Braves Central Podcast

The NLDS shifts to Truist Park tied 1-1, and the Braves have the pitcher they want most on the mound: Chris Sale. Barrett Sallee and Chris Dimino break down why Game 3 is so pivotal, the case for Sale on extra rest, and whether Yoshinobu Yamamoto could show rust after 13 days without a game appearance. They also look back at the bullpen’s huge Game 2 effort, from Ray Kerr and Didier Fuentes to Dylan Lee, why Michael Harris II has been Atlanta’s postseason star so far, and what Ronald Acuña Jr., Matt Olson and the rest of the offen...

The Braves are down 1-0 in the NLDS — and Game 2 feels like a must-win in Los Angeles.

Barrett Sallee and Chris Dimino break down Atlanta’s Game 1 loss, the missed chances against Tarik Skubal, why the Braves did not empty their bullpen, and the massive pitching decision facing Walt Weiss.

Will Chris Sale get the ball? Could Tyler Mahle pitch on short rest? Or will the Braves use a bullpen game to try to earn a 1-1 split before the series heads back to Atlanta?

They also preview Blake Snell, the importance of winn...

The Braves are headed to Los Angeles for the NLDS after a dramatic Wild Card Series win over Philadelphia. Barrett Sallee and Chris Dimino preview Game 1 and the entire Braves-Dodgers matchup: the pitching plan around Chris Sale and Tyler Mahle, how Atlanta’s bullpen could be deployed, why Michael Harris II is swinging a hot bat, Matt Olson’s matchup with Tarik Skubal, and the Dodgers’ loaded October lineup featuring Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts and Kyle Tucker. Plus, why the Braves need to find a way to make Skubal work in the Los Angeles heat — and why winning...

Everything comes down to Game 3 at Truist Park. The Braves and Phillies meet in a winner-take-all Wild Card showdown, with the Dodgers waiting in the NLDS.
Chris Dimino and Barrett Sallee break down what went wrong in Game 2, the bullpen decisions that shaped it, why the Braves need to win the home run and relief-pitching battles, and how Atlanta can survive Zach Wheeler to keep its postseason run alive.

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Austin Riley delivered the defining moment of Game 1, and now the Braves are one win away from advancing.

Barrett Sallee and Chris Dimino relive Riley’s dramatic go-ahead homer, Chris Sale’s postseason start, Didier Fuentes’ huge relief appearance and Mauricio Dubón’s leadership. Then they preview Game 2 against the Phillies, including Tyler Mahle’s chance to send Atlanta to the NLDS.

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It’s playoff time in Atlanta. Barrett Sallee and Chris Dimino preview Game 1 of the Braves’ Wild Card matchup against the Phillies. Can the Braves jump on Jesús Luzardo early, force Philadelphia into its taxed bullpen, and win the two areas that could decide the series: defense and relief pitching? Braves Central breaks down the formula for Atlanta to take Game 1.

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Martín Pérez landing on the IL has reshaped the Braves’ postseason pitching puzzle. Barrett Sallee and Chris Dimino break down what Pérez’s absence means for a potential Wild Card Game 3, why Grant Holmes, J.R. Ritchie and the bullpen become even more important, and how Atlanta can manage its arms during the final weekend in Miami. Plus: Austin Riley’s recent surge, the Braves’ lingering offensive questions and what could shape the postseason roster.

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The Braves are NL East champions and heading into the final home series of the regular season. Barrett Sallee and Chris Dimino discuss how Atlanta should use this week to get ready for the postseason—including bullpen roles for A.J. Smith-Shawver and Robert Suarez, Chris Sale’s tune-up, lineup decisions, and potential Wild Card opponents.

Plus, why Walt Weiss deserves serious consideration for NL Manager of the Year after guiding the Braves through a wild 2026 season.

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The Braves are closing in on a playoff spot, but Chris Dimino says their formula for winning has not changed: hit home runs, get enough starting pitching and hand a lead to the bullpen. On this edition of Braves Central, Chris and Nick break down Atlanta’s frustrating struggles with runners in scoring position, the Astros series in Houston and why the postseason can hinge on an unexpected player rising to the moment. They also discuss Chris Sale’s adjusted schedule, Tyler Mahle and Martín Pérez, the state of the bullpen and what the Braves need to see as...

The Braves took two of three from the Phillies, but their biggest October questions remain unanswered with just 12 games left in the regular season. On Braves Central, Barrett Sallee and Chris Dimino discuss whether Matt Olson is finally breaking out of his slump, Atlanta’s pursuit of a top-two playoff seed and a potential Wild Card matchup with the Padres. They also preview the upcoming series at Wrigley Field and examine the Braves’ postseason pitching decisions involving Tyler Mahle, AJ Smith-Shawver, JR Ritchie, Dylan Lee and Robert Suarez.

