The Atlanta Braves passed the mathematical halfway point over the weekend, but it was in the midst of yet another winnable series slipping through their collective fingers.
Grant McAuley discusses the biggest stories and headlines from the week that was for the Braves, a week that saw them lose the momentum they'd worked so hard to build with head-to-head success against the formerly first place New York Mets by losing series to the Miami Marlins and Philadelphia Phillies. The offensive woes continue to plague the club, while both the starting rotation and bullpen are under more stress than ever to keep the Braves in games.
Now seven games under .500 and staring at major deficits in both the division and Wild Card races, the Braves will attempt to make the most of their final two weeks before the All-Star break as they face the Los Angeles Angles, Baltimore Orioles, Athletics, and St. Louis Cardinals over the next 12 games. That stretch could ultimately determine what Atlanta's strategy will be for the trade deadline, because failing to win consistently may mean there's no point in bringing in reinforcements this season.
Brad Rowland of Hammer Territory joins the show to discuss the Braves at the halfway marker, the loss of Chris Sale, the lost seasons thus far for Michael Harris and Ozzie Albies, and what needs to happen in July to allow Atlanta to pull the nose up on its season. Hear that discussion beginning at 29:20.
In the trip around the big leagues, we cover the loss of Dave Parker, the field for the Home Run Derby, Ketel Marte's unfortunate trip to Chicago, and hear the voice of the Pitchcom device courtesy of SNY. And Sam Blum of The Athletic joins to preview the Angels and Braves series that begins on Tuesday. Hear that at 57:58.
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.