsistencies that defined the season, Chris Dimino and Barrett Sallee break down what went wrong, what went right, and how the Braves can bounce back in 2026. Plus, how the Mets’ collapse and Reds’ rise could shape the National League landscape. We’ll cover: 👏 Morton’s farewell & career legacy ⚾️ Braves’ offensive struggles & pitching woes 🔥 Keys to winning back the fan base 💸 What the offseason could bring in free agency 📊 NL rivals: Mets’ meltdown vs. Reds’ rise

The Atlanta Braves close out their final homestand of the season with a chance to play spoiler against playoff hopefuls. Barrett Sallee and Chris Dimino break down the impact Atlanta can make down the stretch — and what the future holds for closer Raisel Iglesias. Will he be back next year?

The Braves wrap up their final road trip of the season with a series in Detroit against the Tigers. Matt Olson looks to close strong, chasing 30 home runs and 100 RBI. Spencer Strider continues to show progress on the mound. Joey Wentz gets a big start with plenty to prove. Plus, Chris Dimino shares some unforgettable (and hilarious) stories from his trips to Detroit. Subscribe to Braves Central for the latest Braves news, breakdowns, and insider stories all season long.

The Braves are gearing up for their final road trip of the season after what has been a disappointing year by their standards. On this episode of Braves Central, we dive into the massive offseason decisions that could shape Atlanta’s future: Ha-Seong Kim has been one of the few bright spots — will the Braves lock him in long-term? What’s next for Ozzie Albies, and how does his role fit into the team’s future? Could this be the end of the road for Brian Snitker as manager? And of course… those poor Mets. It looks like New York will be missing the playoffs once again. Join us as we break it all down — from player outlooks to managerial questions and what it all means heading into 2026. ⚾ Stay tuned for the latest Braves news, analysis, and offseason updates here on Braves Central! #Braves #ForTheA #HaSeongKim #OzzieAlbies #BrianSnitker #Mets

Braves Central goes deep on what’s next for manager Brian Snitker. Could he retire at season’s end? Would Atlanta bring him back for another year? Or is a front-office/advisory role the best fit? Barrett Sallee and Chris Dimino break down the pros, cons, and ripple effects for each scenario—clubhouse leadership, continuity for the young core, impact on free agency, and how it all aligns with the Braves’ long-term plan. If you’re a Braves fan, you won’t want to miss this one.

Spencer Strider is still searching for his groove as he works on his mechanics and tries to reinvent himself. But are the analytics turning into a crutch for Strider? We break it down. Plus, the Braves’ shortstop question just got interesting—Atlanta claimed Ha-Seong Kim off waivers from the Rays. Could this be his audition for the starting role heading into next season? And looking ahead: Bo Bichette is a popular name among Braves fans, but after his big year in Toronto, will his next contract price Atlanta out of the conversation? 📺 Watch all the latest Braves Central episodes here: [playlist link] 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for Braves news, analysis, and updates all season long. #Braves #SpencerStrider #AtlantaBraves #MLB #ChopOn #BravesCountry #ForTheA #BoBichette #HaSeongKim #BravesCentral #MLBNews #MLBHotStove #Baseball #BravesNation #BravesBaseball #Strider #BravesFans #Atlanta #BravesHighlights #BravesTalk #MLBRumors #BaseballTalk #BravesUpdates #BravesCommunity #MajorLeagueBaseball

What’s next for the Atlanta Braves this offseason? On this episode of Braves Central, we break down the biggest Braves trade rumors, free agency decisions, and roster questions heading into 2026: Jurickson Profar: Will the Braves keep him as their future DH, or target a new outfielder in free agency or via trade? Sean Murphy: Is Atlanta’s All-Star catcher a trade candidate after a down year? Nacho Alvarez: Utility role, trade chip, or future starting infielder? Hudson Waldrep: Has he proven enough to be a rotation cornerstone, or could he headline a blockbuster trade? Chris Sale: The veteran lefty returns to Atlanta this weekend — what does his future look like with the Braves? Stay tuned for the latest Braves offseason rumors, trade news, free agency outlook, and roster updates as Atlanta looks to build another contender. 👉 Subscribe for more Braves news, MLB analysis, and offseason coverage every week!

The Braves might be out of contention, but there’s still plenty to be excited about! In this episode of Braves Central, Chris Dimino and Barrett Sallee break down: ⚾ Michael Harris II catching fire at the plate ⚾ Joey Wentz proving himself as a reliable piece for next year’s rotation ⚾ Why Jurickson Profar’s struggles in left field have become a liability ⚾ The Braves riding a 5-game win streak with the White Sox coming to town Even in a lost season, momentum is building and confidence is growing for 2026. Don’t miss the full breakdown on what’s ahead for the Braves.