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Ronald Acuña Jr. has become Philadelphia’s newest villain—and Braves fans should love every second of it. After Acuña’s home run celebration and curtain call fired up Phillies fans, Chris Dimino and Barrett Sallee explain why the Braves superstar is becoming this generation’s Chipper Jones against Atlanta’s biggest division rival. On Braves Central, they also discuss: • Grant Holmes strengthening his case for the postseason rotation • Reynaldo López returning to start against the Tampa Bay Rays • Bryce Elder’s move to the bullpen • Atlanta clinching the season-series tiebreaker over Philadelphia • The Braves and Rays battling for potenti...

The biggest series of the Braves’ season is here. Atlanta heads to Philadelphia for a four-game showdown with the Phillies that could reshape the NL East race. On Braves Central, Barrett Sallee and Chris Dimino explain how Don Mattingly has transformed Philadelphia into a more patient and versatile offense led by Bryce Harper. They also discuss: • Ronald Acuña Jr.’s 200th career home run • Atlanta’s improving lineup entering September • Ha-Seong Kim’s potential postseason role • The Braves’ struggles away from Truist Park • Philadelphia’s loaded starting rotation • Grant Holmes’ opportunity to prove he belongs in Atlanta’s playoff rotation Can the Brav...

Chris Sale delivered an all-time performance, throwing a complete-game shutout as the Braves beat the Dodgers 1–0 to finish off a three-game sweep. Drake Baldwin provided the only run with a first-pitch leadoff homer. On Braves Central, Barrett Sallee and Chris Dimino break down Sale’s dominant night, the playoff atmosphere at Truist Park and what the sweep means for Atlanta’s postseason push. They also discuss Ronald Acuña Jr.’s mental reset, where he should hit in the lineup, Grant Holmes’ role and the difficult decisions awaiting the Braves when they build their postseason pitching staff.

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The Los Angeles Dodgers are in Atlanta for a massive three-game series with the Braves — and it has all the makings of a playoff preview. On Braves Central, Chris Dimino and Barrett Sallee break down what’s at stake for Atlanta, the continued concerns surrounding the Braves offense, why Bryce Elder is under the microscope in Game 1, and which Braves hitters need to step up against one of baseball’s deepest pitching staffs. They also discuss Matt Olson, Ronald Acuña Jr., Ozzie Albies and Michael Harris II, the Dodgers’ star-studded roster, Max Muncy’s underrated career, Atlanta’s bullpen, Maur...

The Braves head to Milwaukee for a huge series against the team with the best record in baseball — and it starts with one of the most anticipated pitching matchups of the season. Chris Sale takes the mound as Atlanta looks to build off Grant Holmes’ dominant outing and a lights-out performance from the bullpen. But with the Braves’ offense still struggling to cash in with runners in scoring position, can they generate enough offense against one of baseball’s best pitching staffs? Barrett Sallee and Chris Dimino break down the matchup, Milwaukee’s fundamentally sound style of baseball, Atlanta’s offensive...

Chris Dimino and Barrett Sallee break down the biggest questions facing the Atlanta Braves with six weeks remaining in the regular season. AJ Smith-Shawver continues to dominate at Triple-A and could become a major factor in Atlanta’s postseason pitching plans, while questions remain about Robert Suarez, Spencer Schwellenbach and how the Braves will ultimately line up their October rotation. Plus, the guys discuss: • Why earning a first-round playoff bye could be huge for Atlanta • How the Braves should manage Chris Sale down the stretch • Austin Riley’s improved play since the All-Star break • Atlanta’s evolving options in left field and...

The Atlanta Braves are officially rolling. After winning eight straight games, sweeping the homestand and climbing to the second-best record in baseball, the Braves now head to Yankee Stadium for one of their biggest tests of the season. Chris Dimino and Barrett Sallee break down Atlanta’s turnaround, why this team was able to survive its brutal June stretch, the lingering questions about the starting rotation after the trade deadline and what this Yankees series could tell us about the Braves heading toward October. Plus: ⚾ Why the Braves’ clubhouse deserves credit for weathering the storm 🔥 Atlanta’s offense is finally cli...

The MLB trade deadline is almost here, and the Braves have some major decisions to make.

Chris Dimino and Barrett Sallee break down:

With the trade deadline just days away, every game matters. Catch the full Braves conversation and let us know what move...