The Braves take down the Mets and it feels so good. Chris and Barrett dive into Ozzie Albies’ up-and-down season and what his future in Atlanta could look like, debate whether Ronald Acuña Jr. should DH the rest of the year to avoid injury, and explain why Hurston Waldrep is a key piece of the Braves’ future. #Braves #ForTheA

Chris and Barrett ask the big question — can the #Braves really afford to “run it back” in 2026? They break down Acuña’s health, Matt Olson’s consistency, Michael Harris II’s resurgence in center field, and what the team should do with Jurickson Profar.

Drake Baldwin is now the –210 favorite to win NL Rookie of the Year after another 2-HR performance — and Dimino & Barrett Sallee believe he’s just getting started. 💣🔥 Also on this episode of Braves Central: ⚾ Should the Braves shut down Chris Sale? ⚾ Ronald Acuña Jr. takes BP — is a return coming soon? Subscribe for more Braves talk every week! #Braves #MLB #DrakeBaldwin #ChrisSale #RonaldAcuñaJr #BravesCentral #ForTheA

Chris Dimino and Barrett Sallee analyze the Atlanta Braves’ quiet approach at the MLB trade deadline, where the team made only minimal moves despite widespread expectations they would act as sellers. They break down what these decisions reveal about the organization’s direction and discuss what the future may hold for the Braves as they look to regroup and plan for the seasons ahead.

In this episode of Braves Central, we break down why the Braves are trending toward being sellers at the trade deadline. Marcell Ozuna and Raisel Iglesias are drawing interest, and Atlanta has already dealt for starter Erick Fedde to patch a rotation decimated by injuries. Michael Harris II is heating up after a rough first half, and Ozzie Albies enters a pivotal stretch as he tries to prove he’s still the long-term answer at second base. What moves are coming next? We’ve got the latest.

With the trade deadline approaching, the Braves have big decisions to make. Is it time to move Marcell Ozuna? And has Nacho Alvarez Jr.’s hot start made Ozzie Albies expendable? All that and more on this episode of Braves Central.

The Braves dropped another series, but there was some good news — Ozzie Albies and Jurickson Profar both went deep last night. In this episode of Braves Central, we break down: 🔧 Michael Harris II's struggles — is it time for a stint in the minors? 📉 Marcell Ozuna's fading trade value and what the Braves need from him 🆙 Whether Nacho Alvarez should get called up 👀 And… is it time to explore trading Ozzie Albies?

Chris Dimino and Barrett Sallee discuss whether the Braves should sit Marcell Ozuna now to get him healthy ahead of a possible trade. They also dive into Michael Harris II’s continued struggles despite multiple lineup breaks. Plus, could a bold trade for A’s closer Mason Miller help solidify Atlanta’s bullpen long-term?

Jurickson Profar is back from an 80-game PED suspension — but his biggest challenge might be inside the clubhouse. Barrett Sallee and Chris Dimino discuss what Profar must do to regain the trust of his Braves teammates and prove he's still a valuable part of the roster. Plus, the Angels are in town, bringing familiar faces Travis d’Arnaud and Jorge Soler back to Atlanta. Catch up on all the storylines this week on Braves Central.

The Braves split with the Mets, but with the offense still stuck in neutral, is it time for a drastic move? On this episode of Braves Central, Chris Dimino suggests moving Austin Riley to left field and trading for Alex Bregman to take over at third base. Would that jumpstart Atlanta’s bats? Also discussed: The Mets lose Griffin Canning to a suspected Achilles injury What that means for the Braves in the trade market for starting pitching Who Atlanta could target at the deadline

On this episode of Braves Central, the Braves suffer another major blow as ace Chris Sale lands on the IL with a fractured rib cage. Michael Harris II continues to slump at the plate — is it time for the Braves to sit him down despite his elite defense? We also debate potential pitching reinforcements: Should Atlanta trade for a veteran like Charlie Morton or Sandy Alcántara, or call up top prospect Hurston Waldrep? Plus: Didier Fuentes earns another start, the path to 90 wins, and we ask the question on every fan’s mind… is there any reason for hope?

The Braves are heating up! On today's episode of Braves Central: A dominant sweep of the rival Mets Why the team's confidence is surging Didier Fuentes, just 20 years old, makes his first big start tonight vs the Marlins

The Braves face a pivotal series against the Mets as they try to climb back to .500. The guys break down Spencer Schwellenbach’s development and early adjustments on the mound—could he be Atlanta’s next ace? Plus, what’s wrong with the middle of the lineup? Don’t miss this deep dive on Braves Central.

The Braves face a pivotal series against the Mets as they try to climb back to .500. The guys break down Spencer Schwellenbach’s development and early adjustments on the mound—could he be Atlanta’s next ace? Plus, what’s wrong with the middle of the lineup? Don’t miss this deep dive on Braves Central.