The Braves head to Baltimore looking to keep their momentum rolling after taking the series from the Padres.

⚾ On this episode of Braves Central, Barrett Sallee and Chris Dimino break down:

Can the Braves carry thi...

The Braves opened the second half with a huge series win over the Rangers, led by Chris Sale's ace-level performance, Austin Riley's breakout weekend, and Drake Baldwin's historic day at the plate. Now, Atlanta welcomes the Padres for a pivotal four-game series that could reshape the MLB trade deadline.

On this episode of Braves Central, Chris Dimino and Barrett Sallee discuss:

⚾ Chris Sale's dominance and Hall of Fame trajectory
⚾ Austin Riley looking like himself again
⚾ Drake Baldwin's record-setting performance
⚾ Why the Padres could become deadline sellers
⚾ AJ Preller's aggressive trade history
⚾ What...

The Braves are back from the All-Star break, and the next 17 days could define their season. With the trade deadline approaching, Atlanta has big decisions to make as they try to hold first place and prepare for a postseason run.

Chris Dimino and Barrett Sallee break down:

The Braves wrap up the first half of the season with a crucial three-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals. Barrett Sallee and Chris Dimino break down the biggest storylines heading into the weekend, including Chris Sale's start, Reynaldo López and Hurston Waldrep's outings, the Cardinals' playoff outlook, and what both teams could do before the MLB Trade Deadline.

In this episode:

The Braves head to Pittsburgh looking to bounce back after a frustrating series split with the Mets that felt like a missed opportunity. On this episode of Braves Central, Chris Dimino and Barrett Sallee discuss what went wrong against New York, whether the ninth-inning decisions deserve criticism, and why leaving runners on base continues to haunt Atlanta. They also preview a challenging series against the Pirates, including a matchup with Paul Skenes, break down Hurston Waldrep's continued development, examine the importance of Bryce Elder and Grant Holmes heading into the All-Star break, and discuss whether the Braves should be...

The Braves are turning the page after a brutal June, and it started with a clubhouse vibe change led by Mauricio Dubón and what's now being called "Doobie's Disco." Could it be the spark Atlanta needed?

Chris Dimino and Barrett Sallee break down:

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In this episode of Braves Central, Chris Dimino and Barrett Sallee break down: ⚾ Why Atlanta's offense has become one of the worst in baseball this month ⚾ Can Austin Riley, Drake Baldwin and the lineup finally snap out of their slumps? ⚾ Is it time for a players-only meeting? ⚾ Why the Cardinals are ahead of schedule despite rebuilding ⚾ The latest on Ronald Acuña Jr. and Robert Suarez ⚾ Braves rotation concerns and Martin Perez's surprising season ⚾ What Atlanta should do before the MLB Trade Deadline ⚾ Can the Braves rediscover the swagger that made them baseball's best team? With the Phillies closing the gap and the t...

The Braves head to San Diego after taking 2 of 3 from the Brewers, but questions remain about the starting rotation. Chris Dimino and Barrett Sallee break down the upcoming Padres series, discuss Bryce Elder's struggles, Grant Holmes' recent issues, JR Ritchie's development, and whether Alex Anthopoulos needs to make a major move before the trade deadline. Plus: Can the Padres' struggling offense finally wake up? Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado under the microscope Sandy Alcantara trade rumors Why the Braves may need another frontline starter Key matchups to watch in San Diego Can Atlanta keep rolling on the West...

The Atlanta Braves return home looking to stop a rough stretch, but it won't be easy against one of baseball's most complete teams. On this episode of Braves Central, Chris Dimino and Barrett Sallee break down Atlanta's upcoming series against the Milwaukee Brewers, a club that continues to win despite operating with one of MLB's smallest payrolls. They discuss what makes Milwaukee so dangerous, the rise of flamethrowing rookie Jacob Misiorowski, and why the Brewers have become one of baseball's best-run organizations. They also dive into the Braves' recent struggles, the impact of injuries, and whether reinforcements like Drake...

The Braves return home to face the Giants after a disappointing road trip, and Chris Dimino and Barrett Sallee break down everything you need to know before the series begins. 🔹 The latest on Spencer Strider's elbow injury and what it means for Atlanta moving forward 🔹 Why Eli White has quietly become one of the Braves' biggest contributors 🔹 A look back at the legendary 1993 Braves-Giants pennant race that helped reshape Major League Baseball 🔹 Bobby Cox, Bruce Bochy, and one of the most respected moments in postseason history 🔹 How Atlanta can bounce back after its toughest stretch of the season Plus, the guys discus...

The Braves head to New York looking to bounce back after a disappointing series in Chicago. On this episode of Braves Central, Barrett Sallee and Chris Dimino preview a huge NL East showdown with the Mets, break down the pitching matchup between Spencer Strider and Nolan McLean, discuss Atlanta's historic rivalry with New York, and provide injury updates on Ronald Acuña Jr., Drake Baldwin, and Hurston Waldrep.

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The Braves head to Chicago for a three-game series against a surprisingly competitive White Sox team. Chris Dimino and Barrett Sallee break down how the White Sox have exceeded expectations, why their offense has been more dangerous than expected, and where Atlanta can take advantage of Chicago's pitching staff. They also discuss Michael Harris II's impact, the continued importance of the Braves bullpen, Austin Riley's search for consistency, and what to watch for as Atlanta looks to keep its momentum rolling.

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The Braves take another series, but plenty of questions remain heading into a weekend showdown with the Pirates. On this episode of Braves Central, Chris Dimino and Barrett Sallee discuss: ⚾ Chris Sale's tough-luck loss despite another strong season ⚾ Austin Riley's continued offensive struggles ⚾ Why Braves fans are starting to show frustration ⚾ Chris Dimino's blunt comments about Ronaldo López ⚾ Why the Pirates are a much tougher matchup than many realize ⚾ Ronald Acuña Jr.'s success against Mitch Keller ⚾ What to watch for this weekend at Truist Park Will the Braves keep their streak of winning series alive? Subscribe for daily Braves...

The Braves open a three-game series against the Blue Jays at Truist Park, and Chris Dimino breaks down the biggest storylines heading into the matchup. 🔹 Kevin Gausman takes the mound for Toronto 🔹 Why the Blue Jays' offense has regressed in 2026 🔹 Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s surprising power numbers 🔹 How Atlanta can attack Toronto's pitching staff 🔹 Ronald Acuña Jr.'s recent hot streak 🔹 The latest on Ha-Seong Kim's role moving forward

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The Braves head to Cincinnati after taking 2 of 3 from Boston, and Chris Dimino thinks Atlanta's offense could be ready to EXPLODE. ⚾ Is Ronald Acuña Jr. finally breaking out? ⚾ Why Acuña's two walks were just as important as his grand slam ⚾ Austin Riley's growing fastball problem ⚾ Ozzie Albies showing signs of life ⚾ Should Orlando Mateo play more than Ha-Seong Kim? ⚾ Why Chris Dimino is predicting TWELVE Braves home runs this weekend ⚾ Braves vs. Reds series preview

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The Braves take Game 1 at Fenway behind big nights from Michael Harris II, Matt Olson and Austin Riley — but the biggest conversation may be happening at shortstop. Chris Dimino and Barrett Sallee break down: ⚾ Michael Harris’ insane power display ⚾ Spencer Strider settling in after a rough start ⚾ Why Bryce Elder has become must-watch baseball ⚾ Fenway Park chaos and the Braves bats waking up ⚾ The growing concerns around Ha-Seong Kim ⚾ Could the Braves be nearing a major shortstop decision? Presented by Marietta Toyota.

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The Braves keep stacking series wins, and now all eyes are on Ronald Acuña Jr.’s potential return. On this episode of Braves Central, Barrett Sallee and Chris Dimino break down Austin Riley’s big day against Boston, the latest on Acuña, why Miami’s speed could be a problem, JR Ritchie’s next start, the Braves’ bullpen juggling act and the early questions around Ha-Seong Kim. Presented by Marietta Toyota.

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The Braves welcome the Cubs to Truist Park as one of the hottest teams in baseball comes to Atlanta. Chris Dimino and Barrett Sallee break down the series, the Cubs’ trade deadline outlook, Atlanta’s bullpen questions, the return timeline for Ronald Acuña Jr., and what the Braves should expect from Ha-Seong Kim. They also discuss Mauricio Dubón’s emergence in left field, the state of the bullpen, Walt Weiss’ pitching strategy, and how Atlanta is navigating one of the deepest rosters in baseball. Plus, reflections on the impact Bobby Cox and Ted Turner had on Braves baseball a...

Barrett Sallee breaks down the Braves’ upcoming showdown with the Dodgers and reacts to the growing concerns around the offense after a rough series in Seattle. Is the panic overblown? And should the Braves consider giving Austin Riley a mental reset? Plus: Chris Sale vs Dodgers preview Spencer Strider’s return and bullpen usage Grant Holmes, Reynaldo López & the rotation questions Why the Braves’ early wins still matter Biggest takeaways heading into the Dodgers series

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⚾️ 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:

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 s...

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.

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