Barrett Sallee and Chris Dimino break down whether it's time to move Ronald Acuña Jr. out of the leadoff spot, celebrate Spencer Schwellenbach’s complete game vs. the Brewers, and look ahead to the Braves' upcoming series against the struggling Rockies.

Chris Sale might be Atlanta’s most valuable trade chip — should the Braves consider moving him? We dive into that, assess Sean Murphy’s market value, and make the case for Drake Baldwin as the everyday catcher. Plus, another tough one-run loss and continued struggles with RISP.

In this special mailbag edition of Braves Central, Barrett Sallee answers your questions straight from Braves Country! Thanks to all the fans who submitted their questions!

The Braves drop another series, and the issues are piling up—lack of fundamentals, poor situational hitting, and a month of elite pitching wasted. Is there a solution? Braves Central breaks it all down, including the growing disconnect between the team and its fans. Are the wheels coming off in Atlanta?

On this episode of Braves Central, Chris Dimino and Barrett Sallee react to Chris Sale’s 2,500th career strikeout, discuss whether the Braves should sign Tim Anderson to help at shortstop after Nick Allen’s injury, and break down the concerning update on AJ Smith-Shawver, who reportedly felt a “pop” in his latest outing.

Barrett Sallee and Chris Dimino break down the Braves’ recent struggles and ask whether it’s time to shift focus from the NL East to the Wild Card race. Can Spencer Strider get back to being a dominant ace? Why hasn’t Craig Kimbrell been called up? And what needs to change to get this team back on track?

Barrett Sallee and Chris Dimino dive into the Braves’ disappointing play and try to pinpoint what’s really going wrong. With the Padres up next and Ronald Acuña Jr. coming back, can this team turn it around?

On this episode of Braves Central, Chris Dimino and Barrett Sallee break down rookie catcher Drake Baldwin’s red-hot Rookie of the Year campaign, the Braves climbing back over .500, Spencer Strider’s return from the IL, and Spencer Schwellenbach’s bounce-back performance.

On the latest episode of Braves Central, Barrett Sallee breaks down Spencer Strider’s return from the IL, updates Ronald Acuña’s rehab stint in Triple-A, and tackles the Braves’ biggest question: What should they do with a red-hot Drake Baldwin and a slumping Matt Olson?

On this episode of Braves Central, Barrett Sallee and Chris Dimino react to another frustrating series loss — this time to a struggling opponent. With Ozzie Albies and Marcell Ozuna slumping at the plate, the guys debate whether it’s time to give them a breather. Plus, is Raisel Iglesias still the answer at closer? The bullpen questions are growing louder.

Barrett Sallee and Chris Dimino dive into the Braves’ curious decision to pinch-hit Eddie Rosario for Eli White and what it says about Atlanta’s approach. Then they turn their attention to the weekend as Paul Skenes and the Pirates come to town. Is Pittsburgh about to ruin another superstar, or can Skenes break the cycle? All that and more on the latest Braves Central.

Chris Dimino and Barrett Sallee break down the Braves' weekend series against the Dodgers and what went wrong. They look ahead to the Reds coming to town and the challenge of containing Elly De La Cruz. Plus, can Spencer Schwellenbach bounce back on the mound and give Atlanta a needed boost?

Barrett Sallee answers your Braves questions in this mailbag episode of Braves Central — from the latest on Strider and Acuña to whether Nick Allen is the answer at shortstop

On this episode of Braves Central, Chris Dimino and Barrett Sallee break down Chris Sale’s best outing of the year—even if it didn’t end in a win. The guys also dive into the lingering silence around Spencer Strider and Ronald Acuña Jr.’s return timelines and look ahead to a marquee weekend series as the Dodgers come to town

On the latest episode of Braves Central, hosts Chris Dimino and Barrett Sallee dive into Alex Verdugo’s hot start with the Braves. Signed late in the offseason for just $1.5 million, Verdugo has quickly become one of the team's best value pickups. Dimino and Sallee break down how his energy and production are giving Atlanta’s lineup an unexpected boost.

On the latest episode of Braves Central, hosts Barrett Sallee and Chris Dimino break down the Braves' series win over the Cardinals, highlighted by an unexpected spark from Eli White and a strong outing from Bryce Elder. The guys also look ahead to the team’s upcoming road trip as the Braves head west to face the Diamondbacks.

Chris Dimino and Barrett Sallee launch their all-new podcast Braves Central with a deep dive into the Braves’ first sweep of the season over the Twins. But it's not all sunshine in Braves Country—Ronald Acuña Jr. may have just called out Brian Snitker. Are clubhouse tensions rising? Get the full breakdown, only on Braves Central.